How Far Does A Fireplace Need To Be From The Wall?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If no wall protection is used, the common radiant-type stove or heater must be spaced out

at least 36 inches

from the wall. This distance may be reduced considerably if asbestos millboard and/or 28 gage sheet metal is used for wall protection.

How far does a fireplace have to be away from the wall?

If no wall protection is used, the common radiant-type stove or heater must be spaced out

at least 36 inches

from the wall. This distance may be reduced considerably if asbestos millboard and/or 28 gage sheet metal is used for wall protection.

How much clearance do you need around a fireplace?

The National Fire Code dictates that any combustible material (e.g., wood mantel or similar trim) must be

at least six inches from the firebox opening

. An additional inch of clearance is needed for every 1/8 inch the combustible material or trim protrudes.

What is code for a fireplace hearth?

For a fireplace with a larger opening of more than 6 square feet, the ICC requires a hearth that extends

20 inches or more in front

and 12 inches or more along the sides. The hearth design must be at least 2 inches thick.

What is a zero clearance fireplace insert?

Zero-clearance fireplaces are

pre-manufactured fireplaces that can be installed almost directly against combustible materials like wood, walls, or panelling

. The construction and materials of the firebox do not allow the outside temperatures of the firebox to affect those materials and do not require a hearth.

What is the normal height of a fireplace hearth?

Again, “proper” height is relatively subjective to your fireplace, but average or standard fireplace mantel height construction is

around 54” above the hearth’s floor

. Your fireplace may fit this dimension or it might be on the shorter or taller end of the spectrum when it comes to mantel height above fireplace.

Does a hearth need to be raised?

A raised fireplace hearth, and therefore a raised firebox, provides a few benefits over one that is located on the floor: Better safety for young children and pets with the fire being less easily reachable from the floor. The fire can be viewed at sitting down height.

How thick does a fireplace hearth need to be?

How deep should a hearth be? InterNACHI recommends that for any size fireplace opening, the thickness of a hearth should be

at least 4 inches (102mm)

.

What is the difference between a zero clearance fireplace and an insert?

A zero clearance fireplace has to be framed specifically into a wall. … In comparison,

an insert is slid into a pre-existing masonry fireplace

. This is an open fireplace made entirely of brick or rock (which are non-combustible materials).

Is a fireplace insert worth it?

Are Fireplace Inserts Worth the Money? … Savings:

Fireplace inserts can help you to cut down on your heating bill

. A fireplace insert is not recommended as a sole use of heating but when used in conjunction with turning down your thermostat, can save you money on your heating bill.

How much does it cost to install a fireplace insert?

How much does a fireplace insert cost? Most fireplace inserts and a professional installation cost

about $2,000 to $4,000

, depending on the state of your existing chimney and the model you select. Some electric models cost significantly less, but they offer less heat output than wood and gas fireplace inserts.

What is the minimum depth of a fireplace hearth?

1 Hearth thickness. The minimum thickness of fireplace hearths shall be

4 inches (102 mm)

.

Should hearth be wider than fireplace?

Your

mantel should be wider than your fireplace

. Typically, a mantel should be a minimum of 3 inches past the firebox on each side. However, more can be better. The average mantel is approximately 6 inches wider than the fireplace on either side, and some can be even wider.

Can you sit on a floating hearth?

Floating hearths

sit underneath the fireplace

and “float” above the ground with empty space below. … They are perfect for homeowners who want a modern look. Even if you have little to no space in your house, we can still outfit your fireplaces with a new hearth.

Can hearth be flush with floor?

If you decide to put the tile flush with the floor, you’ll have to

make perfect cuts of the tile to keep the grout line the same width

. The grout itself could crack over time where it contacts the wood floor leaving a blemish. Putting the tile lower and covering this contact point with a molding solves the problem.

Can you have an open fire in your house?

In

most cases, yes it does

. That being said, many municipalities define open burning to not include burning in a fire pit that is off the ground or covered, as they are less likely to come in contact with other flammable materials by accident, and are less prone to wind-blown sparks and spreading.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.