Fireplace question

[75gmck25]

Not really a heating question - New zero clearance gas fireplaces seem to be built so that the bottom of the firebox is several inches off the floor, which means they have a 4-5" lip on the front, and do not have the same appearance as a masonry fireplace with a flat floor.

Is this a design requirement because of the zero clearance, or are there some models that can be placed on a non-combustible floor (e.g., concrete) and then look more like a masonry fireplace?

Thanks,

Bruce

 

[BillK]

Bruce,
Not really an answer but I have had masonry fireplaces in three different houses and all of them have been raised up at least 6 inches from the floor ?? Dont think I have ever seen one flat on the floor.

 

[jbwilkins]

Not a design requirement....it's strictly for appearance....We typically set them on 8" blocks.....

 

[gungatim]

the reason is for airflow. mine have a removable panel on the bottom, which I removed and installed the optional blower motor (on the upstairs one). it will draw air in the bottom and blow out the top. the clearance all around the box is for airflow. helps heat the room. if you do not want the blower, you can put some face tile/brick in that area, as well as the top as long as you leave the vent area open. I did part of the top (to the vents) overlapping the drywall and steel box. you can see the top of the wood burning one in my family room and the whole propane unit in my basement in the pics, some people raise the unit up for more face brick but I just put mine on flush on the floor.

 

[75gmck25]

The fireplaces in the pictures are typical of what I have found in new direct vent units. My 1940 fireplace floor is completely even with a brick hearth on the floor outside, so there is no difference in height. My wife likes this look, and it is consistent with other colonial style houses in the area. We will continue to look, but I don't think I'll find exactly what she wants.

Thanks again.

Bruce

 

[kj_mustang]

You can build them with a raised hearth in front so that the bottom of the firebox is almost even with the hearth. Check out this model, I have one and love it. You have to leave a little difference to remove the class and screen. You can download the install instructions and look at the hearth page.

 

[billie]

Zero Clearance Fireplaces come with detailed Installation Instructions and are only Certified/Insurable when those instructions are followed to the letter.

Some will allow you to build up with non combustibles in front to get that level look you want. Most will not.

While logic might lead you to think well this should work...... If the unit was not tested in the configuration you desire..... and a house fire results.... your insurer will likely not pay out the claim.

This is my profession, I am a Certified Technician, Inspector and Sweep for solid fuel appliances.

 

[75gmck25]

Building a raised hearth seems to be a common configuration for these pre-fab fireplaces, but that's not the look I prefer.

I've found a couple models from Mendota that have the right appearance, but their prices are atrocious. One model is called the FullView, and I really like the look, but the initial quote was about $9K just for the fireplace pre-fab unit!

Bruce