Condition of Masonry Firebox for Wood Insert?

[Icua]

I am planning on installing a wood insert into my masonry fireplace. It is located in the basement on an exterior wall. I bought the house over two years ago and have used the fire place only a few times. The previous owner installed a heat shield in the fire box to reflect the heat to the room. I pulled the heat shield to measure the fire box and realized that the back wall of the fire box was covered in a layer of mortar that was bubbling. I am not sure why this mortar was applied.

I was able to remove the mortar with a hammer and chisel. It came of pretty easily. One of the fire bricks has a small chunk missing.

My question - Is the firebox in good enough condition and safe to install an insert (Drolet Escape 1800-I)? Or, do I need to rebuild the back wall? The sides and floor seem to be in good condition.

Additionally, the wood paneling of the basement is behind the brick hearth wall. It does not stop at the brick. Is this acceptable to leave or do I need to remove it?

Thank you.

 

[MRD1985]

I would at minimum regrout all the brick/stone. And fill any holes with mortar. Make sure you install an insulated 6” liner with the insert. I would also strongly suggest fabricating a block of plate where the damper is. As far as the paneling you’ll have to check the manual for clearances. I can’t remember off the top of my head what they are.

I have the same insert and like it very much.

 

[Icua]

I would at minimum regrout all the brick/stone. And fill any holes with mortar. Make sure you install an insulated 6” liner with the insert. I would also strongly suggest fabricating a block of plate where the damper is. As far as the paneling you’ll have to check the manual for clearances. I can’t remember off the top of my head what they are.

I have the same insert and like it very much.

Thank you! I am looking into repointing the back wall of the firebox. I also plan on installing a block off plate and a 6" insulated liner. The Drolet seems to be at a good price point and quality.

 

[EbS-P]

I don’t see any real reason to add mortar to the bricks if they are not in danger of falling out. I would install as it. Note you may need a damper. I did with my 1800i in my basement. Drilled the appliance adapter. Add washers to the damper handle pin next to inside of adapter/liner to make it operate smoothly.

 

[MRD1985]

I don’t see any real reason to add mortar to the bricks if they are not in danger of falling out. I would install as it. Note you may need a damper. I did with my 1800i in my basement. Drilled the appliance adapter. Add washers to the damper handle pin next to inside of adapter/liner to make it operate smoothly.

To prevent any future issues with loose brick. The heat could eventually loosen them with no grout to support them 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

[stoveliker]

But grout really doesn't support bricks imo?. The Mortar.between the bricks does?
Grout is the sealing of the seams where the mortar sits in my (amateur) understanding.

 

[Icua]

There is a hole in the mortar between the back and side wall that I can stick a pen into the gap behind the firebrick. There are a few seams where there is no grout. My concern is the safety of the firebox. Thank you for the damper suggestion, I was wondering if I would need one.

 

[stoveliker]

Yes, I would close off any holes that allow air to flow. Fireplaces have to have a certain thickness of brick for safety (decreasing heat transfer - brick and mortar are unfortunately poor thermal insulators). If you have holes, shortcircuiting heat transport through that layer of brick, that's not right.

I think the wood paneling behind the brackets facade could to be a problem too; most inserts have vertical clearance to combustibles (leading to mantels needing to be high up or being "wood-looking noncombustible"). However, this will depend on the specific model insert and the clearances it requires. So download manuals for the inserts you are considering to have a look.

Also do have your flue and fireplace inspected to ensure they are safe to use. You likely need an insulated liner in the chimney too.

 

[Icua]

Thank you, I will fill in the hole at a minimum.
I am concerned about the wood paneling as well. I'm planning on using an insulated liner. The house was built in the early 70s and I am not sure how much the fireplace was used.