Zero clearance means the fireplace has its own insulation and it needs zero inches of clearance (distance) from combustible materials in the home. Basically a zero clearance fireplace is a self-contained firebox that is designed to be installed almost anywhere in your home.
What is the difference between a zero clearance fireplace and a masonry fireplace?
While brick and ceramic are the most common materials used for the internal, or working, components of a masonry fireplace, the face material can also include stone, marble, granite, travertine and tile. Zero Clearance (or ZC) fireplaces are pre-manufactured metal fireboxes with coinciding metal flue pipe .
How do I know if my fireplace is zero clearance?
The most obvious way of identifying a zero clearance fireplace is the existence of black metal , either exposed on the face or inside the firebox (Fig. #6). Some fireplace manufacturers are doing a better job of hiding the metal and making fireplaces that look more like masonry (Fig. #7).
Can you burn wood in a zero clearance fireplace?
The fact that a buffer zone is unnecessary means that zero-clearance fireplaces fit and can be safely used in tight spaces. ... These appliances can be used to burn wood, gas, and pellets; yet they never get so hot on the outside that they burn nearby materials.
Can you put an insert in a zero clearance fireplace?
An alternative solution to pulling out your zero clearance firebox is to add a gas fireplace insert into an existing zero clearance wood burning fireplace. ... This new gas insert will be more convenient and will operate more efficiently than your old wood burning zero clearance fireplace.
How long does a zero clearance fireplace last?
While a masonry fireplace may last as long as the house stands, a prefab wood burning fireplace is considered within our industry to have a lifespan of 10 to 30 years .
What is the safest type of fireplace?
Fire safety starts with the type of fireplace you buy. Electric fireplaces are hands down the safest option for families with children or pets. Gas, gel, and ethanol are also safer for children and pets. Wood-burning fireplaces, on the other hand, can be very dangerous if used improperly.
How do I know if my fireplace is masonry?
A masonry fireplace has a firebox built of individual generally yellowish firebrick , a brick chimney above the roof, and if you look up past the damper you will see a roughly pyramid shaped affair also built of brick.
What is a zero clearance box?
A zero-clearance box allows you to put a wood or gas heater into any home . This zero-clearance box above is for a wood heater, it has two layers which allows the hot air flow to pass through and around the chambers allowing the temperature to cool down to a safe level, so it can be installed into a wood frame.
Do zero clearance fireplaces need to be cleaned?
Zero Clearance fireplaces must be cleaned yearly if used ! If creosote is left unchecked and allowed to build up over a period of time, it can superheat, and turn into 3rd degree creosote. This is the cause of chimney fires.
How much does it cost to install a zero clearance fireplace?
If your room is small, a large masonry unit won’t work, but a prefabricated metal zero-clearance fireplace takes a minimum amount of space and can be safely placed near wood framing. A contractor will charge $2,587 to install a prefabricated zero-clearance fireplace and chimney. This includes the labor and material.
Does a zero clearance fireplace need a hearth?
Zero-Clearance Fireplaces are pre-manufactured fireplaces where the unit or firebox can be placed almost directly against combustible materials like wood, walls, or paneling. ... Zero-Clearance Fireplaces do not require a hearth in order to function properly.
What does a zero clearance insert do?
In simple terms, the zero clearance insert is one of the most important accessories you can buy for your tablesaw. It closes the gap from the metal insert that came with your saw which reduces the possibility of tear-out on your cuts .
Does fireplace have to be on outside wall?
To avoid these problems, a chimney should penetrate the highest part of the building envelope. For most common house designs, this means that the fireplace and chimney should be located on an interior wall rather than a perimeter wall .
Can you use a fireplace without an insert?
Usually a wood burning fireplace built with the home will get an “insert” put inside of it. ... You need an insert not a fireplace when you already have a fireplace in the home, you don’t want to do any construction , when you want the simplest conversion.
