While a gas fireplace keeps the flames contained, the heat generated can be tremendous. Metal framing adjacent to the firebox unit ensures safety and the longevity of frame. Your fireplace-construction will also require cement board (or concrete board) rather than typical drywall.
Typically, fireplaces require steel framing and cement/concrete board when building within the unit's clearance to combustibles.
While drywall is fire resistant and used in fire-rated wall and floor/ceiling assemblies, it is not rated for use in fireplace insert surrounds. Radiant heat from pellet or gas inserts dries the cover paper, which is combustible and can pose a fire hazard.
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.
Gas fireplaces will not damage flooring or other materials that are in close proximity, like a wood-burning fireplace would. The surround, the 3- or 4-inch material surrounding the face of your fireplace, can make a subtle and refined statement. It's generally marble, granite or another stone that reflects heat well.
Although wood is combustible and therefore the source of the fire itself in a wood-burning stove, you can still include it as part of your gas fireplace surround, too. However, you must ensure that the surround is built properly and in accordance with the National Fire Code.
Most building codes require that wood and gas fireplaces have a hearth made from a non-combustible material to protect the interior flooring from heat and embers. Since electric fireplaces don't have real flames, they don't require a hearth.
But did you know that you don't have to use an electric fireplace when combustible finishing materials are present? Using a modern gas fireplaces safely with shiplap finishes is not only possible, but has fewer limitations than you might think.
When it comes to constructing walls around gas and wood burning fireplaces, using non-combustible framing materials is often a requirement. Building codes and safety standards specify the minimum fire resistance rating for walls surrounding fireplaces.
Laminate surrounds
A hearth shall be provided for a gas fire unless the fire conforms to the requirements of BS 7977-1 for installation without a hearth.
While a gas fireplace keeps the flames contained, the heat generated can be tremendous. Metal framing adjacent to the firebox unit ensures safety and the longevity of frame. Your fireplace-construction will also require cement board (or concrete board) rather than typical drywall.
Materials such as ceramic tiles, natural stone, and metal are known for their high heat resistance capabilities, making them ideal choices for fireplace surrounds. Ceramic tiles, for instance, are excellent at withstanding high temperatures and are also easy to clean and maintain.
They shall have a clearance at the sides and rear of not less than 18 inches (457 mm).
It is possible to install drywall around a gas fireplace, but it is not ideal. This is because drywall is highly flammable. The best option would be to use type X drywall, which is gypsum-based. Standard building code dictates a minimum clearance of six inches between a fireplace and any combustible material.
The benefits of using PermaBASE Cement Board on fireplace insert surrounds include: Durability: Comes with a lifetime limited warranty for residential interior applications. Design flexibility: Ideal substrate for direct-applied veneers. Time savings: Lightweight and easy to cut for speedy installation.
Cement board offers superior durability as the material is specifically engineered to withstand heavy loads without sagging or warping, making it exceptionally robust and resilient. It is highly resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew, ensuring longevity in wet environments such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Combustible trim on the face of the fireplace could be installed as close as 6 in. to the opening, but its projection is limited to 1⁄8 in. for every inch above the opening. This means that you can have 3⁄4-in.
Direct Vent gas fireplaces require outside air for combustion and exhaust – that's why they are so often installed on outside walls of homes. But what if that perfect spot for a fireplace is on an interior wall? No problem!
You can pull the fireplace and insulate up to the fire break behind it. I'd recommend using Rockwool as it's naturally fire resistant but you can also do regular fiber or foam board as well. May want to install some sheetrock over the insulation to help with air sealing.
Many people don't realize that shiplap is perfectly safe to install in your fireplace surround if you follow the correct safety codes.
A chimney liner is a critical component of your gas fireplace system, playing a vital role in protecting your home and ensuring safe and efficient operation.
A room with a fireplace has a built-in focal point, but you can enhance this homey feature even more by using it as the base for an eye-catching accent wall. Clad your fireplace accent wall in wood paneling, rustic stone, decorative tiles, paint, wallpaper, or custom finishes.
Generally, this will put the bottom of a linear fireplace 12 to 30 inches off the floor. However, if the fireplace is going to be next to a dining area, we suggest that the bottom of the fireplace be 36 inches off the floor, so that the chair backs don't hide the flames.
The answer to “is it safe to leave a gas fireplace on all night” is no. There is no gas-burning fireplace that would be guaranteed safe to run all night while you and your family are sleeping. escape is often impossible.
Maintain Distance: At least 12 inches of non-combustible flooring, such as tile or stone, between the fireplace and the carpet. This buffer zone reduces the risk of sparks landing on the carpet. Use a Hearth Rug: Place a hearth rug before the fireplace.