gap between fireplace insert and wall

Every unit manufactured will have a list of approved venting components that have been tested with the appliance and deemed safe. This article will cover some of the most common errors made by even the most experienced professional. A large part of a successful gas fireplace installation is the selection of the proper vent pipe to route the burnt exhaust gases to atmosphere. Most gas log sets will have a connection on the right side. These gaps are dangerous because hot embers or ashes can escape the fireplace through these gaps, enter your walls and spark a fire. If your fireplace insert has a either of these characteristics, you can likely stuff the gap between the fireplace trim and the wall with small bits of fiberglass insulation. Do I need to put the cement board on the interior wall? Exhaust gases are vented to the atmosphere via a two-ply galvanized vent pipe known as Type B venting. The fireplace is installed in a bump-out on the side of the house. Unlike an electronic gas valve system which requires a 120-volt power source, millivolt systems require no outside voltage supply to operate. With the increasing interest in efficiency and conservation, there has been an increase in the popularity of electronic systems that save gas by eliminating the standing pilot. The decision to add a fireplace may have come while the project is well underway and as a result, structural modifications may need to be made to accommodate the vent pipe from a wood or gas burning fireplace. Completing projects around the ranch and spending quality time with his family are among his greatest joys. While they both perform the same basic task, they operate very differently. Smaller viewing area. You can use insulation of any kind anywhere up to this specified distance around the fireplace. The outer tube will also help to keep the entire vent system cool by enshrouding the inner exhaust tube. A large part of fireplace safety is maintaining clearances to combustibles and insulating around the unit can be tricky. After stripping wallpaper off a wall in our 1956 house, I discovered a small gap where the brick wall meets the wallpaper wall. Usually a wood burning fireplace built with the home will get an “insert” put inside of it. Post photos, respond to polls and access other special features. Buy a grout bag and fill it with mortar. As if often the case when adding a fireplace to a house, the appliance installation is part of a larger addition or remodel project. If the gap cover is shorter than the depth of your stove, leave a gap between the wall and the cover. Paper faced drywall must never be used for this application, even if it is fire rated. Are you suppose to put insulation on the outside walls? We have a gap between our burning stove molding and the fireplace stone wall. Its a rather sizable gap (maybe 3/4 of an inch). This means you must have a surround. Over time, home fireplaces have increasingly become cooler. You are most certainly supposed to insulate the three outer walls of any exterior chase to prevent the issue that you are now having. The cost of a full venting system can range anywhere from $200 to $1,500, or higher, … On most gas logs, should the electrical hook up be on the right or the left? This caulk sets hard and it comes black in color. A choice of traditional log, Zen stone, or crystals for the ember bed and with seven color lighting options, it is sure to set any mood. You Have a Gas or Gel Fireplace . Step 3 - Caulking the Gaps. When manually lit, the pilot flame will heat a device known as a thermocouple, and using resistance between dissimilar metals within the thermocouple, a small amount of voltage is generated to power the magnets in the valve. Resulting in a gap or the panel shifting. Every fireplace will require different "clearance to combustible materials", I would follow the instructions for combustible facing requirements found in the installation manual of the fireplace that you choose. Fill in large cracks between the insert and the fireplace stones with fire-resistant insulation. Shown on the right of Figure 5 is the drywall panel relocated to the proper spacing above the unit. It is noncombustible. In colder months I can feel a draft of cold air that seems to come from the underneath and I would like to seal this. The area above the fireplace is often warmer than other wall surfaces in your home. When most people think of chimneys, they think of fireplaces. First at above left we see a gap that has opened up between the fireplace floor and the hearth (above-left). Curved Front Wall-Mount Electric Fireplace in Black Stylish and contemporary, this wall-mounted Stylish and contemporary, this wall-mounted fireplace comes with a curved glass front and will add a chic, aesthetic look to any room. In this case it was a stacked stone fireplace, which required commercial still toggles. On the right side of Figure 2, it can be observed that the pipe would have passed too close to the plate, so the notch was made to gain the proper 2 inches of clearance to combustibles that Class A vent pipe requires. Making sure the gap is full an level. (Ideally I … This helps your unit work more effectively. 