Normally, zero-clearance fireplaces vent through a lightweight metal tube that extends through the ceiling. So, if your room measures 12 feet by 15 feet-for a total of 27 feet-then choose a model with an opening of at least 27 inches. The number of feet you calculate will be the best size of the opening-in inches-for your fireplace. Measure the width and length of your room, then add those measurements together. When it comes time to make a purchase, the real question is, “How big?” You can determine the ideal size for a zero-clearance fireplace with some simple math. Wood-burning, gas, and electrically powered zero-clearance models are all available, with the difference between them largely being a matter of lifestyle and personal preference. For rooms of any size, but for small rooms in particular, homeowners have found that zero-clearance fireplaces are a sensible, more than satisfactory option. Because they are lightweight and have firebox enclosures that always remain cool, zero-clearance fireplaces can sit directly over hardwood floors and within a few inches of existing walls. In comparison with masonry fireplaces, zero-clearance fireplaces are much easier and less expensive to install, requiring significantly less construction work. A nonmechanical way to address this problem is to build a fireplace with a slanted firebox, which inhibits warm air from escaping to the outside. Without such a system, masonry fireplaces can steal warm air and send it up the chimney, resulting in higher monthly heating bills. Once that air is heated, a low-voltage fan pumps it back out into the home. Talk to your builder about the merits of an air-circulating system, which forces the fireplace to draw in cooler air from the room. Local building codes typically give detailed specifications for each of these details as well as for the minimum distance between a fireplace and combustive materials. Related: 10 Accessories for the Fashionable Fireplaceįurther considerations include the dimensions and thickness of the firebox, the size of the damper opening, and the type of chimney and liner used. When used in the quantity necessary to build a fireplace of average size, these materials are hefty indeed, so building codes require that the house framing be modified to accommodate the increased load. Before you do anything else, identify the room in which you plan to locate the fireplace, then make sure its floor joists are reinforced. Adding one to an existing home presents myriad challenges, but it certainly can be done.
#Installing a zero clearance wood burning fireplace how to
It’s a lot easier learning how to build a fireplace like this in new construction. A masonry fireplace consists of a brick or stone firebox, a brick or stone chimney, and, more often than not, a wood mantel. When the average person envisions a fireplace, this is the kind that comes to mind.
Arguably, it’s also the most attractive and impressive-looking. Stop by one of our showrooms to see if a zero clearance fireplace is right for your home.The most expensive option is a wood-burning masonry fireplace. For further explanation, check out this graphic.Ī zero clearance fireplace can be installed almost anywhere in your home that needs some extra warmth or the ambience of a glowing fire. The chimney pipe can be integrated in to the siding of you home, concealed with a masonry chimney chase, or just left as is. Usually, a few sections of stainless steel chimney pipe are run out of the top of the fireplace and up through the roof. Zero clearance fireplaces do require a chimney for venting, but installation may be easier than you think. Generally using only wood fuel, these fireplaces usually have heavy cast iron doors to minimize the loss of warm air up the chimney. Newer models are designed more as efficient room heaters. Blower fans can help to circulate warm air throughout the home. Traditional style fireplaces can use wood or gas logs or inserts to heat a room. The traditional style resembles older masonry style fireplaces. There are a couple of different styles of zero clearance fireplaces. It doesn’t require the use of tile or stone surround the fireplace and you can even run sheetrock right up to the edge of the firebox. Basically a zero clearance fireplace is a self-contained firebox that is designed to be installed almost anywhere in your home. Zero clearance means the fireplace has its own insulation and it needs zero inches of clearance (distance) from combustible materials in the home.
Zero clearance fireplaces come in all shapes and sizes. There are so many choices of materials, styles and sizes, where should you begin? A good place to start is by learning the definition of a zero clearance fireplace. The process of picking out a new fireplace, or upgrading your current one, can be overwhelming.
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