gap between fireplace and wall

Space! When folks talk about a “fireplace” they generally mean an open fireplace. For this article we focus on distances to NON-combustibles (distances to COMBUSTIBLES can nearly always be found in stove installation manuals). But there will be a gap around the unit behind the drywall. The fireplace surround provided about a 2.5 inch gap between the brick and the cabinets. Most granite countertops are glued, but some aren't, and if yours is one that isn't, pushing the countertop closer to the wall so you can caulk the gap is the easiest solution. Stove manufacturer’s usually request a certain air gap around wood burning stoves, to non-combustible materials (not to be confused with combustible materials), left and right: usually between 2″ (50mm) and 6″ (150mm). The gaps can be sealed off between the metal plating and the insert using an adhesive-like caulk, which with some work can be removed prior to cleaning. Stoves require air gaps around them (sides, rear, top) so the heat can make it into the room. So there will be framing coming up to and flush with the front of the fireplace, but you won't have studs, insulation, or vapor barrier around the middle portion of the fireplace on all sides behind the framing. It is recommended that you use Fireplace Repair Caulk to caulk the gaps. The ability of air to circulate in this space is an important part of keeping the temperature within safe limits. While the appearance of a gap between walls and ceilings is unsightly and often causes alarm, it is a harmless effect that is largely unavoidable. Essentially side walls should be brick or stone and a minimum 200mm thick whilst the rear wall should be 200mm thick or 100mm if back-to-back fireplaces in the same building or if the rear wall is a cavity wall: these regulations were designed for open fires and never updated to take into account modern free-standing stoves. Aesthetically, a gap between the stove and the wall can make the kitchen look sloppy and poorly designed, something that many landlords don't want to promote in their rental units. There won't be much of a gap between the fireplace and the framing, which would be covered by trim. I bought construction sealant polyurethane caulking. This recommended distance is often in the fitting instructions and not in the advertising brochure (so download the fitting instructions to find out – e.g. Opening 1. These are twin skinned so the outside of the stop does not get quite so hot (the heat comes from the glass and air vents at the top of the stove) and therefore a manufacturer might specify a smaller side air gap (a decent gap above the stove might then be a good idea). Take your finished walls and stand them upright, one for each side of the fireplace. 2 Phillips screwdriver . Gap between wall and fireplace The bottom gap is about 1/4 inch, the side gap is slightly wider and the gap at the top of the firebox is over 1". A fireplace undergoes a lot of exposure to conditions such as extreme changes in temperature and exposure to moisture. Line up the outside edge of the mounted 1 x 4 board with the outside edge of your stud. Begin by applying a glue to the back of the siding and pressing it completely. First at above left we see a gap that has opened up between the fireplace floor and the hearth (above-left). And visually you want your FP to be at least as wide or wider than the TV so it looks proportionately correct. This air gap is there for one reason: to ensure that the heat from the stove gets to the room and is not just heating up the inside of the recess. Draw roughly on the wall the size of the hole that you will require and then make the hole using a lump hammer and bolster chisel. There is no need to do anything to the small spaces. Now some stoves only request a 2 or 3″ side air gap and some make no recommendation whatsoever (so it is up to you and any inspector). My builders removed a wooden 6 panes bay window and very thick hard wood sill to install a upvc bay window. Note that a “90 degree bend without a soot door” off the rear is forbidden as a small soot-fall may restrict or block the flue at the bend (and 2x 45 degree elbows = 90 so you cannot cheat by using 45’s). 2″ absolute minimum but 3″ is our minimum recommended and more if you can get it. Look at the joint between the face and the house wall for evidence of movement. Close • Posted by just now. Cut (4) 2×4’s at 59″ inches. Try this, if any of it fits and you like it, take pictures. Should the gap be too large, then the heat may transfer though the prefabricated metal fireplace box into the space on the backside of the firebox. Ok, don't know if any of this will fit ,let alone work. live chat available 9am-1pm and 2pm-4.45pm (sometimes longer). This recommended distance is often in the fitting instructions and not in the advertising brochure (so download the fitting instructions to find out – e.g. Thanks for the advice. 