Hi all,
Im currently debating the best way to go about re-adding a fireplace to my house. At some point in its ownership the fireplace was drywalled in. I believe I have is a Heatform or heatilator. (https://www.hearth.com/talk/wiki/heatform/) perhaps someone with a better trained eye can tell.
I have removed 8" of drywall and stud around the opening of the fireplace as I have seen this referenced (between 6-8") in many insert manuals. My plan now is to replace what was there with cement board and metal studs and eventually face with thin brick.
I have a few concerns im looking for guidance on:
1) There is ~1.5" airgap between my metal firebox and the face of the wall. Is this a concern? If so how should it be handled?
2) There are cavities without brick on each side of the heatform. I understand now that these may be air intakes. Can these be left alone?
![Clearance Concerns Clearance Concerns](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/240/240437-cdb1d0e94b184c38b66481c983874abd.jpg)
3) Does anyone have a recommendation for an insert can fit in this space? Most inserts ive looked at are too tall in the back as this slants aggressively. (Attached)
![Clearance Concerns Clearance Concerns](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/240/240438-446e2a08c9d2ee639e3eab8ce7f2f058.jpg)
Im currently debating the best way to go about re-adding a fireplace to my house. At some point in its ownership the fireplace was drywalled in. I believe I have is a Heatform or heatilator. (https://www.hearth.com/talk/wiki/heatform/) perhaps someone with a better trained eye can tell.
![Clearance Concerns Clearance Concerns](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/240/240440-9b2aae6e46924d0fd497d44fe3e4e6dc.jpg)
I have removed 8" of drywall and stud around the opening of the fireplace as I have seen this referenced (between 6-8") in many insert manuals. My plan now is to replace what was there with cement board and metal studs and eventually face with thin brick.
I have a few concerns im looking for guidance on:
1) There is ~1.5" airgap between my metal firebox and the face of the wall. Is this a concern? If so how should it be handled?
![Clearance Concerns Clearance Concerns](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/240/240439-6e5382337f8a609f2484a699782c3a6b.jpg)
2) There are cavities without brick on each side of the heatform. I understand now that these may be air intakes. Can these be left alone?
![Clearance Concerns Clearance Concerns](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/240/240437-cdb1d0e94b184c38b66481c983874abd.jpg)
3) Does anyone have a recommendation for an insert can fit in this space? Most inserts ive looked at are too tall in the back as this slants aggressively. (Attached)
![Clearance Concerns Clearance Concerns](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/240/240438-446e2a08c9d2ee639e3eab8ce7f2f058.jpg)