Fitting a cast iron insert for fireplace

pooper wrote: »

Can anyone help?

I need some assistance. We have removed an old marble fireplace and are in the middle of fitting a new fireplace. Oak surround with a cast iron insert.

What i need help with is do i fill the gap between the insert and the wall? Up as far as the mantle? This is about a 4" gap. Or do i leave this space empty? And if i fill it, whats the best material to fill it with?

Thanks:D

Hi:) If you are talking about the gap left behind and to the sides of the cast iron insert inside the chimney base I would fill it with a dry vermiculite/sand/cement mix. Then mix wet sand and cement and form the slope up at the three sides so any soot falls into the fire and can't gather in the chimney and cause a fire hazard.


If I have it wrong a photo would help:D

Stove Fan:)

you need to build a single row of brick up either side of the new cast insert.