Basics of Installing a Wood burning Insert with a chimney extension; How to install a wood insert

How to Install a Quadrafire Explorer 2 Wood Insert in a Short Masonry Chimney | Byron on the Rooftop In this video, Byron on the Rooftop walks you through the process of installing a Quadrafire Explorer 2 wood insert in a masonry chimney that does not meet the manufacturer’s height requirements. To ensure proper draft and safe operation, Byron’s team extends the chimney using 24 inches of 8-inch Class A pipe with an anchor plate, allowing them to run a full-length 6-inch chimney liner as required. This installation method is useful for many wood-burning inserts, especially when dealing with short masonry chimneys. Even though the Quadrafire Explorer 2 is discontinued, the techniques shown in this video apply to all major brands of wood inserts. Step 1: Assessing the Chimney & Preparing for Installation A key challenge in this project was that the existing masonry chimney was too short to meet the manufacturer’s required flue height. This issue can result in: ✔ Poor draft and inefficient burning 🔥 ✔ Smoke spillage into the home 🚫🏠 ✔ Difficulty keeping the fire lit ❌ To solve this, Byron’s team adds 24 inches of Class A chimney pipe with an anchor plate, which effectively extends the functional chimney shell. This adjustment allows them to install a full-length 6-inch stainless steel liner, ensuring safe and efficient operation. Step 2: Installing the Chimney Liner & Anchor Plate ✔ A stainless steel 6-inch chimney liner is inserted from the top, running the full length of the chimney. ✔ The anchor plate is securely fastened to the masonry chimney top, providing a solid connection point for the added Class A pipe. ✔ The 24-inch Class A extension is installed above the anchor plate, boosting overall chimney height for better draft. ✔ A chimney cap is added to keep out rain, snow, and animals. Step 3: Installing the Quadrafire Explorer 2 Wood Insert Once the chimney liner is properly in place, the wood-burning insert is positioned inside the existing fireplace opening. The liner is then connected to the stove collar, ensuring an airtight and efficient venting system. Step 4: First Fire & Using the Air Control 🔥 Byron demonstrates how to build the first fire in the Quadrafire Explorer 2, following proper break-in procedures to cure the paint and components. 🔥 He explains how to use the air control, ensuring maximum efficiency and heat output. 🔥 Even though the Explorer 2 is no longer manufactured, the air control and burn cycle principles apply to many modern wood inserts. Conclusion This project shows a safe and effective way to extend a short masonry chimney to meet manufacturer specs, improving draft, efficiency, and performance for wood-burning inserts. Whether you’re installing a Quadrafire, Regency, Lopi, or any other wood insert, these steps will help you achieve a proper setup for long-term performance. 📌 Subscribe for more expert chimney and fireplace installation tips! 🔥