Repair / replace insulation behind side panels?

[ohiosierra]

I am trying to bring back to life a vermont castings merrimack wood stove I got 2nd hand.

Inside, there are firebrick panels along the walls. Behind the firebrick panels are 1/2 inch ish thick insulation panels -- I think ceramic fiber board.

They are very old and crumbly, maybe from moisture in the past. It would take about 1 pound of bending pressure to break them.

Option A: Technically they are still holding their shape, and I could probably put them back as one option, carefully. There's a crack or two already.

Option B: I could buy replacement panels, but they are about 120 each, and I'd need 3. I'd really like to avoid this.

Option C: I could buy uncut ceramic fiber boards, and cut them to shape. This doesn't seem much cheaper, but a little.

Option D: I could use rolled ceramic fiber, which is much cheaper, same thickness, and temperature rating comparable. I'd have to carefully shape it into place.

I know the insulation is important, but in my mind as insulation it doesn't have to be absolutely OEM perfect. What would you do?

 

[begreen]

Probably option B

 

[all night moe]

I'd opt for option B too.
Bought and done. Just put them in.

Option C requires care to cut. You don't wan to breath the cut fibers in either.

 

[ohiosierra]

Thanks. I'm just already over budget on this and another $360 is a lot to swallow for insulation. What do we think about just carefully putting it back in, or what is your 2nd choice?

 

[begreen]

How thick is the insulation board? Option C can work, using ceramic insulation board, and should be around 50% less. If this route is chosen, wear a good dust mask when cutting and do this outside.

 

[ohiosierra]

Thanks. I'll give C a try. It's 1/2 inch thickness. I did find a source about 50% cheaper and think I can cut it carefully by tracing the old one.

 

[begreen]

Shop for 1/2" ceramic insulation board on Amazon. It should end up being about 1/3d the OEM cost if cut on site.