removed old "insert", having regrets

[ankjones]

House was built in late 70s, and has an existing masonry two story two chimney wood burning fireplace. The fireplaces have a very old heatilator insert in them. Under instruction of the company we are purchasing the new insert through, we removed the old heatilator insert. Upon doing some more research.... it seems that we now need to have some sort of a firebox to protect our masonry chimney from the heat of the insert we plan to install. We are also refacing the fireplace, adding metal studs and concrete board for stone veneer. But what would you do about the firebox? How would you construct it? Have a couple of calls out to chimney repair companies but who knows if we will get a call back! See pics!

 

[begreen]

Usually an insert can go right into a heatform style fireplace without removal. What make/model insert is going in?

 

[ankjones]

Usually an insert can go right into a heatform style fireplace without removal. What make/model insert is going in?

Yeah, found that out too late! The person that instructed us to remove it has no idea what they’re talking about and unfortunately we didnt figure that out right away. Would putting the insert back in be the most simple approach?
We are wanting to go with the Regency HI500. I think measurements will work even if we put the old heat form firebox back in.

 

[begreen]

I don't think the old heatform needs to go back in as long as there is sufficient masonry surrounding the inner. @bholler knows the code requirements.

 

[bholler]

You need 8" of masonry with firebrick on the inside or 10" without firebrick

 

[ankjones]

You need 8" of masonry with firebrick on the inside or 10" without firebrick

Alright our masonry is 8”. Would it be suitable to put the heat form insert back in- it’s double walled steel? Or do we just need to build a firebrick box? And if so does the firebrick need to be 6 sided and continue up to the chimney? Thank you!

 

[bholler]

Alright our masonry is 8”. Would it be suitable to put the heat form insert back in- it’s double walled steel? Or do we just need to build a firebrick box? And if so does the firebrick need to be 6 sided and continue up to the chimney? Thank you!

You will need firebrick up until you have insulated liner

 

[bigealta]

Did you consider a freestanding woodstove?