Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert Installation in St. Augustine, FL

How a Wood Burning Fireplace Insert Works

A wood burning fireplace insert is a steel or cast iron firebox with a glass door, built to slide into a masonry fireplace. It burns wood in a controlled way, and many models use a blower to move warm air into the room. Inserts are tested to UL 1482 and must meet the EPA wood heater emission standard.

Because the insert's flue outlet is much smaller than an old masonry flue, it needs its own liner running all the way to the top of the chimney.

Wood Insert Installation Steps

Wood insert installation starts with sweeping and inspecting the chimney, since the insert depends on it. We measure the opening, hearth and mantel clearances, then order an insert and a stainless liner sized to its outlet. The liner is lowered from the top, connected to the insert, and capped at the crown.

The insert is set in place, the surround panel fitted to close the gap around it, and the first fire run with you so you know how the air controls work. Fireplace insert install day is usually a single day.

Wood Stove Insert Installation and Clearances

Wood stove insert installation follows the insert maker's manual for hearth protection and clearances to the mantel and side trim, as well as NFPA 211 for the chimney connection. If the hearth extension is too short for the insert's door, we extend it as part of the job.