Quadrafire 7100 ZC in a Masonry Fireplace – Is it possible?

[Ed M.]

Hello,

I have a mystery I just can’t figure out. I have a 3000 sq ft house that I would love to heat with a large capacity high efficiency wood fireplace. I really like the Quadrafire 7100 and have looked at the BIS Tradition and other ZCs out there with large firebox capacity (>3.5 cu ft) with a flush front. I really like the large viewing areas on these units that you can’t get with standard wood inserts. Only problem is that I have an existing masonry fireplace that I would like to minimally change to accommodate the unit. My local fireplace dealer, even though he did not see my fireplace, told me that there was no way to put the Quad 7100 in a masonry fireplace. He told me the largest capacity flush front unit I could get on the market is the Quadrafire Voyageur Grand insert. He did not explain why I couldn’t do it though!
From looking at the Quadrafire 7100 manual and my fireplace dimensions, I can’t understand why I can’t install the unit in my masonry fireplace with minimal knock-out of some bricks. (Versus full removal of entire masonry fireplace) Also, note that the clay flue pipe appears to be a 12” x 12” one, so I would think this would fit the required stainless steel liner sizes, etc.

I would really appreciate the advice of any experts out there that could explain if I am “barking up the wrong tree” of if you think that this really could be possible? If it’s not possible could you please explain why (e.g, clearances/codes? Etc.)

I have attached a file with dimensions of my fireplace and some pictures of the modifications I would like to do. Maybe this would help in visualizing what I’d like to do.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!
Ed

 

[DAKSY]

Hello,

I have a mystery I just can’t figure out. I have a 3000 sq ft house that I would love to heat with a large capacity high efficiency wood fireplace. I really like the Quadrafire 7100 and have looked at the BIS Tradition and other ZCs out there with large firebox capacity (>3.5 cu ft) with a flush front. I really like the large viewing areas on these units that you can’t get with standard wood inserts. Only problem is that I have an existing masonry fireplace that I would like to minimally change to accommodate the unit. My local fireplace dealer, even though he did not see my fireplace, told me that there was no way to put the Quad 7100 in a masonry fireplace. He told me the largest capacity flush front unit I could get on the market is the Quadrafire Voyageur Grand insert. He did not explain why I couldn’t do it though!
From looking at the Quadrafire 7100 manual and my fireplace dimensions, I can’t understand why I can’t install the unit in my masonry fireplace with minimal knock-out of some bricks. (Versus full removal of entire masonry fireplace) Also, note that the clay flue pipe appears to be a 12” x 12” one, so I would think this would fit the required stainless steel liner sizes, etc.

I would really appreciate the advice of any experts out there that could explain if I am “barking up the wrong tree” of if you think that this really could be possible? If it’s not possible could you please explain why (e.g, clearances/codes? Etc.)

I have attached a file with dimensions of my fireplace and some pictures of the modifications I would like to do. Maybe this would help in visualizing what I’d like to do.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!
Ed

The dealer is correct. You cannot install the 7100 in a masonry fireplace. It's not designed for that use nor is it tested for it. If you had an inefficient ZC fireplace with a stone or brick veneer front, you might be able to tear the old box out, fit the 7100 in the space with some framing modifications & make it look good, but you can't INSERT it into a masonry unit. I sincerely doubt you'll be able to remove the lintel without destroying the structure.
You also don't have enough room to get the REQUIRED OAK on the 7100. You also have no way to get the proper support for the venting system, even IF you could match the vent offset to your chimney corbeilling.
Either find another location for it, or tear out the masonry. You have no other choice.

 

[ScotO]

I'd be considering a good EPA insert if you are looking for heat out of that fireplace. As Daksy said, the ZC fireplaces are meant to be more of a 'freestanding' stove, with the decorative 'fireplace' built around them. I put in a Napoleon NZ3000 and we love it, but it was built in a dedicated chase. Had I already had a masonry fireplace, I would have definately gone with an insert.

 

[Ed M.]

Thanks for your comments. I think that closes my question.
Regards,
Ed

 

[Coog]

Just to add a little more information, retrofitting a zc fireplace in an existing opening is complex and can rarely be done without significant rework. It is not impossible, but difficult. I am just finishing a 7100 install in a gas insert chase and it was tough to say the least. I will be posting some pics soon. In retrospect, I doubt I would do it again. Every situation is different though.