Hi all,
I'm deep in the weeds of researching an insert install for an old, oddly sized fireplace. The shallow depth and narrow tapered back wall are presenting a challenge in terms of available insert options that do not require extreme removal of the original firebox brick on the left/right tapered walls while still being able to size the insert appropriately for a 2-story, 2,300sqft home with 8.25' ceilings. After a bunch of reading (forums and installation manual), measuring, and remeasuring, I have a few questions regarding install of a BK Princess 29 insert:
1) Is it safe/code compliant to remove some brick from the left/right walls to allow unit to be fully recessed with the faceplate/surround sitting flush? I would need to remove and "notch in" about 1" on the left and right walls at a depth of 11-7/8", which at this depth would expand the existing width from 24" out to 26" (25.25" required per manual). The face of the fireplace sits diagonal to the actual chimney, so I believe left/right walls are only supporting the bricks that extend out into the room and not the chimney itself.
2) Is there clean looking way to install the unit with only the top shroud attached? The unit's horizontal span of 35.5" fully covers width of the 28.25" wide firebox, but there's still a gap of 7-5/8" at the top (31" H firebox - 23-3/8" H insert).
2a) Does the unit overlapping the firebox's width by 3-5/8" inch on each side impact the fan's ability to function?
2b) Does the 7-5/8" gap pose an installation challenge for connecting the flue liner?
3) Do the decorative wood pillars pose any combustible risk or code compliance issues considering they are 15" diagonal from the left/right firebox door flanges?
4) The hearth only extends 12.25" from the door flange (23.25" D - 11" unit face to door flange). Is it correct that I would either need a fireproof mat or permanent hearth extension of at least 3.75" to meet the 16" required hearth extension depth? Are there any other modifications that allow the 16" depth to be lessened (like building a 5" tile platform for the unit to sit on)?
5) Does a 6" diameter 35' liner cause concern for being able to manage over-drafting?
6) Am I missing anything that would pose a risk/challenge/compliance issue for install?
I'm deep in the weeds of researching an insert install for an old, oddly sized fireplace. The shallow depth and narrow tapered back wall are presenting a challenge in terms of available insert options that do not require extreme removal of the original firebox brick on the left/right tapered walls while still being able to size the insert appropriately for a 2-story, 2,300sqft home with 8.25' ceilings. After a bunch of reading (forums and installation manual), measuring, and remeasuring, I have a few questions regarding install of a BK Princess 29 insert:
1) Is it safe/code compliant to remove some brick from the left/right walls to allow unit to be fully recessed with the faceplate/surround sitting flush? I would need to remove and "notch in" about 1" on the left and right walls at a depth of 11-7/8", which at this depth would expand the existing width from 24" out to 26" (25.25" required per manual). The face of the fireplace sits diagonal to the actual chimney, so I believe left/right walls are only supporting the bricks that extend out into the room and not the chimney itself.
2) Is there clean looking way to install the unit with only the top shroud attached? The unit's horizontal span of 35.5" fully covers width of the 28.25" wide firebox, but there's still a gap of 7-5/8" at the top (31" H firebox - 23-3/8" H insert).
2a) Does the unit overlapping the firebox's width by 3-5/8" inch on each side impact the fan's ability to function?
2b) Does the 7-5/8" gap pose an installation challenge for connecting the flue liner?
3) Do the decorative wood pillars pose any combustible risk or code compliance issues considering they are 15" diagonal from the left/right firebox door flanges?
4) The hearth only extends 12.25" from the door flange (23.25" D - 11" unit face to door flange). Is it correct that I would either need a fireproof mat or permanent hearth extension of at least 3.75" to meet the 16" required hearth extension depth? Are there any other modifications that allow the 16" depth to be lessened (like building a 5" tile platform for the unit to sit on)?
5) Does a 6" diameter 35' liner cause concern for being able to manage over-drafting?
6) Am I missing anything that would pose a risk/challenge/compliance issue for install?
![[Hearth.com] Princess 29 in a 31"Hx28"W x18"D tapered firebox](/talk/data/attachments/338/338270-5c08da92304995cfad1fef388b9cc5d6.jpg?hash=p6BFeXfthE)
![[Hearth.com] Princess 29 in a 31"Hx28"W x18"D tapered firebox](/talk/data/attachments/338/338278-ef07d194f748566aad339247af80a9d0.jpg?hash=xmpRxTTF6K)
![[Hearth.com] Princess 29 in a 31"Hx28"W x18"D tapered firebox](/talk/data/attachments/338/338279-ed3069c1af08d9e3fed6c2870c514bf7.jpg?hash=TE2_gXS6yA)
