Still without new fireplace!!

[bholler]

I get mixed responses from manufacturers about warranty support. They also want to charge me list price. If I do the install and buy direct, I should get at least dealer pricing. They want to make the profit without me getting any benefit.

You arent getting dealer pricing because youbarent a dealer. Many manufacturers require you have a showroom and have minimum orders to be a dealer.

 

[bholler]

Well, started the demo. I opened the wall on the second floor to the chimney chase. Poorly insulated, no fire stop between floors, old stack touching one of the insulated hvac ducts.. pictures to follow.. glad I have 2 weeks before the install. A lot of corrective work to do. Would have sent the budget through the roof.

Yet another example of a zc fireplace installed incorrectly. We see it way too often.

 

[rtros956]

Framing ready for install. Thursday they’ll be here. I have a heavy walnut mantle that I’ll mount with a 3/4 pipe system I’ve designed. More pictures next weekend.

 

[rtros956]

Install was yesterday. Overall a very good installer. I have a question about taping the joints of the chimney air kit. I’ve seen videos of some installer using aluminum tape on the box where is attaches to the chimney. My installer wouldn’t do it. That looks like a real source of cold air into the chase. Has anyone used aluminum tape in this area? Can you share your experience?

 

[bholler]

View attachment 244598 View attachment 244599 Install was yesterday. Overall a very good installer. I have a question about taping the joints of the chimney air kit. I’ve seen videos of some installer using aluminum tape on the box where is attaches to the chimney. My installer wouldn’t do it. That looks like a real source of cold air into the chase. Has anyone used aluminum tape in this area? Can you share your experience?

The air cooled chimney is a source of cold air that box is just a drop in the bucket. I would bet the installer wouldn't do it because the instructions say not to.

 

[rtros956]

The air cooled chimney is a source of cold air that box is just a drop in the bucket. I would bet the installer wouldn't do it because the instructions say not to.

I checked the instructions and they don’t say either way. I’m going to tape the joints. You said “drop in the bucket”. What else am I missing?
Thanks for your input.

 

[bholler]

I checked the instructions and they don’t say either way. I’m going to tape the joints. You said “drop in the bucket”. What else am I missing?
Thanks for your input.

Your chimney is air cooled it has constant cool air running through the outside cooling both the exhaust and the surrounding chase.

 

[rtros956]

I used a caulk product to seal the outside air kit. Temp up to 1360 degrees F. I am taking my time and reviewing every possible air leak and solution.

I installed the first box header to support the mantel. Another will go below this and then the studs.
I want it done but I’m afraid not to think everything completely through.

 

[Drewman]

Looks tight!

Is that an exterior wall? You could insulate and seal it as long as you maintain clearances.

 

[rtros956]

That wall is an adjacent bedroom. We want the warmth of the chase to radiate into that room. I am insulating everything above.

 

[rtros956]

Sorry I am so slow with this. Between all my other projects and fireplace ocd, I am behind the eight ball . First fire. I replaced all of the air intake flex duct with solid. Sealing every joint.

 

[begreen]

That's a good sized fire, must have been a bit warm in there.

 

[rtros956]

I only filled the firebox 1/2 way. It just took off. It is in the 50's here and we ended up opening the windows and doors!! The smoke alarms went off with the burn off of the oils, etc!! Definitely generated some heat..

 

[rtros956]

Finally mounted the mantle. I struggled with the epoxy that I used to fill a large check in the end.
I am happy with the result though. Next, the mason.

 

[Hogwildz]

View attachment 244909 Sorry I am so slow with this. Between all my other projects and fireplace ocd, I am behind the eight ball . First fire. I replaced all of the air intake flex duct with solid. Sealing every joint.

I was going to suggest replacing the OAK flex with rigid, glad I kept reading before I posted. Good decision.
I bet the house was super toasty with that fire, I'm sitting here in A/C and can wait a while till I even think of sparking a flame.
The beauty of doing much yourself, is knowing it is done how you want, and if knowledgeable enough,, or researched and prepared well, you know it is done right, as well as saving some coin.
Looks great, nice work!

 

[rtros956]

Stone done. Hearth this weekend. On the home stretch!

 

[FPX Dude]

Stone done. Hearth this weekend. On the home stretch!View attachment 246960

We get it, yah, and you're itch'n to fire it up! Easiest thing to do is turn on the A/C, and say you're curing the stove so that future burning is safe...

 

[rtros956]

It is very cool here at night, mid to upper 50’s. Northeast PA summer is short. We have outside fires this time of year. This weekend I am installing the hearth and We’ll have a fire right after that.

 

[rtros956]

Soapstone hearth installed, cool enough for a.fire tonight!

 

[begreen]

Looks great!

 

[Rickb]

 

[rtros956]

Thanks everyone!

 

[Ludlow]

Beautiful. Many happy burns to you.