Fireplace Enclosure

[Michael Larson]

Did the rep you spoke to specify the clearances to cumbustables and to the other vent?

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

I did not know the brand of the FP, so most of his comments were general in nature.

Clearance can be as little as 3/4" in some cases, but he was unaware of any "zero-clearance" allowances for vents. He also said there should be at least 1" between vents, however, their terminations should be separated by at least two feet.

[Michael Larson]

Jeff and all who read this thread,

I have misused the term zero clearance.

That term should only refer to the clearance to cumbustibles of the prefabricated metal firebox assembly and not the flue vent. The triple wall flue I mentioned does have clearance to combustibles requirements of 2" and it also requires firestops between floors and insulation barriers if it passes through insulation.

Thanks for the information you passed along.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by mlarson

That term should only refer to the clearance to cumbustibles of the prefabricated metal firebox assembly

That is correct. Sides, back and bottom will often have a "zero" clearance allowance. The top is generally 16" or more.

[Keith Swift, PhD.]

My understanding is a chase (vertical fire-stop) has been mandated since 1992, and I alway call it out if it doesn't have one. Dale Feb of D-Way fireplace Inspection Service is a recognized authority on prefacricated fireplaces. fireservice@earthlink.net