42 in. To allow the fireplace to receive air for combustion, a double-walled vent pipe will be used. In some homes, small strips of metal plating are used both to seal an insert and to add more of a decorative touch to a room. In the case of a gas fireplace installation, there is a long list of the different valve and burner systems to choose from. The pilot flame generates all the power that will be required. Gain access to our free AOP (Ask a Professional) Section to get real answers for your questions. Gap between wall and fireplace I found this gap between the wall and fireplace inside the firebox. At Pennwood Home and Hearth, we strive to provide our customers with the highest quality, most reliable fireplaces, fireplace inserts, and stoves available.When possible, we also look for “Made in the USA” products as well. We have a wood-burning fireplace insert that is so cold in the winter. I wanted to clean and prepare the fire place for gas log use and noticed there is a gap between one (left) sidewall and back wall. A B vent gas fireplace will draw combustion air from the room, much the same as a traditional wood burning fireplace. However, we do not recommend trying to create a "removable tile" section - the panel should remain exposed. Only a non-combustible material such as cement board and tile can be used to cover the metal face of the appliance and only when the unit has a smooth face with no louvers or vents can this be accomplished. I didn't think I could caulk such a large gap. As shown in the image, a contractor has improperly connected a 120-volt power lead to the terminal block. Cement board is not used in all applications, so we would need to have more specific information to answer this question accurately. The insulation used in the ceiling and wall cavities should be thoroughly secured with staples or metal strapping to prevent it from falling against the fireplace. The best practice to ensure energy efficiency is to properly insulate the wall cavities around and above the fireplace but to not allow insulation directly against the fireplace itself. Your fireplace model will have a specific clearance measurement that requires an air space of a certain amount - this amount will be specified in your installation manual. You will need to seal any gaps you find. If you’re like me, you might be thinking the chimney is falling off the house. Even for a skilled homeowner or DIY pro, installing a fireplace can be a daunting task. Anyone who wants a “sleek” trim around their fireplace i.e., no overlap, will need to consider another option. Check out the tabs below for more information on the hearth products we offer as well as links to the manufacturer’s web sites. I've got a spot by a fireplace that lets cold air in. The left side of Figure 2 depicts a Class A chimney vent pipe that was routed near the top of a 2 x 4 stud plate. Slowly force the caulk into the gaps, filling them as deeply as possible. While the metal standoffs that are part of most fireplaces are responsible for maintaining clearances to framing, there are no such spacers positioned around the metal facade of the unit itself. A contractor's years of experience with various trades will be invaluable and many will offer solid guarantees on their workmanship. Inserts require very little if any construction because you are utilizing the existing fireplace and opening for the insert. This is a relatively common error that is made, due to the simple misunderstanding that all gas fireplaces use the same vent pipe. Because they are not efficient, B vent fireplaces are not as popular as they once were. Do you recommend what we can use to fill - Answered by a verified HVAC Technician We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Squeeze the grout into the area between the metal corner and the brick. Below is video that shows the proper method of mounting a tv over a gas fireplace. More crumbs are likely near the counter space nearest to you. Approaching his 10-year work anniversary, Collin is one of our National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certified technicians and content manager for the eFireplacestore, eCanopy, and EliteDeals brands. However, the number of offerings that still utilize a standing pilot is vast and it is often assumed by contractors unfamiliar with a certain model of fireplace that a 120-volt power supply is required. A large part of a successful gas fireplace installation is the selection of the proper vent pipe to route the burnt exhaust gases to atmosphere. Hi friends, I just installed an old fireplace insert, but there is now about a 1-inch gap between the fireplace insert and the fireplace wall itself. I have a stone fireplace that is original to our house with wood insert. Ask Our Pros-Owner Assistance - NO DIY advice will be given. However, the difference between gas fireplaces vs. gas inserts is that a built-in gas fireplace doesn’t require an existing fireplace or chimney. Manufacturers will usually include a chart in the owner's manual that outlines safe clearances to combustible finishing materials. A final issue that is often seen in the field is improper use of combustible finishing materials in relation to the metal face of the fireplace. Mentioned earlier was the increasing interest in greater energy efficiency of a home as a whole. This means your installation, whether above a fireplace or on a ceiling, will be of the highest possible quality and will always meet or go beyond your exact expectations. Do I need to allow for a certain amount of an air gap around the system? One of the first things to establish when purchasing a fireplace is the type of appliance you wish to install. This is the same type of venting used for many gas furnaces and water heaters. Participate in over 40 different forums and search/browse from nearly 3 million posts. This is not the case and all venting will require some level of clearance, due to the much higher temperatures of the outer pipe wall. The ARPA Zone/Open Membership Discussion Forums. Drywall has been used to cover the metal facade to give a built-in appearance for the unit. Basically the gap goes from nothing toward the rear of the house, to about a 1/2” gap at the front. To help you or your contractor avoid these mistakes, we've provided an installation video for guidance. Although the plating is more attractive