I’m new here so pardon if this topic is an already hashed out one. I have a regency 1150 insert that was installed about a month ago but the job isn’t quite done due to back ordered parts, plus I think it needs some tweaking so I’m looking for advice. The insert should have an oversized soround but that was backordered so right now it’s in place with the standard sorround with a large gap above it. When they did the install they removed the flue but did not install any kind of block off plate in its place. Now that it’s hitting the 20s in Connecticut we are getting a good look at how much of our heat is now going up the chimney. If you hold a flame to the gap you can see the air flow up the chimney. According to my measurements when the oversized sorround comes in (this week they tell me) there will still be a gap of around 1/2 inch or so give or take. Regency’s instillation manual says to install a block off plate or seal up around the sorround. I’m expecting to talk to the installer about it this week if I get the call that the parts have come in. The stove itself appears to burn well but currently it’s hard to tell how how well it’s heating given the potential heat loss. We are making use of the blower and it is coming up to temperature. Am I on the right track about making use of a block off plate or similar form of insulation where the flue was? I can make something myself given guidance about safe materials to use. I found a simple enough description and picture that I’m sure I could make a template for a bend up from whatever the appropriate sheet metal would be. Unless there is a different option. I suspect the larger sorround may not have quite enough overlap to effectively stop all the air flow anyway once it shows up.
Yes, do it...makes a big difference...contrary to what many dealers/installers will tell you! (they don't want to take the time to make/install one)
I bet the installer will tell you that the surround will take care of the heat loss. If they do, they are lying to you. I tried my insert without a b/o plate, and was thoroughly disgusted by how poorly my insert heated my house. So I pulled her and did my best to block off that gaping maw that just sits open and furiously sucks heat out of the house. The difference after the block off plate was night and day. If you just think on it a little bit, keeping that space open to the sky doesn't make any sense at all. They don't put dampers in regular fireplaces for nothing! You need, not want, a b/o plate. Ought to be code. You ought to insulate between the stove and the bricks in the fireplace. Helps a lot too, but not as much as the b/o plate. Fiberglass insulation is a no no. Go with rock wool insulation and metal.
Welcome to the forum! I am no expert but I believe it makes a difference, how can it not? That hot air is now being blocked from escaping up and out and being funneled back into the home. When I installed my insert a few years back I went back and forth on if I should install one and figured I am here, this is the time to do it, I don't' want to pull this thing out later. It was pretty easy to install, just a little material and a little work. I also shoved some ROXUL behind it and around the collar opening. Certainly not perfect but I truly believe it helps.
Hello jhorn and welcome. Fellow insert burner here too. I installed my Napoleon insert with the help of my father about 8 years ago. I made a block off plate in the same way as ReelFaster and insulted it with rock wool. I never ran the insert without it but I can’t imagine it doesn’t help a TON. I mean most all that heat is now not going up the chimney. I would ask the installers and see what they say. If they’re not willing to or want some crazy price just do it yourself. It’s quite simple, few basic tools is all. Also, it looks like your fireplace is on a exterior wall is that correct? I would have had your liner insulated. Was that something that was discussed with installers? Welcome again, any questions that’s what we’re here for!
[QUOTE Regency’s instillation manual says to install a block off plate or seal up around the sorround. Am I on the right track about making use of a block off plate or similar form of insulation where the flue was?[/QUOTE] Looks like you answered your own question there. In fact if the manual says to install a block off and these installers are regency dealers I don’t see it being a issue.
It’s a central chimney not an exterior wall, so not an issue there. They came the other day to install the oversized sorround. On the phone the employee I spoke with said they were going to install a block off plate when I asked directly. In person, they sent the lowest guy on the totem pole who didn’t know anything about installing a block out plate and just installed the sorround. The sorround looks good and is a different style and measurement than the ones on the website. It does completely cover the opening with a decent overlap and no gap. I can’t find any air leaks around it, which seems like a good start. When I followed up back at the shop after they did the soround I put together that people at the shop were interchangeable using the terms sorround and backing plate and when I said block off plate, at least 1 person there thinks a block off plate is the sorround they installed. Given that since I’ve already gotten a line from them twice about not needing it because the insert is sealed from the front and at the top of the chimney I think this is is one of those things where I’ll just make one myself and that will take care of it. I have the tools, just need to pick up the materials. Pretty sure I can make something in 2 parts that will go together around the pipe to seal it off without having to remove or move anything other than the sorround for access. Thanks everyone for the feedback. It helped navigate this as I tried to make sure I was getting things right on my end.
Sounds like a great plan. Welcome to FHC jhorn . I'm a fellow wood insert heater myself. I installed my quadrafire insert myself, well a buddy helped me as well This just tells me how poorly the installers are doing their jobs. The manual says to install a block off plate and they clearly were not going to do that. Surround doesn't equate to block off plate. Did they at least insulate the top of the chimney?
This is exactly why I chose to install my insert myself. Every installer I interviewed wanted to avoid things like insulating the liner, and trying to tell me a block off plate wasn't necessary. After spending a little time here, I used those answers as disqualifying to those giving the answers. 5 of the 6 stove surfaces are behind the surround, which means that roughly 5/6 of your heat is being trapped behind the surround, and vented efficiently up the chimney instead of heating your house. Good call to do it anyway, despite what your "professionals" are telling you. Mine is a crappy mix of sheet metal plates and rock wool insulation, intended to be temporary. When I tried my hand at fabricating a decent two sheet plate, I gave up and stuck with the temporary job. Still works great at keeping the heat inside the house!
We have this exact - and I mean EXACT - issue going on right now. Gonna talk to the sales guy about it before we get the surround put on. Thanks again, forum, for being such a great resource!