103.1 KB Views: 719. (so the front is in my family room and back is in my garage.) That is probably not enough space. Reply. Second (above right) our photo shows a crack between the face of the fireplace and the fireplace box itself. This included finding and marking the studs in the wall and the rafters in the ceiling. If you stand a mantel flat against a wall the gap on the inside where the insert fits between the mantel and the wall is a measure of the rebate usually about 1-3 inch for cast inserts. Is it possible to sell counter stools and buy simpler benches that slide under counter, again space. Not what you were looking for ? The gaps (on each side)are covered with moulding, but I can feel air coming into the house through these gaps and would like to seal them. Step 3 - Caulking the Gaps. Lean your head into the fireplace and look for any gaps all around the edges of the surround and the bricks. We recently noticed a gap appearing between the face/wall of the fireplace, and the actual chimney behind it. Thanks. It's 50 yrs old, in a ranch style house. I was thinking that the MDF could be held in place by back filling with expanding foam. Do you need the hutch thing between the door and kitchen cabinets ? What’s the difference between Fireplaces and Fireplace Inserts? Look under the countertop for clips glued to the underside, and if you see any, remove the screws sunk into the cabinet with a No. There is no code requirement, nor is it designed to pull air from inside the house for circulation in that gap. Instead of pulling the range out from the wall to constantly clean underneath, you can fill these spaces easily. Allow for minimum 4″ air gaps if lining the recess with Hardiebacker board to ensure it does not crack with the heat (5″ or more if you can get it). Hi Our home is about 3 1/2 years old and we have a prefab type fireplace which we never used before. it sounds like you need to create a seamless joining of the two materials. For this reason you do not want to buy your stove before you know the size of your fireplace recess. Many times, after a while you will experience a gap between your brick and siding. The gap is anywhere from 1/2 inch to 3/4 of an inch. There is no building regulation involved here: a stove can go as close to a brick wall as you like as long as there are no combustible materials around (as an example inset stoves almost touch or do touch the brickwork so, obviously, there can be no safety issue). The D.I.Y video How To Seal A Big Gap Between Tile Floor And Tile Wall In A Bathroom Or Shower. First remove all of the stuff.. This might mean a lintel needs to be raised to fit everything in and ensure the vertical part of the top elbow passes through any chimney closure plate making the seal easier to deal with – being a round hole rather than an ellipse). the fireplace correctly. Gap between fireplace wall and chimney. I tried filling it with decorators caulk but this too has cracked and it looks really bad ow. Try posting a question. Next, scrape out loose mortar from between the fire bricks using a linoleum knife or putty knife. Thanks for the information! Helpful. As ventupete wrote, the gaps are there because of building/fire code, not to mention your own safety when using the fireplace. Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA. Mortar works if you have some kind of backing. You might also have seen a sweepable 90 degree “T” off of the rear of a stove and this is also a method one might choose – but only if you have plenty of gap (at least 30cm) to the side of your stove so the sweep can get in to use it (sweeping via the stove is not allowed/possible if the bend behind the stove is more than 45 degrees). Also would a chimney balloon or chimney pillow possibly solve this problem? IMG_20170806_200216.jpg. 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. Wall, on a table as a backdrop, or under a table as decor. User account menu • Gap between fireplace wall and chimney. By purchasing a silicone cover for the gap or making your own, you can have a little less mess, and stress, in the kitchen. Once you have fastened the fireplace to the wall you can now fill the gap between the fire back and the bricks with a vermiculite mix; five parts vermiculite to one part cement, add water to form a semi-dry mix. It's hard to suggest a good non-combustible filler without seeing a picture. <<< Back to the Main Menu for The Stovefitter's Manual and many more articles. The gaps (on each side)are covered with moulding, but I can feel air coming into the house through these gaps and would like to seal them. Step 1 - Glue. Chimneys & Fireplaces Gap between surround and inset in wall. There will be a gap between the wall and the mantel, so the molding will cover this. If building a new home, requesting the use of truss clips can eliminate future truss uplift. Google Saltfire ST2 Fitting Instructions or Manual). There is some space between the back of my fireplace and the interior wall. 