Hello,
I had a custom tile fireplace built to replace a wood burning one. Tile was mounted on Hardie board and framed out of wood. Tiles are 4×4 inches and 1/4 inch thick. Frame protrudes from the wall 4″ .
I planned to convert to gas but fireplace company says the frame cannot be wood. Contractors say this should not be an issue and they can install.
Does anyone have any insight on this?
Ty very much in advance.
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Replies
Who do you think you should believe?
Well that doesn't answer my question but would go with fireplace people.
I like my contractors though... I have seen photos of wood frames for tile surround am am confused here.
It all depends on the design of the fireplace. Some are designed for zero distance to combustible materials, and some are not.
You can look for another gas fireplace, or re-do your enclosure.
“Protrudes from the wall 4”?
The clearance specs dictate the install. What gas fireplace do you have, what are the clearance specs and what do you have already built?
Spec sheet and pictures will help.
I dont have the insert yet, just the fireplace which is wood burning prior to renovation. Had a single piece wood mantle/ surround which was removed.
Pic if finished fireplace below.
Does this help?
I am not going to say it will be ok to install your new gas unit. I have built mantles, surrounds and installed several gas units.
All the clearances to combustibles are shown in the installation spec sheet which you should be able to download according to what you ordered…..make and model number.
Without knowing the above, I see what might be the problem. Your current setup is recessed into the surround. Tho the finish is tile and hardie, the wood framing might be what concerns the fireplace shop. Most if not all gas units have a “triangular” area of no combustibles above the unit. No overhang diectly above, graduating to 7” or more overhang maybe 12” above opening.
Get the spec sheet and post a link or a picture here.
Yes you are correct. The issue is the frame. How difficult is this to fix? Not sure if would be better to fix this or look for a zero clearance insert? I have not ordered anything at this point. Ty!
Well, the guidelines are there for a reason so dangerous………..?
Can you pull the unit forward some to alleviate the distance recommendations or is the intention to remove that whole surround, install the fireplace unit and then place the surround back?
If so, could you raise the surround, figure a way to make 2 fills at the bottom that would look good with it. I realize that now you also could be screwed up to at the chimney cover……but with a keen eye and some more trimming, add some crap layer up there……shouldn’t be too bogus.
Or, if they make a zero clearance….
So, you have a link for the one you originally were trying to use? Post it here.
And by the way. Your contractor, how is he so sure there isn’t going to be a problem?
Edit: I’m sorry, making your picture bigger I now see you’ve got electric above the mantle.
As long as the wood framing is covered with something inflammable like Hardi it's fine.
That's what my contractor says. Fireplace company will not install based on manufacturer specs. I am contacting other companies. Ty for reply.