Total fireplace remodel

[MattyD90]

Hey guys,
I have been reading these forums for about 2 1/2 years now, on and off. Since I moved into this home with a prefab fireplace I've been wanting to replace it with something more efficient.
The draft is just too much in the winter. At first I wanted to replace it with a freestanding stove (building an alcove etc) but the wife likes the wood insert better. I just need a little guidance with my plan.
I will be ripping out the old ZC prefab firebox and chimney pipe (Combustible frame chase/chimney)
Either install a new firebox, such as the masonry firebox kits or line a box with Durock, according to clearance and specs of new Wood Insert
Purchase Wood Insert and new (Class A?) chimney pipe
Have a professional install the insert and piping.
I plan on spending about 10k total. Is there anything I am missing, can this be done?or if you gentlemen can lead me to a post that someone has done this it would be greatly appreciated. I have searched these forums and everything that comes up is when someone wants to Retro fit a New Zc fireplace into an existing one. I don't want that. I want to do everything correct and safe. Thanks again. Lots of wisdom on here.
-Matt

 

[bholler]

Either install a new firebox, such as the masonry firebox kits or line a box with Durock, according to clearance and specs of new Wood Insert

You cant line a box with durarock And put an insert in it. An insert needs to go into a code compliant wood burning fireplace.

So your options are build a masonry fireplace and put an insert in it which would run over 10k for sure.

Put in an epa zc fireplace that is an actual heater or put in an alcove and freestanding stove

 

[FoxTrotBoogie]

Your best bet is a zero clearance high efficiency fireplace such as: fireplace xtrordinair 36 or 44 elite, lennox montecito, pacific energy fp30, and many more. You can check out my post about installing an fpx 36 elite in my home for some insight on what it entails.

 

[MattyD90]

Thanks guys, going to look into the ZC option. I'm guessing they're better than ones installed in the early 90s.
Foxtrot nice work. How is the draft with the newer ZC fireplace?

 

[FoxTrotBoogie]

Thanks guys, going to look into the ZC option. I'm guessing they're better than ones installed in the early 90s.
Foxtrot nice work. How is the draft with the newer ZC fireplace?

No issues with draft at all. I have about 17ft of chimney and it has plenty of draw. 3 sticks of fatwood and some dry splits and she's off and running. Only time I even get a slight back puff of smoke is when I forget to open the bypass before throwing more splits of wood in.

 

[m159267]

We removed our original ZC prefab and replaced it with a ZC Valcourt FP10 Lafayette (EPA).
We had the new install professionally done (for insurance purposes).
I removed the windows and constructed the bookcase / mantel.