Please help- new insert!

[TracyH]

We had our new insert installed today and the person who did it said he had to put in this metal monstrosity all around it since it wouldn't be "to code" otherwise. Do I have to live with this? Are there other options? It is just awful. I am going to try and add a picture...hope this works! (Edit: Sorry- looks like it uploaded sideways)

 

[BrotherBart]

Turn your phone the the other way to fix the pic problem.

Darndest thing I have ever seen but the installer is probably correct. The insert has to sit so far back in that alcove the shield is needed to protect the wood combustibles on the sides and top.

 

[TracyH]

Turn you phone the the other way to fix the pic problem.

Darndest thing I have ever seen but the installer is probably correct. The insert has to sit so far back in that alcove the shield is needed to protect the wood combustible on the sides and top.

Thanks for the quick response!
I feel like the charm of my fireplace is gone. I understand the reasoning, but my goodness, isn't there a more esthetically-pleasing alternative?

 

[fossil]

If that's all wood surrounding the insert, It probably never should have been installed there. Details in manufacturer's installation instructions will show minimum clearances to combustibles on all sides. I'm guessing the installer knew this thing didn't meet them and fashioned what he thought would be an adequate heat shield. He should never have put it in without talking to you about all the details of how he intended to install it, especially including that "heat shield". I don't even think it meets code requirements. Was the installation inspected and approved by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction? I sure would be upset that the guy didn't describe to me in detail beforehand just exactly what he intended to do and how it would look. Rick

 

[TracyH]

The parts that are wood are the mantle and two sides you can see. Behind the black is all red brick. You can see a bit at the bottom. He definitely did not explain that he would have to add this "lovely" metal part or we would not have had it installed at all. We got several quotes from licensed individuals and this guy wasn't even the least expensive. The whole thing just makes me sad.

 

[fossil]

Tell us the make & model of the insert.

 

[cableman]

That is interesting metal work!
To fix your pic edit,rotate,save,edit rotate back to normal and it should post normal! Thats how it is for my iphone anyway.

 

[Brokenwing]

I live on the pellet side of town, but doing some reading on wood stoves. Here you go, I fixed it for you!

 

[Sully]

I'm sure it has to do with clearances, I know I'd be bummed out if that were my house though. Also seems like that metal is going to get very hot and it sticks out pretty far. Hopefully you can get a better solution.

 

[Sully]

Just from reading and looking at other inserts I thought clearances are from firebox, it looks like you have pretty good distance from the insert to any surrounding wood , i have wood around mine , brick and wood and I did not need that. Different states different code maybe. I'd check manual for clearances and if they are all good I'd be removing that (broken image removed)

That's a picture of my insert and the clearance wise it was all good

 

[TracyH]

Tell us the make & model of the insert.

It is a Timberwolf EPI22.

And Sully, that looks almost exactly like my setup...except, of course, yours is lovely.

 

[cygnus]

I'm dumbfounded. How does an 'installer' think that thing is reasonable?

Check the clearances in the manual.

 

[Firedancer]

 

[danham]

Our fireplace dimensions are a bit weird, so we needed some extra tin (though nothing as ugly as you were forced to accept). At least they painted it black.

-dan