Fireplace insert installation by local installers in North Quarter

The old damper is locked open or taken out

An insert exhausts through its liner, so the fireplace damper has no remaining job. Insert manuals direct that it be locked fully open or removed completely. Pacific's guide says exactly that, and adds that the damper plate may come out where needed to pass the liner through.

A damper left in place and later closed by mistake could block the exhaust path, which is why it is secured or removed during the installation. We tell you which applies to your fireplace, and the handle area is left neat so nobody reaches for a control that no longer does anything.

The metal tag that records the change

When a fireplace has been modified to take an insert, the Pacific guide supplies a metal tag to be fastened to the back wall of the fireplace, so that a later owner or technician can see the fireplace was modified for the insert.

We fasten that tag where the manual directs and point it out at the walkthrough. If the insert is ever removed, whoever takes it out will find the tag before anyone lights a fire in the bare opening, and can have the fireplace checked before it goes back to open burning.

How an insert estimate should read

A clear insert estimate separates the unit, the liner and its connector, the top plate and cap, the surround, any hearth extension, any fireplace repairs, any electrical work by an electrician and the removal of old parts.

Every line carries upfront pricing with no hidden fees, so you can see where the money goes and compare our proposal fairly with anyone else's. Book within 72 hours after the inspection and 10% off is applied right on the estimate.

• Insert model and surround size
• Liner type, size and length
• Top plate, rain cap and any cap change
• Hearth or floor protection work
• Repairs found at the inspection
• Removal and haul-away of old parts

Water in the firebox before installation

Staining, rust on the old damper or a damp firebox floor are signs that water is entering the flue. An insert placed into a wet fireplace inherits that problem, and its steel body is less forgiving of standing water than brick.

When we see signs of water, we trace the likely source at the top of the chimney and include the fix in the scope. The liner cap then keeps rain out of the insert itself once the work is done.