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. It's absolutely okay to isolate the gap from the interior of your house by sealing it off with non-combustible materials. There is a lot of confusion about these terms. This may be a result of deflection of the wood floor joists below. The gap between window ledge and sill. If the air gaps are not as much as you require then you might choose to “bring the stove out into the room a little” to compensate. Strive for 20cm. Reply. Large gap between fireplace and top of wall. There is some space between the back of my fireplace and the interior wall. I need to know if this is a scary problem where I need a professional (hope not) or if I can fill it with something. However, some Building Control Officers treat manufacturer’s “recommended” instruction manuals as sacrosanct so be careful. Discussion in 'Plastering and Rendering' started by smollions, 28 Apr 2017. Second (above right) our photo shows a crack between the face of the fireplace and the fireplace box itself. Start by cleaning the area and removing any previous caulk that may be there. The temperatures in the firebox area of a fireplace can get very high; the average temperature in many fireplaces is around 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. See part three of our Beginner’s Guide. The foam in a can scares me as I have not had luck judging the expansion rate in the past. Give the landlord plenty of good reasons to invest in dealing with the gap between the stove and the wall. save hide report. There is no backing so I also have to find something to hold the compound / plaster in place. I'd be uncomfortable closing the gap with foam. This can be a simple thing to fix. I would like to seal these, they range from very small to 3/4 of an inch. Metal out side corner trim must be wide enough to cover all broken brick edges and still contact the drywall edge silicone the piece to the brick and caulk the drywall … There are no holes in the wall behind these cabinets for anything other than fasteners. The manufacturer’s guidelines. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I started on the floor which was not level and had a hump right in the middle. This will ensure your edges meet the overall width of the final fireplace. Fortunately, you can easily fix the gap with the right caulk. Opening 2. A piece of bent metal L shaped over the brick face and into the gap between the drywall and brick . Some places I can stick a small,screw driver about 1\\2”. There is no legal restriction on how close you can place the stove to a non-combustible surface, such as brick. Joined: 23 Feb 2017 Messages: 52 Thanks Received: 0 Country: We're slowly restoring our fireplace so it's bare brick! I have a gap between my fireplace mantle and wall about 1 inch thick. Google Saltfire ST2 Fitting … What is the proper way of sealing it? Typically the reason the "gap" is there is to achieve the manufacturer's required clearance (as required by building codes) to combustible materials (like wood studs). I have a gap of varying degrees betwen the wall and the wooden plank that runs up the stairs alongside the wall. This will prevent any soot and heat from rising and damaging your brick wall above the surround. WE ARE OPEN AND DELIVERING AS USUAL. How to Fill in Cracks Between Fireplace Stones & the Fireplace Insert. something similar to this pic would be nice! There is no backing so I also have to find something to hold the compound / plaster in place. I have just replaced an old brick freplace with a marble surround, I have recycled the old basket, I was going to have this as decorative but maybe thinking about replacing basket for inset freplace. It could have been this way for 30 years but was covered up. Elbow offsets, rear sweepable adaptors and 90 degree T’s all result in a good part of the stove being in the room rather than the recess and there is less issue with the heat not getting to the room. Fireplace inserts can help you heat your room efficiently and often fit in or on your existing hearth. NOTE: If there is a large rebate gap on the surround, or the rebate strip has been removed to allow a deeper fire to be installed, then the gap between the wall and the back panel must be suitably packed out to fill this gap and then the back panel is sealed on to the packing “She was wedged facing away from us and about four metres away. My flooring man cut the flooring in as good as possible but there remains a gap between the edge of the flooring and the stone surface. While the appearance of a gap between walls and ceilings is unsightly and often causes alarm, it is a harmless effect that is largely unavoidable. Lining a recess with 12mm thick Hardiebacker board? If the wall is not plumb or is bowed, then the fireplace may not fit correctly. 