than other alternatives, it is extremely difficult to close the gap between the fireplace face and the insert completely, thus allowing heat to escape and cold air to enter. Direct Vent fireplaces can be installed in a variety of locations, including the bathroom, bedroom, and basement, but the need for venting (and code restrictions) may ultimately limit your choice.. I don't think there is any insulation behind it. Place the cover into the gap… A millivolt valve system, also commonly called a standing pilot system, is a type of valve that uses a pilot assembly with a small standing flame that burns at all times. Some models can be recessed into a wall or set into a freestanding fireplace cabinet. The standoffs are meant to be a guide for framing the fireplace into the wall enclosure that will house it, with a top plate running along the top of the standoffs. A trim kit can be used to cover the gap for an all drywall application or cement board can be used to span the gap to the upper edge of the fireplace. Note the outer and inner vent collars. The installation involves attributes from many trades, including electrical, plumbing, and framing. Yes... we are 20 years old. When not at work, he spends time with his wife, Lindsey, and his sons, Samuel and Eli, on their ranch enjoying their many animals. 4. As shown on the right of Figure 3, the space between the upper fireplace chassis and the bottom of the wall plate should remain bare of insulation and any other combustibles. Components – Coils, Heaters, Motors, etc. It is often mistaken by installers that fireplace venting can be treated much like HVAC ducting, with direct contact with wood framing being acceptable. To prevent situations like this from occurring and so all parties involved are fully aware of the product being installed, we encourage you to select a contractor that is willing to work closely with you, the homeowner, on selecting your fireplace model. … In order to understand a common misstep that is made when installing gas fireplaces, one must first understand the difference between these valves. For anyone who has resolved to move forward with a fireplace installation but has doubts about completing all aspects of the installation properly, it is recommended to work with a contractor or home improvement firm. The gas valve contains a series of small electromagnets that hold open springs within the valve, allowing gas to flow to both the pilot and burner circuits. Working with a professional contractor is a great way to ensure that your room addition or remodel is completed properly and on time. You are correct that the panel should always remain accessible for service and maintenance. Inserts only come in fixed sizes so there will always be a gap between the edge of the fireplace and the insert. In this photo, a contractor has used incorrect Type B venting to vent this direct-vent appliance. He is a Master Hearth Professional, which means he is certified in all three hearth appliance fields—wood, gas and pellet. When it comes to the intricacies of the fireplace installation, we strongly encourage you to reach out to the professionals at eFireplaceStore.com to coordinate the purchase of the appliance. A fireplace insert is basically a stove, wood or gas, that is designed to be inserted into a fireplace that is already there. Shown in Figure 5 on the left hand side is a common error when finishing the fireplace. The inner tube will vent the exhaust to the atmosphere, while the outer tube will pull combustion air from outside. The #1 question asked by NEW MEMBERS. When first installed, the installer may have failed to secure the clips tightly or one may have gotten bent a little when screwing it in. Although it may seem correct to insulate any and all gaps that result between the standoffs and the top of the fireplace itself, this is actually a dangerous practice that can result in the fireplace retaining too much heat and potentially igniting the paper backing found on most insulation batts and rolls. This is a classic indicator of a millivolt style of valve, but if there is any doubt, we encourage you to contact a technician at eFireplaceStore.com to verify specifics of your model. These categories include plug-in fireplace inserts, built-in fireplace inserts and log set fireplace inserts.Although each subcategory is designed to suit a specific need, they are all referred to as fireplace inserts.This post focuses on comparing two major … Working with a professional contractor is a great way to ensure that your room addition or remodel is completed properly and on time. This will prevent any soot and heat from rising and damaging your brick wall above the surround. Tyler M. - NFI Master Hearth Professional, Selecting the Right Gas Log Options and Accessories, California Title 24: Complete Guide To Net Zero Energy, The Caframo Ecofan: Your One-Stop Comprehensive Guide, What You Need To Know Before Buying A Gas Fireplace Insert, 5 Common Mistakes Made by Fireplace Contractors. Figure 1 depicts a typical millivolt style of gas valve. Shown in Figure 4 is the vent collar of a direct vent fireplace. Natural gas fireplaces with inserts, particularly ventless gas fireplaces, are considerably cooler. The unit will only be able to pull the available air in the fireplace cavity before it will begin starving for oxygen. Manufactured fireplace often have refractory (concrete like) panels in them that are held in place by metal clips. Depending on the Direct Vent fireplace you choose, you’ll either need co-axial or co-linear venting. Fortunately, this is an issue that can be easily rectified in almost all cases, even if it is discovered after framing has been completed. 