Sheet metal reflector under insert?

[MJSullivan56]

My exterior wall chimney will be getting a new wood-burning fireplace insert in about a month. I've added custom-fitted 1/2" ceramic fiber board to the sides and back of the firebox in order to reduce the insert sending waste heat to the exterior bricks. My thought was should I also add a galvanized sheet metal reflector to the base of the firebox in order to reflect a bit more of the heat back to the insert? Or would that be overkill?

 

[begreen]

It would be overkill and negligibly effective. The insert cabinet already has a bottom metal pan and air cavity separating it from the hearth.

 

[MJSullivan56]

It would be overkill and negligibly effective. The insert cabinet already has a bottom metal pan and air cavity separating it from the hearth.

Thanks for the confirmation.

 

[kborndale]

What you do want is a block off plate.

 

[MJSullivan56]

What you do want is a block off plate.

Which there will be (apparently required in Massachusetts)

 

[begreen]

Which there will be (apparently required in Massachusetts)

I didn't know this. This is in the damper area for an insulated liner running the full length of the chimney?

 

[MJSullivan56]

I didn't know this. This is in the damper area for an insulated liner running the full length of the chimney?

Yes.

 

[mellow]

I had my inserts sitting on concrete board for kicks and giggles, mostly just to have the entire envelope insulated.

Nice looking insulated fireplace!