Wood insert and liner installation advice

[sweins]

Hi....hoping to get a little guidance. First time wood insert project.

Have a 1000 sq foot cabin in the Colorado mountains (climate zone 6). Lofted design with cathedral ceilings, gambrel roof...20 ft to the peak. The footprint is 650 sq ft and the loft is 350 sq ft. Have baseboard heating which does the job for all but the coldest days but would like to have the insert heating the place in the winter months and use the baseboard heating to maintain 45 degrees while we are not using the cabin.

The previous owner had an old wood insert slammer in the exterior chimney without a liner. Removed that insert, had the chimney swept and inspected. Flue clay liner is 13 x 13 with a masonry shroud around the top (picture attached) which may make the liner installation difficult.

Wanting to install a new wood insert with liner. The cabin is somewhat remote and may have to end up installing the liner myself

Questions:

1. Would a Pacific Energy Super be a good selection for heating this space? There is room for a larger insert if necessary.

2. There is a 10 inch gap between the top of the flue clay tile and the top of the shroud (see picture). Is that enough room to get a liner down from the top? If so, would there be any more difficultly placing a mid weight flex liner vs light weight in the tight space? How many inch gap is needed from the top of the rain cap and the shroud?

Thank you for looking

Stan

 

[Stir224]

I would insert it at the bottom and pull it up from the top if I was you. “Flex” liners really stretch the word. They are quite rigid.

 

[jatoxico]

That slate will probably pop off w/o much trouble. You should have plenty of room for an insulated liner, insist on it. How about a picture of the fireplace? Off hand the more the insert extends out of the fireplace and onto the hearth the better for heating although its not always possible due to room/hearth config. May even consider a free standing stove if it can be done.