Distance to combustibles - InspectionNews

Richard Roshak · #1 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 05:12 PM

On this pre-fab fireplace, where would you measure the 6" to side combustibles, from the edge of the refractory panels or the slate surround?

Rich

Jim Robinson · #2 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 06:13 PM

Start by finding the owners manual to see what the clearances are required by the manufacturer.

Jerry McCarthy · #3 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 06:37 PM

Refer; IRC 1001.11 Exception 3 & 4.

Bob Harper · #4 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 07:26 PM

Uh, this is a factory built fireplace. R1001.11 deals with masonry fireplaces. R1004 deals with factory built fireplaces and simply states to install per the listing. Most do Not require the normal 6" surround masonry fireplaces do.
Bob

Randy Clayton · #5 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008, 08:24 PM

You must first determine is this a fire place or a gas aplliance of which those restrictions will not apply.

Jerry McCarthy · #6 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Harper

Uh, this is a factory built fireplace. R1001.11 deals with masonry fireplaces. R1004 deals with factory built fireplaces and simply states to install per the listing. Most do Not require the normal 6" surround masonry fireplaces do.
Bob

You're correct, I jumped the gun and will now remove egg from face. Jeeze, I only taight this for 14 years, guess it's old age?

Steve Frederickson · #7 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 03:59 PM

It sure looks like a fireplace to me (not a gas appliance), based on the soot and the tools stored next to it (unless they're there for effect). Most telling of all, the original questioner stated that it was fireplace.

Jerry Peck · #8 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Frederickson

It sure looks like a fireplace to me (not a gas appliance), based on the soot and the tools stored next to it (unless they're there for effect). Most telling of all, the original questioner stated that it was fireplace.

Steve,

You are missing the obvious ...

This is what Rich posted: "On this pre-fab fireplace", he did not post the fuel type.

Thus, quite obviously, *it could be* a "gas fireplace", and, depending on the type of gas fireplace, it could only be a "gas appliance" (with the gas logs removed).

It also could be, just as obviously, a "solid fuel" fireplace (although it looks pretty clean to be a wood burning one).

Richard Roshak · #9 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 06:02 PM

It is a 16 year old pre-fab wood burning fireplace. It was a very nice mantel, however I was concerned about clearances to combustibles.

Rich

Jerry Peck · #10 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Roshak

It is a 16 year old pre-fab wood burning fireplace.

As I said ...

... I was "obviously" way off base.

Steve Frederickson · #11 (**permalink**) 05-08-2008, 05:21 PM

Jerry, you're right. I noticed my error as soon as I hit the "post" button. I thought he had said it was wood-burning, but I probably just assumed that when I saw the photo. In either event, no sense beating a dead horse. Whether it's wood or gas, I agree that if it's a manufactured unit the clearances are usually left up to the manufacturer and the installation specifications.