Expert: Bart Ogden - 1/13/2009

Question
I asked a question a while back - "We are looking to install a wood burning stove insert into a factory built
fireplace.  Can this be done?  The existing fireplace is a Majestic Thulman L42B and the new stove insert is Century Heating CW2500X.

I cannot locate your response; however I did received the following response from someone:  No solid fuel (no wood, pellet, corn or coal) burning inserts can be used in any Majestic wood burning ZC fireplace.  The fireplace and chimney are not been approved for those types of  units. Your only option is to use a natural gas or propane fired insert or log set.

My new question is as follows:

So if we were to get a vent-free gas log set - this could be placed in the existing Majestic insert?  

Also, the brick hearth has been painted - with this log set - would the paint need to be heat resistant paint?  And can we just paint over the existing paint?

Thanks.

Answer
Hello Michaelene,

Factory-Built woodburning fireplace inserts should never be installed in a factory-built fireplace.

There are too many issues with weight, firebox modifications needed, venting requirements and unit cooling requirements.

You should NOT install a vent-free gas logset in this Majestic fireplace insert in a vent-free configuration.  If used in a damper-fully-open configuration and the factory-built fireplace is equipped with factory knockouts enabling a gas log supply line to be installed, you should be ok.  Again, the damper must be FULLY OPEN!

Do NOT install a set of vent-free logs in any factory-built fireplace with the damper partially or fully closed unless the fireplace is specifically listed for that application.  It will state that on the listing plate on the fireplace.

You should be able to paint over the existing hearth extension with whatever you would like.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Voice 316-265-9828
Fax 316-265-9890
www.HomeSafeKS.com

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep #2653
CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician #10
NFI Certified Wood Specialist
NFI Certified Gas Specialist
NFI Certified Pellet Specialist
NFI Master Hearth Professional
NCSG Technical Advisory Council Member