Installing the Kidron Fireplace Inset

Dear Tina
To install the Kidron Fireplace Inset  - first let me explain how it works. The fireplace inset is a heavy duty cast iron box and the front facing side has an oversized heat resistant fire view glass. The five sides (excluding the frontal glass fire view) of the Kidron Fireplace Inset are encased in a thick steel sheet - what that does is that the cast iron absorbs heat and starts a convection current that draws cool air from the room (into the space between the cast iron & thick steel encasing) and throws it out from the vents located at the front above the fire view heat resistant glass. Not too confusing? 

Our aim is to line the inside of the fireplace (bottom, 2 sides, back and top - the top will have a gap of 6 inch diameter to allow the chimney vent to fit - you can see the round vent on top) with firebricks so that the heat generated in the fireplace remains within the fireplace inset and minimum heat radiates into the wall/masonry around the five sides of the fireplace inset. So firebricks are not only a safety measure but also greatly increase the efficiency of the fireplace.

The chimney flue or smoke exhaust is a 6 inch (can be half an inch +/-) mild steel pipe or flexible steel pipe (not aluminimum) that is 'collared' on to the fireplace exhaust opening. This is a simple fabrication of a 'steel collar' 1.5 inches deep that fits on the fireplace inset. Your local fabricator can do this easily.

How much firebrick do you require for the Kidron? Please see the diagram below of the fireplace inset. You require a cavity that can accomodate the inset - whose dimensions are approximately 16 inch deep, 2 feet high and 2 feet wide. The cavity will be larger so that you can line it with firebrick  (which is normally an inch thick). Before your commence the work, please visualize the end - whatever the look of the surround or mantle piece - you want the front facing space around the fireplace (or the surround) to be snug against the frame of the fireplace inset - that's the metal frame bordering the glass door - in the picture below you can see that there a grey granite border around the fireplace inset,

Please see youtube videos below that show how flexible liners are installed. Please also share your comments on this blog as it helps other customers with similar questions.

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