Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Can a fireplace insert be used as a stand alone wood stove?

I have a Timerberline wood burning fireplace insert that is in need of a little TLC and this thread has been very helpful. I do have a question though.... Can a fireplace insert be used as a wood stove without being placed into a fireplace? I figure I could place it on concrete block and pipe directly to my chimney. Just want to make sure. I'd use the insert to replace a smaller wood stove (with a large crack) that is already in place in my basement.

Mike Moreau
- Methuen, Massachusetts
August 31, 2008

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Hi, Mike. You might want to inquire of Timberline because they ought to be able to give a good answer. But I have a woodstove and I had a fireplace insert and I can see no obvious difference between the two (except for shape and aesthetics). Remember that these suckers are heavy and will be terribly hot in use, so those blocks you place it on must be truly stable. If you do manage to burn the house down, the insurance company or fire marshall may have a comment on the wisdom of the approach :-)

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
September 2, 2008

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Ted,
If you did not have a building permit and a passed inspection for the installation of the new "stove" many insurance companies will deny all claims that they feel resulted from the stove. (Was told this about 30 years ago when I installed a couple of wood stoves and fireplace inserts). BTW, you are right about how heavy they are. If memory serves me correct it took three or four of use to carry the stoves and inserts in from the truck.

Gene Packman
process supplier - Great Neck, New York
September 5, 2008