Fireplace Insert

[Mark S. Tyson]

Saturdays inspection had a manufactured wood burning fireplace insert. All of the units that I'm familiar with require a minimum 1" clearance from combustibles and I reported as such. This unit has a 1" x 4" piece of dimensional lumber installed on either side of the fire box. We don't have a lot of fireplaces here in South Florida but i have never seen this before nor can I think of a reasonable reason for lumber to be there. I would guess that it has been installed after market but for what other than starting a fire. Part of a shipping crate that should have been removed in 1992 when the insert was installed? Any Thoughts?

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Doesn't look right to me. There are "zero-clearance" units, but the front of the firebox usually requires non-combustible materials. The only way to know for sure is to check the manufacturers specifications.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Almost looks as if the wrong size insert was installed, and someone (Harry?) installed the wood to 'close the gap'.

Anyway I look at it, combustable materials in that location are just a bad idea.

[agallatin]

Originally Posted by mtyson

Saturdays inspection had a manufactured wood burning fireplace insert. All of the units that I'm familiar with require a minimum 1" clearance from combustibles and I reported as such. This unit has a 1" x 4" piece of dimensional lumber installed on either side of the fire box. We don't have a lot of fireplaces here in South Florida but i have never seen this before nor can I think of a reasonable reason for lumber to be there. I would guess that it has been installed after market but for what other than starting a fire. Part of a shipping crate that should have been removed in 1992 when the insert was installed? Any Thoughts?

It sure enough doesn't fit the space ! The whole thing looks pretty amateur . I'd recommend a certified wood burning fireplace inspector ! LOL on this one !

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Now that I'm looking at it on my home monitor, I can tell you for certain - this is an improper installation.

[Tom Leahy]

It's like the panels are for a smaller fireplace so they just decided to fill in the gaps, with WOOD. Move to defect award category!!

[Barry Adair]

also apparent is improper draft evidenced by the soot on the masonry under the mantle
DISCONTINUE USE until installation of the unit & flue are fully evaluated, repaired and approved by a person qualified by the AHJ

[Larry J. Michael]

Sometimes the best finds are when something just don't look right and that don't look right!