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Zero-clearance fireplaces are pre-manufactured fireplaces that can be installed almost directly against combustible materials like wood, walls, or panelling. The construction and materials of the firebox do not allow the outside temperatures of the firebox to affect those materials and do not require a hearth.
What does zero clearance mean on a fireplace?
Zero clearance means the fireplace has its own insulation and it needs zero inches of clearance (distance) from combustible materials in the home. The traditional style resembles older masonry style fireplaces. Traditional style fireplaces can use wood or gas logs or inserts to heat a room.
What is the difference between a zero clearance fireplace and an insert?
Framing. A zero clearance fireplace has to be framed specifically into a wall. In comparison, an insert is slid into a pre-existing masonry fireplace. This is an open fireplace made entirely of brick or rock (which are non-combustible materials).
How do I know if I have a zero clearance fireplace?
The most obvious way of identifying a zero clearance fireplace is the existence of black metal, either exposed on the face or inside the firebox (Fig. #6). Some fireplace manufacturers are doing a better job of hiding the metal and making fireplaces that look more like masonry (Fig. #7).
Is a gas fireplace a zero clearance fireplace?
What Is a Zero Clearance Gas Fireplace? Most contemporary fireplaces need a buffer zone or a clearance area—they must not sit in or around any combustible materials or they may give off enough heat to spark a fire. Zero-clearance fireplaces are an exception.
Does a zero clearance fireplace need a hearth?
Zero-Clearance Fireplaces are pre-manufactured fireplaces where the unit or firebox can be placed almost directly against combustible materials like wood, walls, or paneling. Zero-Clearance Fireplaces do not require a hearth in order to function properly.
Are zero clearance fireplaces efficient?
Benefits of Zero Clearance Wood Fireplace These fireplaces are also more efficient than an open-hearth masonry fireplace. Open-hearth options may have just 10 percent efficiency, while zero clearance wood fireplaces can have an efficiency rating of up to 70 percent.
How long does a zero clearance fireplace last?
While a masonry fireplace may last as long as the house stands, a prefab wood burning fireplace is considered within our industry to have a lifespan of 10 to 30 years.
How much does it cost to install a zero clearance fireplace?
If your room is small, a large masonry unit won’t work, but a prefabricated metal zero-clearance fireplace takes a minimum amount of space and can be safely placed near wood framing. A contractor will charge $2,587 to install a prefabricated zero-clearance fireplace and chimney. This includes the labor and material.
Can you put a wood stove in a zero clearance fireplace?
Typically a woodstove will not fit within the original opening for a zero-clearance fireplace and still meet safe fire clearance distances unless it is quite small and unless adequate heat shielding can be installed.
Can you put a fireplace insert in a zero clearance fireplace?
An alternative solution to pulling out your zero clearance firebox is to add a gas fireplace insert into an existing zero clearance wood burning fireplace. This new gas insert will be more convenient and will operate more efficiently than your old wood burning zero clearance fireplace.
What is a zero clearance box?
A zero-clearance box allows you to put a wood or gas heater into any home. This zero-clearance box above is for a wood heater, it has two layers which allows the hot air flow to pass through and around the chambers allowing the temperature to cool down to a safe level, so it can be installed into a wood frame.
How much clearance do you need for a gas fireplace?
The standard building code is 6 inches of minimum clearance around the opening of the fireplace and it must be surrounded by a noncombustible material. However, if the mantel projects more than 1 1/2 inches from the face of the fireplace, the top noncombustible clearance must be at least 12 inches.
What does a zero clearance insert do?
In simple terms, the zero clearance insert is one of the most important accessories you can buy for your tablesaw. It closes the gap from the metal insert that came with your saw which reduces the possibility of tear-out on your cuts.
Can I put drywall around my fireplace?
Drywall + Fireplace = House Fire Unfortunately, this is highly flammable and is not an appropriate or safe fireplace surround. The sheetrock had to be removed and replaced with any type of non-combustible surround – stone, tile, marble, or metal.
Should I replace wood burning fireplace?
While wood burners are incredibly durable and shouldn’t need replacing too often, they still have a lifespan.
How much does it cost to replace a prefab fireplace?
Removing a prefab fireplace costs $600 to $2,500.Cost to Replace Prefab Fireplace. Type of Fireplace Cost to Install (Including Pre-Fab Removal) Gas $5,300 – $7,200 Stone $4,500 – $6,400 Electric $700 – $4,700.
Can you put a gas insert into a prefab fireplace?
Installing gas logs into an existing fireplace is possible in both prefabricated fireplaces and masonry chimney systems.
Can you add a wood burning fireplace to a house?
If you want to add a wood-burning fireplace, you need space above to get a chimney through the roof. In two-story houses, choices for placing the fireplace might be more limited, but often you can find the 12- to 14-inch space the chimney requires by enclosing a corner of a room or a spare closet.
Do you have to have a chimney for a gas fireplace?
Ventless fireplaces fueled by gas or propane rely on indoor air for combustion, and they exhaust a low level of their combustion gases into the room in which they’re located. A chimney or flue isn’t necessary. In fact, ventless fireplaces generally are just for aesthetics and supplemental space heating.
Does electric fireplace give off heat?
Although electric fireplaces produce enough heat to warm a room 400 square feet and up, they remain cool to the touch. Without the issue of hot metal casings, electric fireplaces are a safe alternative to a traditional fireplace for kids and pets.
