Does anyone have any experience with Isokern fireplace units?
As I understand Isokern it is a pumic based product. It is much lighter than a true mason fireplace. It is modular and just stacked together and glued up. Supposedly much cheaper than a masonry fireplace.
Are they any good? Are they really cheaper? Is the installation possibly a DIY for the guy who is not afraid of details, and pretty handy all around?
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Replies
I used Isokern chimney system in my house 6 years ago ,simple diy, maybe 1 and 1/2 to twice the price of clay pipe and blockwork, I felt it was safer ie it would withstand a chimney fire without damage, and was far better insulated. also it was very easy to build myself.
Dermott
The hardest part, it would seem to me, would be the damper system. Was that well spelled out in the instalation instrucitons?
I was using a French made glass fronted stove/fireplace. the damper was built into that.
Dermott
So did you only use Isokerns chimney system? Or did you put your French box inside of the Isokern Firebox?
I used the 10in. inner and outer chimney system only, costs were relative to here, Ireland, and for materials only. the savings are; labour- diy, time- its fast to erect, it was more compact than masonary-ie I was able to fit through 2ft joist spaceing without trimming, and safety- more fireproof.
Dermott
You say 1 1/2 times the price. Is this material only? As I would be attempting the project on my own vs highering the job out if it were a true masonry fireplace I expected the Isokern to be cheaper?
Actually Isokern advertises there product as being cheaper than masonry, labor included. Comments?