Chimney & Fireplaces/chase insulation

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Expert: Paul Karthaeuser - 12/21/2011


Question
QUESTION: i have a fireplace with a pellet burning insernt . the chase iNSERT insulated.what type of insulation should be used?

ANSWER: Randy,

I'm not sure I understand your question but any insulation used for a hearth appliance should be a ceramic wool fiber composition.  For chimney liners we are using a foil backed, ceramic wool fiber blanket and wrapping the chimney liner.  If you are putting insulation materials under the insert I suggest using a product called Micore 300, it's a board type of insulation like Du-rock or a cement board but made out of other materials and provides an amazing amount of insulating value. I hope this has been helpful.  Please take a moment to rate my response to your question. Thank you.

Paul

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: where can i purchace the Micore300? Is it hard to install?

Answer
A good building supply warehouse or contractor supply house should carry it or be able to obtain it for you.  It is fairly expensive and usually comes in a 4 by 8 foot sheet about 1/2" thick.  Very easy to install.  Cut to size and secure in position.  Very lightweight but semi-delicate so when installing be gentle so as to not damage the piece you have cut to size.  Also is used for acoustical soundproofing so any company supplying those materials would carry it or a business supplying insulation materials of varying types would carry it.  

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Paul Karthaeuser

Expertise

I am a Chimney/State Licensed Building Inspector and New Jersey State Superior Court Recognized Expert Witness in the chimney, hearth and venting categories. I hold certifications in sweeping chimneys, installing wood and pellet stoves, chimney inspections and have performed countless repairs and rebuilds of chimneys. I perform many inspections for real estate transactions, school systems and churches as well as residential chimney inspections and repairs. Experience is good, education with experience is better. Ask me anything fireplace, woodstove, chimney, pellet stove or venting related. Any questions related to a chimney, hearth appliance or venting system for residential use.

Experience

I have six years experience in the field with inspections, repairs and installations of all types of hearth appliances fired by wood, wood pellets, coal, oil and gas. Fireplaces, pellet stoves, woodstoves, inserts and factory built systems.

Organizations
International Association of Fireplace and Chimney Inspectors-Charter Member New Jersey Chimney Sweep Guild-President (current) New Jersey Chimney Sweep Guild Board of Directors- present and past National Fire Protection Assc. Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Assc.

Education/Credentials
State Licensed Building Inspector- NJ License #010429 I.A.F.C.I. Certified Professional Inspector CPI-#009 F.I.R.E. Certified Fireplace and Chimney Inspector #FP-168 National Fireplace Institute-Certified Woodburning Specialist #157063 -Certified Pellet-burning Specialist #157063 C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep #6587 NJ Superior Court Recognized Expert Witness- Chimney, Venting and Hearth Appliances

Past/Present Clients
Various churches, school systems and private clients represented in court matters.

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