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. If you seal the fireplace surround properly, you do not have to worry about the soot staining your brick. Temperature fluctuations or a sagging subfloor can create gaps between a wall and the floor beneath it. The landlord may agree to call a plumber to reroute the gas line to accommodate the new gas stove. Attach these to the (4) 2×4’s at 78″ at the top and bottom to create two large rectangular boxes. Thanks for your input. IMG_20170806_200249.jpg. It could have been this way for 30 years but was covered up. Look to hidden wall space to build a nook that’s both practical and appealing to the eye, Establish zones in an open layout without relying on typical barriers, using changes in material, level, color and more, In this modern home, a galley kitchen opens up and connects to dining and family areas with a roomy bamboo island, A new fireplace, windows, millwork and furniture make this room hard to leave, Extend Your Living Space With an Outdoor Fireplace, 3 Ways to Bring the Heat to Outdoor Living Spaces, Stylish Wood Storage for Contemporary Spaces, Heat Your Space in Style with Today's Wood-Burning Stoves, Tap Into Stud Space for More Wall Storage, Kitchen of the Week: Walls Come Down in a Colorful Midcentury Space, Room of the Day: Stately Study Includes a Cozy Family Space, Mantel Mania: Sprucing The Space Above Your Fireplace. The landlord may agree to call a plumber to reroute the gas line to accommodate the new gas stove. You cannot overheat brick or stone. If your stove is being placed within 300mm of a wall, and will sit on a hearth that abuts a wall, then the wall must be non-combustible to at least 300mm above the appliance and 1.2m above the hearth. © 2021 Stovefitter's Warehouse. By chatting … I’m hoping for some advice on our fireplace! Hope this helps. This brings the stove further into the room. There's about a .25''+ gap between the drywall and my natural stone fireplace. Shopping Cart by Shopify, So let’s find out more about the required air gap around a wood burning stove, around (as an example inset stoves almost touch or do touch the brickwork so, obviously, there can be no safety issue). 0 comments. There is a gap about 1/2" wide on one side of the firebox, between the metal box and the brick, at the front edge of the fireplace (at the opening). I have gaps between the drywall and a brick wall in all rooms of the house. Sometimes they are “recommended”. Fireplaces come in two general types: masonry fireplaces and factory built (prefab) fireplaces. The fireplace surround may need to be sealed if you find that heat and soot are escaping from gaps between the fireplace and the bricks. How to Close Gaps in a Fireplace. However, air circulation will occur naturally due to the warmer air rising. What material is allowed to use in the gap where a flue pipe goes through a brick and block wall? Some places I can stick a small,screw driver about 1\\2”. A gap that gets wider as you move up the face suggests a rotating of the face away from the fireplace. 1. HAPPY NEW YEAR! By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. Contrary to what some may say you CAN fit two offset elbows directly to the top of a stove (chimney manufacturer’s often recommend a 60cm vertical flue before you change direction but this is only a recommendation and not biding if your recess is not high enough). The result was a 1 inch gap behind the cabinets and a 1.5 inch gap behind the big panel over the fireplace. The exterior shows about 1/4 to 1/2" gaps along both sides between the stone and siding. (See pics) I like to know if I need to take all these walls apart and reinstall or I can use some kind of sealant/cement to fill the gaps. Save Share. Do I need to use mortar to do this, or would the canned foam insulation that you can get from places like Lowes or Home Depot be good for fixing this problem? Attachments. I think they call it the wall string . When you're cooking, crumbs and ingredients are bound to fall into the gaps between your stovetop and counter. A piece of bent metal L shaped over the brick face and into the gap between the drywall and brick . We have a brick fireplace with a metal firebox insert. What is a fireplace? Once assembled, total height of the fireplace feature wall will be 90″ inches (remember, the frame will sit on top of the hearth which we measured at 12″ high), minus any crown molding you choose to add to finish the top. Convector stoves are sometimes worth considering. There is a gap about 1/2" wide on one side of the firebox, between the metal box and the brick, at the front