How to Install Wood Burning Inserts
A wood burning fireplace insert will add beauty to your living room, dining room or any room where it is installed. In addition to their beauty, they also improve the heat efficiency of the fireplace. These inserts are made from an iron frame that is connected to a brass faceplate and glass doors.
What You'll Need:
- Fireplace insert
- Old blanket
- Flashlight
- Pliers
- Use measuring tape to measure the width of the fireplace from one opening to the other. The size of the fireplace inserts will range. Fortunately, the inserts are adjustable to fit the inside dimensions allowing you to purchase an insert that suits your taste and style without worrying about exact sizing details. The height and depth are typically not an issue with fireplace inserts.
- Move the four iron support bars that are on the inside corners of the fireplace insert and move them in order to adjust to the interior width of the fireplace. These bars should easily move out at the hinges, just like the legs of a folding table.
- Secure the iron bars into place. You can use pliers to tighten the locking bolts.
- Move the insert completely into the fireplace opening and ensure the alignment of the four support bars is accurate. Each of the bars should fit tightly inside the corners. While the faceplate of the insert will need to fit flush with the outside brick of the fireplace. Ensure that there are no gaps in the corners.
- Open up the glass doors of the insert and pull on the iron mesh screens using the pull cord.
- Put an old blanket or other padding over the bottom opening. This will protect your arms and back.
- Tighten each of the bolts that extend from the top of the insert into the fire bar, this is a steel bar located across the roof of the fireplace. On many fireplace inserts, these bolts can are tightened by hand. However, some finishing twists with pliers will ensure a more secure fit. It may even be necessary to turn over on your back and go inside the fireplace. This will allow you to get a better grip on the bolts and leverage them tighter.
- Tighten each of the bolts on the bottom of the insert into the sides of the fireplace. If done correctly, the fireplace insert will never need to be removed.