We are doing a rebuild of a house but kept the fireplace and chimney. We are preparing for the sheet rockers and I realized I’m not sure how to prepare the fireplace. I’ve attached a picture of where it is now. We’ve just had Icynene installed but the area in front of the chimney was not filled in. The code regarding framing around a chimney is 2 inches but I don’t know whether to interpret this as 2 inches in front of the chimney as well as 2 inches to the sides of the firebox or 2 inches to the sides of all masonry and nothing in front. I’m thinking I need to frame around the fireplace and then fill in with fiberglass. I’m a little stumped on this one as I don’t really understand how to apply the building code.
Any insight into how to prepare this area for sheetrock would be appreciated.
Edited 8/9/2005 4:55 pm ET by Mojo
Replies
I install Icynene in Illinois and I tell people to use thermafiber batts around the fireplace. I know Icynene is not a fuel source for fire but it dose fall under the plastic heading in the code books. and plastic shrinks from heat. thermafiber wont. you will need to find a insulation supply house in your area. if you cant contact me and ill send you a few that may have branches by you