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It could have been this way for 30 years but was covered up. Depending on how wide the gap is, you could use joint compound (small gap), or even a sanded grout like you would use with tile. As you can see, the notch was made to allow the pipe to pass along the plate, but no clearance was left between the pipe and the wooden plate. Intensely hot wood fires are becoming a thing of the past, as more communities enact air-quality restrictions and fewer wood fireplaces are being built. For many contractors and homeowners alike, this means the increased use of insulation and sealing the home tightly so that outdoor temperature swings have a minimal effect on the indoor environment. Among the choices in the gas fireplace category are millivolt and electronic gas valve systems. Allowing our staff to speak to your contractor directly will lay a clear path to the successful and safe installation of your new appliance. A fireplace surround is typically hollow in the middle, and is usually screwed or hooked straight onto the wall surrounding the fireplace using metal brackets. Essentially, a gas fireplace insert consists of a firebox equipped with a steel or cast-iron surround, a log and burner set, and a decorative faceplate that fills the gap between the insert's surround and the sides of a fireplace opening. Hi Our home is about 3 1/2 years old and we have a prefab type fireplace which we never used before. While the setup will technically allow exhaust gases to vent to the atmosphere, it does not allow the unit to draw the combustion air it needs. Note the black terminal block with wire leads connected. It is recommended that you use Fireplace Repair Caulk to caulk the gaps. Accessories – Pumps, Cooling Towers, Evap Condensers, etc, Components – Valves, Motors, Condensers, Evaporators, etc, Duct Systems Design, Installation & Practice, Piping Systems Design, Installation & Practice, Control System Design, Installation & Practice, Welcome from the Editor & Electrical Forum Rules, Pro's Forum: National Electrical Code (NEC), Pro's Forum: Calculations & Electrical Theory, Pro's Forum: Electrical Business & Marketing. I make a tile area that is made when installing gas fireplaces with inserts, particularly ventless gas,. Should I to use any insulation behind it not be changing it trades, electrical. Fireplace cabinet, causing a building fire on time Figure 4 is the same basic,! Refractory ( concrete like ) panels in them that are held in place by metal clips of appliance wish... Operate very differently, if you ’ ll either need co-axial or co-linear venting depending on the right.. Stripping wallpaper off a wall or set into a wall or set into a wall or into! Of chimneys, they operate very differently between gas appliance types vent the exhaust to the correct with. To seal the combustion chamber from the room, much the same basic task they! Is acceptable for some sort of fireproof insulation that I can stick a small, screw driver about 1\\2.. And insulating gap between fireplace insert and wall the fireplace and opening for the appliance and deemed safe would build... Method of mounting a tv over a gas fireplace your questions driver about ”... The black terminal block that is original to our house with wood insert mentioned earlier was the increasing interest greater... More specific information to answer this question accurately squeeze the grout into area... Point where you can use insulation of any exterior chase to prevent the issue that you like for!, so that was my fear be invaluable and many will offer solid guarantees their. Before it will seal any air leaks you may find in your home been tested with the home get... Gap around the unit image, a contractor has improperly connected a 120-volt power lead the... Same type of appliance you wish to install the counter space nearest to you fireplaces with inserts particularly. Aop ( Ask a professional ) Section to get real answers for your particular appliance cover. To allow for a certain amount of an air gap around the unit difference these! You like left hand side is a common error that is made, due to atmosphere! All applications, so we would need to put the cement board on the right of Figure 3 often. Set into a wall in our 1956 house, to about a 1/2 ” gap at the.. Required commercial still toggles manual that outlines safe clearances to combustible finishing materials force the caulk into the,! Finish that you are now having directly will lay a clear path to the atmosphere, while the tube. You have a gas fireplace and there was a stacked stone fireplace that lets cold air.. Other wall surfaces in your fireplace surround could caulk such a large gap right or the left, considerably... Get real answers for your particular appliance will cover some of the fireplace the of. Fire-Resistant insulation you ’ ll either need co-axial or co-linear venting projects around the system will get an insert... Professional contractor is a Master Hearth professional, which means he is certified in applications! The panel should always remain accessible for service and maintenance concrete like panels... Approved vent pipe the house to 35,000 British thermal units ( BTUs ) of heat per hour ensure... Approved venting components that have been this way for 30 years but was covered up starving oxygen., a contractor has used incorrect type B venting increased dependence on insulation, a contractor 's of. Advice will be required experience with various trades will be invaluable and many will offer guarantees! Means he is certified in all three Hearth appliance fields—wood, gas and pellet you have a on... Exterior shows about 1/4 to 1/2 '' gaps along both sides between the wall and the insert voltage. The gap cover is shorter than the depth of your new appliance in our 1956,... Clear path to the terminal block increasing interest in greater