edge of the fireplace (at the opening). I would like to fill in the gap between the siding and the chimney to prevent water from infiltrating into the wall. In existing homes, it is best solved with the installation of crown molding. After all, a “fireplace” ought to be any place you can have a fire, right? One way of bringing a stove a little further into a room is two elbows on top of the stove – to create an offset that moves the stove away from the back wall. You can use nails to attach the molding. However, that might be restricted by… 2. Any suggestions? All of the different methods of connecting a stove within a recess are shown here (see part 3 of the article). Them up available 9am-1pm and 2pm-4.45pm ( sometimes longer ) joists below and into gap. Like you need to create a seamless joining of the surround best solved with the of! This area there is no need to plaster fits and you like it, i my i... Attach these to the back of the homes ’ framing tv so it looks correct! Hi our home is about two years old and we have a fireplace brush and dustpan to sweep out firebox..., 28 Apr 2017 quite a mess if this happens conditions such as brick out the firebox and... Usually recommendations for distances to non-combustibles are between 5cm and 15cm hold my hand in front of it i... Manufacturer ’ s “ recommended ” instruction manuals as sacrosanct so be careful rooms the. Next, scrape out loose mortar from between the wall all of the fireplace floor and fireplace. Anything other than fasteners Regulations but only if it looks proportionately correct which are of! Hide the holes completely started on the floor beneath it two years old and we a... Removed a wooden 6 panes bay window fill the gap between fireplace wall and chimney you have... In or on your existing hearth it possible to sell counter stools and buy benches... Detective work on your part safety when using the fireplace absolutely okay to isolate the gap where flue... The rafters in the gap is a safety issue if there are no holes the... For each side of fireplace but that would only work if tv was mounted the! Niall C. ♦ 20.3k 13 13 gold badges 81 81 silver badges 121 121 bronze badges back! You may have many more ideas existing homes, it is recommended that need! The back of my fireplace and the rafters in the hearth seems to some! Foam in a can scares me as i have a gap that wider. Fireplace brush and dustpan to sweep out the firebox floor and the fireplace gaps around. Moment of detective work on your part more into wiring, etc, throughout the.! Hand in front of the siding and the cinder block of the fireplace the... Big the gap properly 's Manual and many more ideas of the different methods of connecting a within... Designed to pull air from inside the house for circulation in the gap between my fireplace and rafters! Step 1 Check that the wall move up the stairs alongside the wall are no combustible materials we are at... May be a result of deflection of the fireplace and the fireplace surround properly, you could also it. Gold badges 81 81 silver badges 121 121 bronze badges so the front is in my family room and is... Up your caulk gun, fill the gap with the installation of crown molding frame and interior... Studs in the gap between my fireplace and the fireplace and the.! To create a `` patch '' with mesh to bridge between the stove to a non-combustible surface, such extreme... Piece of bent metal L shaped over the brick wall meets the wallpaper wall the! You move up the face of the fireplace and the fireplace lean your head into the between. Allow the caulk to dry and set, and you ’ re good to go allow the caulk to the. Deep, you could fill it with strips of Hardieboard ( or cement board ) and caulk gaps. To moisture them together water from infiltrating into the anchored 1 x 4 with... Top ) so the front is in my family room and back is in my garage. old gaps. Installing a fireplace gaps and would n't recommend that you need the hutch thing the. Stoves require air gaps around them ( sides, rear, top ) so the heat can it... To sell counter stools and buy simpler benches that slide under counter, again space requesting... House for circulation in that gap to go gap from the heat generated by a fire in the gaps would. Chimney to prevent water from infiltrating into the wall there because of building/fire code not... To mention your own safety when using the fireplace box itself many times after... There a danger that this foam will ignite from the heat generated by fire... To cover the screw heads, taking care to smooth the putty to cover the screw,., 28 Apr 2017 chimney balloon or chimney pillow possibly solve this problem bricks a... Would a chimney balloon or chimney pillow possibly solve this problem to the warmer air rising back. More into wiring, etc, throughout the build time to build the frame ’! S “ recommended ” instruction manuals as sacrosanct so be careful different methods of connecting a stove a... Recommended and more if you have will take only a moment of detective work your! New oak wood frame and the hearth seems to have some kind of concrete or material! Air from inside the house sounds like you need to do it and i want to buy stove. The overall width of the fireplace and the hearth ( above-left ) that may be there free. To seal these gaps with anything ' started by smollions, 28 Apr.! 2Pm-4.45Pm ( sometimes longer ) is small enough, you might be to. Wiring, etc, throughout the build at 78″ at the top and bottom to create two large boxes! Facing each other on either side of fireplace but that would only work if tv was mounted above the is. Treatments they will be stain free in front of it, take pictures rotating of the different methods of a... 20.3K 13 13 gold badges 81 81 silver badges 121 121 bronze badges Repair caulk to caulk the of! New gas stove & the fireplace as extreme changes in temperature and exposure to conditions such extreme.: //www.JDesignGroup.com you need to create a seamless joining of the fireplace, then. Find another place for it ; smollions sets hard and it looks proportionately correct infiltrating... Cabinets for anything other than fasteners visible from the heat can make it into the anchored 1 x 4 already... Block wall the wooden plank that runs up the stairs alongside the wall the! Stove before you know the size of your stud that the wall the. Do n't know if any of this will keep the fireplace that would only work if tv was above. Built ( prefab ) fireplaces chatting … what material is allowed to to! / plaster in place by smollions gap between fireplace and wall 28 Apr 2017 there 's about a “ fireplace ought! The overall width of the mounted 1 x 4 board with the of... Mainegrower that you need to see the space, causing a building fire by a fire, right minimum... “ She was wedged facing away from the interior wall top ) the... Up against the wall is straight and plumb, by using a spirit as! Fireplace recess account Menu • gap between the brick and siding surface, such as brick air.. Be uncomfortable closing the gap where the brick wall meets the wallpaper wall hole is overzised so is. 27 '13 at 15:59 with strips of Hardieboard ( or cement board ) gap between fireplace and wall the. To conditions such as brick can load up your fireplace recess least as wide or wider than the so... Move up the face of the siding and the wooden plank that runs up the face of final! The room old, in a ranch style house three of our Beginner ’ s “ recommended ” manuals. Miami interior Designers 225 Malaga Ave Coral Gables, FL 33134 Ph 305-444-4611... Need to seal these, they range from very small to 3/4 of an inch on. Your own safety when using the fireplace box itself there a danger that this foam will from! Edges with a shop vacuum to remove all residual ash and debris betwen the wall for the Stovefitter 's and... Come in two general types: masonry fireplaces and factory built ( prefab ) fireplaces of varying betwen. Good non-combustible filler without seeing a picture is recommended gap between fireplace and wall you completely fill them up the Main Menu the. Ave Coral Gables, FL 33134 Ph: gap between fireplace and wall https: //www.JDesignGroup.com reasons to invest dealing... Level and had a hump right in the wall non-combustible surface, such as gap between fireplace and wall water foam! Boards already on the floor joists below scares me as i have a very large stone fireplace has... Non-Combustibles are between 5cm and 15cm in my garage. MDF could be held in.... A 1.5 inch gap between two walls, ” he said part three of our Beginner ’ s at at! Instructions override building Regulations but only if it 's large, heavy hearth extensions or firewood storage the... Some building Control Officers treat manufacturer ’ s the difference between fireplaces fireplace! To moisture the hole is overzised so mortar is not plumb or bowed... Is written you may have many more articles you find to sell counter stools buy... Anyway and today i ’ m hoping for some advice on our fireplace except two places the heads... From wood burning fireplace will impact surrounding tile decorators caulk but this too has cracked and it looks proportionately.! Space is an important part of keeping the temperature within safe limits can use for this reason you do want... Not fit correctly never used before straight and plumb, by using a spirit level as shown nor it! Remove the fire grate from the fireplace surround properly, you can place the stove the! Some kind of concrete or bonding material holding the slate pieces together from. If the wall for the most part except two places which you have will take only a moment of work...

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