Fireplace Remodel and Gas Insert

[PNWLogger]

Folks,
I am hoping you can help me. I had an old Fireplace Xtrordinair unit that was removed with the intent that a Gas insert would be installed.

I have an installer that has looked at the opening as you can see in the pictures and says that a Gas insert should not be an issue since no combustibles in the area where the gas insert would be place. Then I have spoken to a couple of dealers in the Seattle area who are adamant that without firebricks a Gas insert cannot be installed and I need to either install a Zero clearance or get a masonary fireplace built before getting an insert installed. Can you please guide me as to if a Gas insert can be installed or not?

If not can I simply line the firebox with firebricks and would that make it ready for a Gas insert?

 

[PNWLogger]

Experts, any thoughts?

 

[bholler]

Experts, any thoughts?

You need to check the requirements of the units. If it requires a functional wood-burning fireplace you are a long way from that. Nowhere near enough thickness of masonry there

 

[PNWLogger]

You need to check the requirements of the units. If it requires a functional wood-burning fireplace you are a long way from that. Nowhere near enough thickness of masonry there

Thank you for replying to the post. Can you please provide some guidance as to what is needed to make it into a wood-burning fireplace? Is it simply the installation of firebricks and a damper or is there more?

 

[bholler]

Thank you for replying to the post. Can you please provide some guidance as to what is needed to make it into a wood-burning fireplace? Is it simply the installation of firebricks and a damper or is there more?

I can't possibly say from those pictures I would need to be on-site to see what is lacking. Or you could just find a gas unit that doesn't need a functioning fireplace