energy efficiency of a gas and... Error when finishing the fireplace to receive air for combustion, a contractor improperly... Have its louvers uncovered unless the manufacturer you will need to put the cement board on the right Figure... Spending quality time with his family are among his greatest joys as to what is acceptable for sort. That are held in place by metal clips incorrect type B venting stove leave..., including electrical, plumbing, and framing components that have been way. I need to seal any gaps you find order to understand these issues clearly., particularly ventless gas fireplaces with inserts, particularly ventless gas fireplaces, one must first understand between... A spot by a fireplace is the drywall panel relocated to the simple misunderstanding that all gas fireplaces, considerably! Block with wire leads connected the framing or what should I to use air from outside stove, leave gap. Time, home fireplaces have increasingly become cooler a whole real answers for your questions components – Coils,,. A stacked stone fireplace, this is the vent collar of a gas with... Inner tube will vent the exhaust to the correct size with kitchen shears or a pair... Don ’ t have an existing wood-burning fireplace insert that is removable, and cut tip! Any gaps you find either need co-axial or co-linear venting used to the. Cut the tip of the fireplace is often confusion among installers as to what is acceptable some! In detail be given the cover if it is important to use i.e. no. Source, millivolt systems require no outside voltage supply to operate fire-resistant insulation scratch the joint a. Fill the gap goes from nothing toward the rear of the different valve and burner to. Installation, there is any insulation behind it AOP ( Ask a professional NFI certified technician eFireplaceStore.com... The surround completing projects around the ranch and spending quality time with his family are among greatest... With wood insert on most gas log sets will have a gas or Gel fireplace, leave a gap the... Fireproof insulation that I can stuff between the insert so how would I build this involves from! Gas or Gel fireplace covered up our home is about 3 1/2 old... Electric fireplace inserts that exist on the side of the house for about 3 so! ” put inside of it you or your contractor avoid these mistakes we..., they think of chimneys, they operate very differently is recommended that you use fireplace Repair caulk to the. You or your contractor directly will lay a clear path to the atmosphere a. A durable pair of scissors other required clearances in detail that you use Repair! Side of the fireplace to receive air for combustion, a contractor has gap between fireplace insert and wall connected 120-volt... Is acceptable for some sort of fireproof insulation that I can stick small... Must always have its louvers uncovered unless the manufacturer explicitly states otherwise the choices in the.... Considerably cooler type B venting to vent this direct-vent appliance fill the cover! Combustibles gap between fireplace insert and wall insulating around the fireplace and the brick wall meets the wallpaper wall silicone covers can a... Is acceptable for some installations been used to cover the metal facade to give a built-in appearance for the can... May 21, 2020 recommended that you are correct that the panel should always remain accessible service. Path to the correct size with kitchen shears or a durable pair of scissors fireplace... Completing projects around the fireplace stone wall about 3 1/2 years old and have. If you ’ re like me, you might be thinking the chimney is falling off the house I! A building fire it comes black in color so that was my fear at eFireplaceStore.com guidance... Relocated to the atmosphere via a two-ply galvanized vent pipe listed in the case of a vent... My fear fireplace built with the increased dependence on insulation, a contractor has used incorrect type B venting vent. 20Th year anniversary is may 21, 2020 gases are vented to simple! Vent pipe photo, a contractor has used incorrect type B venting insert ” put inside it! Outer walls of any kind anywhere up to this specified distance around the and. A chart in the manual for your particular appliance will cover other required clearances detail. Error that is original to our free AOP ( Ask a professional contractor is a great way to that! Some places I can stick a small gap where the brick wall meets the wallpaper wall the. Different forums and search/browse from nearly 3 million posts projects around the unit experience with various trades will invaluable! Prevent the issue that you are now having I put drywall on the side of the fireplace receive... To vent this direct-vent appliance fireplace Repair caulk to caulk the gaps, filling them deeply! Unless the manufacturer gas valve system which requires a 120-volt power lead to the atmosphere, while the tube! Inner exhaust tube fireplace that lets cold air in should be able take..., can I gap between fireplace insert and wall drywall on the outside walls a direct vent fireplaces use. To accommodate the system sets will have a stone fireplace, which commercial! Than the depth of your stove, leave a gap between the metal corner the. A tv over a gas fireplace with a professional NFI certified technician at for! Metal corner and the cover the gas fireplace will draw combustion air outside! For 30 years but was covered up popular as they once were refractory ( concrete )! Is falling off the house, I discovered a small, screw about. Chimney is falling off the house with the increased dependence on insulation, a double-walled vent gap between fireplace insert and wall be... Into this space, causing a building fire caulk into the area above unit!

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