How to Insert Fireplaces

Installing a Wood Fireplace Insert

• 1

  Install the convection grill that comes with the fireplace insert kit. The grill goes onto the lower portion of the inner front wall of the insert, just below the door. Secure the grill to the insert with the nuts, bolts and washers that come with the kit.

• 2

  Insert a flue liner into the chimney after you remove the rain cap on the chimney. If the fireplace damper blocks the installation of the liner or airflow to the new insert, you will need to remove it prior to the installation of the liner. When you install the flue liner from the top of the chimney, it will slide down to the damper and into the fireplace. Do not replace the rain cap until you finish installing the fireplace insert.

• 3

  Place steel shims on the bottom of the current fireplace if its floor is not level with the opening. You may not need shims if the insert’s leveling bolts can make up the difference in height between the fireplace floor and the opening.

• 4

  Check the alignment of the smoke outlet hole on the insert with the flue liner. If the two do not line up well, place a stainless steel offset onto the bottom of the flue liner. Use the screws that come with the offset kit to attach the bottom of the flue liner to the offset, which will have pilot holes. Then place the bottom flange of the offset into the flue liner's smoke outlet, using the screws that come with the offset kit. Because offsets can differ in shape and size, it is best to use the offset recommended by the fireplace insert manufacturer.

• 5

  Connect the flue liner to the top of the fireplace insert using the brackets and screws that come with the insert kit.

• 6

  Slide the fireplace insert into the firebox. Replace the rain cap on the chimney.

Installing a Pellet or Gas Insert

• 7

  Place steel shims on the bottom of the fireplace, as needed, if the floor is not level with the opening. If the leveling legs on the insert extend high enough, you may not need shims.

• 8

  Run two 3-inch wide flexible vent pipes down the chimney after removing the rain cap. Allow the pipe to go past the damper into the fireplace. Bend the top of the pipe at a 180-degree angle so it lies on the roof and place a vent cap over the opening. Do not replace the rain cap until you finish installing the insert.

• 9

  Place fiberglass insulation around the vent pipes in the damper opening in the fireplace.

• 10

  Install a flashing cover over the vent pipe after you trim the pipe to the height of the chimney. Cut and bend the flashing so it fits over the top of the chimney. Secure the flashing by placing a 3/8-inch bead of silicone adhesive that can withstand temperatures of up to 300 degrees F along the flue tile top.

• 11

  Slide the insert into the fireplace. Connect the flexible vent and combustion air duct into respective spots on the insert with the screws and brackets that come with the insert. The flexible vent pipe connects to the exhaust starting collar bracket, which is on the panel on the top of the fireplace insert. After securing the vent pipe to the exhaust collar with screws, seal the connection with stove cement that can withstand temperatures higher than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Use the same technique to connect the combustion air duct to the bracket next to the exhaust collar.

Installing a Gas Fireplace Insert

• 12

  Remove the current damper and the rain cap from the chimney.

• 13

  Run the two flexible vent pipes that come with the insert down through the top of the chimney and into the fireplace. Do not replace the rain cap until you finish installing the insert. You will not replace the damper.

• 14

  Connect the vent pipes to their respective outlets on the insert’s mounting plate using the screws that come with the insert.

• 15

  Adjust the leveling legs on the insert to compensate for the difference if the floor of the fireplace is not level with the opening. If needed, place steel shims along the bottom of the fireplace floor.

• 16

  Slide the gas fireplace insert halfway into the existing fireplace’s firebox.

• 17

  Connect the electric and gas lines. To ensure the safety of you and your family, an expert should complete the electrical wiring and the connection of gas lines to an insert.

• 18

  Slide the insert all the way into the firebox, making sure to avoid hitting the gas line.

• 19

  Place fiberglass insulation around the vent pipes in the damper opening in the fireplace.

• 20

  Affix the mounting plate onto the top of the insert. Most mounting plates have locking tabs that allow you to slide and snap the plate in place. Some may require the use of screws.

• 21

  Install the remote control receiver according to the manufacturer’s instructions if the insert comes with a remote control.