Looking for Guidance and Knowledge on the area around new fireplace insert

[Ghostman]

Hi Everyone,

New to the forum and to the world of fireplace inserts. We just installed a wood-burning insert (see below). I read the specs on clearance for non-combustible material which led to me tearing off the wall paneling and drywall that was originally there. The area that is exposed is the clearance needed per the manual.

The plan is to place cement boards in the exposed area, apply some type of mortar or adhesive, and then set brick veneer along the whole wall. Does this seem the best choice for the space? Any thoughts on this.? House was built in the 70s and the previous fireplace was original. We never used it as it looked shady. Also, what type of adhesive or thin mortar is necessary for areas with relatively high temps (I live in the US). Links would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[begreen]

Is this an insert installed in a Zero Clearance fireplace? What is the white stuff on the sides of the insert?

 

[Ghostman]

Is this an insert installed in a Zero Clearance fireplace? What is the white stuff on the sides of the insert?

The insert was installed professionally and to my understanding yes it was installed in a zero-clearance fireplace. When I removed the drywall and paneling, I did notice some burn marks. The professional who installed it recommended to follow the clearance guidelines and place cement board. The white stuff is simply paint on the metal surround.

 

[begreen]

The wood framing may be too close. What brand insert is this? Do you know the model of the old Majestic?

 

[Ghostman]

The wood framing may be too close. What brand insert is this? Do you know the model of the old Majestic?

Timberwolf EPI22-1. I don’t know the old model.

 

[Ghostman]

Nice catch regarding the wood frame. I’ll tear that out. Specs says 22 inches above and 10 inches on the sides. I’ll go a little father than those.

I’ve never worked with cement board before. Is it sturdy enough to remain in place without nailing into that wooden frame? Also any recs on adhesive or mortar to use around the fireplace?

 

[begreen]

The fireplace looks old, maybe a Majestic Circulator which is more of a heatform style unit. IDK, but hopefully the installer did dilligence.
Cement board needs a good wall structure for a firm anchor, especially if carrying the weight of tile or masonry veneer. Metal studs can replace the wooden ones. Use medium or heavy gauge studs.

 

[EbS-P]

It looks like the “sill plate” for lack of a better term down not continue across the chimney. I’m looking at the very very top of the photos. It just looked out of place. Is this an air cooled chimney? Assuming exterior? When I see mistakes like you found I would want to take extra steps to makes there aren’t any others.

Did they install a liner?

 

[Ghostman]

It looks like the “sill plate” for lack of a better term down not continue across the chimney. I’m looking at the very very top of the photos. It just looked out of place. Is this an air cooled chimney? Assuming exterior? When I see mistakes like you found I would want to take extra steps to makes there aren’t any others.

Did they install a liner?

They did install a liner. It is exterior.

I'm not sure what you are asking regarding the sill plate or if it's an air-cooled chimney.

Sorry just trying to figure out how to properly lay the brick veneer around the fireplace.

 

[bholler]

They did install a liner. It is exterior.

I'm not sure what you are asking regarding the sill plate or if it's an air-cooled chimney.

Sorry just trying to figure out how to properly lay the brick veneer around the fireplace.

It looks like a heat form to me so the proper thing in that case is remove all of the framing and lay an actual brick face. But you really need to get an actual professional on site to figure out exactly what you have.

 

[Ghostman]

It looks like a heat form to me so the proper thing in that case is remove all of the framing and lay an actual brick face. But you really need to get an actual professional on site to figure out exactly what you have.

What do you mean by heat form?
Why tear out all the framing? The specs give non-combustible suggestions of 10inches on the sides and 22 above.

 

[bholler]

What do you mean by heat form?
Why tear out all the framing? The specs give non-combustible suggestions of 10inches on the sides and 22 above.

A heat form is a metal firebox that a masonry chimney is built around. It looks to me like someone at some point took the masonry face off of that fireplace and framed up to it. You need to remove that framing build a new face and then frame up to it. I would do that framing out of steel just to be safe. But again this is just my opinion from what I can see. Without a closer inspection I can't say for sure.