Expert: James Ball - 8/14/2009

Question
I am building a new house, we wood framed an exterior chase its 5ft.W and 2.5ft. deep and bricked the outside. It is open to the living room on the inside. I would like to use a insert type stove for space saving purposes. I know inserts are to replace a masonry fireplace but can they be installed in what I have?  Thanks...

Answer
Hello Randy, no you can not an insert has to go into a fireplace (masonry) what you have is set up for a PreFab fireplace (Insert may not be able to go into that)at this point I would look into a wood stove and run a class "A" chimney in the chase.
check with your local wood stove store they can point you in the right direction
James