Replacing refractory panel and liner?

[Cluelessone]

I noticed a crack in the refractory panel in the back of my wood-burning fireplace. I'm not interested in burning my house down, so now I'm looking at replacement.

The sides of the fireplace are very warped. They are metal. Is there a risk in leaving these in place, or should I look to replace those too? If I take them out, what will I find behind them?

I've read many stories of refractory panels cracking again right away after replacement. Can I use a fireback to help prevent that? Can I use a fireback instead of replacing the panel (sorry if that's a stupid question)?

Thanks for all the help!

 

[begreen]

The warped sides is a bit of a concern. They usually are not a replaceable item. What fireplace make and model is this?

 

[Cluelessone]

The warped sides is a bit of a concern. They usually are not a replaceable item. What fireplace make and model is this?

I couldn't read the tag before because it was painted over, but I took some nail polish remover to it this morning. The picture has the tag information. I also have pictures of the cracked refractory and the warped side - both sides look the same.

 

[begreen]

I think that is an oldie. There may be only generic panels for it now.

 

[Cluelessone]

I think that is an oldie. There may be only generic panels for it now.

I can cut the back refractory panel to size, what do I do about the metal side walls? Are they dangerous warped, or is it just unsightly? Who makes "generics"?

Can I just put a fireback in, or use it to protect the new refractory panel?

Thanks so much for your help, this is a world unto itself as far as understanding right from wrong. At least to me it is!

 

[begreen]

The back panel probably cracked after being hit several times with wood being loaded. There is nothing much one can do about the side warpage. I can't tell you the condition of the fireplace remotely. Not sure why this happened.

 

[Cluelessone]

The back panel probably cracked after being hit several times with wood being loaded. There is nothing much one can do about the side warpage. I can't tell you the condition of the fireplace remotely. Not sure why this happened.

I don't mind calling a pro out - how can I sift through to find a good one? I'm in a south Chicago suburb.

 

[bob8567]

I have the exact same fireplace. My side panels are shaped or warped exactly like the one in the photo. Did you ever resolve this issue?