Is a block off plate a good idea?

[ET160]

Hi, new member. I had a Jotul years ago and am now looking to have a Hearthstone Castleton installed in my house in an existing masonry fireplace.

I'm a little confused about my options. I know I need a liner, but a couple of installers say that there is no need for a block off plate. They will fill the damper space with an insulating blanket. Another installer agrees that it's a good idea to have a plate.

I like the idea of the block off plate and presume that the guys who say the blanket is enough don't want to get involved with making a plate.

Any opinions or advice?

Thanks.

 

[begreen]

It's a good idea if this is an exterior chimney. So is an insulated liner if this is the case.

 

[bholler]

Both a block off plate and insulated liner are very good ideas and many stove installers don't want to do either i really don't understand why you would think they would want the stove to preform as good as possible. And i don't see that it matters if it is interior or exterior personally especially for the insulation

 

[ET160]

Thanks for the replies. It's funny; the place that will install the block off plate won't install an insulated liner. The other guys who will install the insulated liner won't install the block off plate.

 

[bholler]

That is weird usually it is all or nothing