GregD
Registered User
Hello, I was hoping the folks on this forum could help me understand the code around fireplaces - specifically with regards to hearth extensions and when a wood to gas conversion has taken place.
The specific code in question:
R1001.9 Hearth and hearth extension
R1001.10 Hearth extension dimensions
I have two fireplaces that are essentially stacked on top of each other. One in my living room and one in my master bedroom. I'm looking to redo my hearth extensions, as they're in dire need of a makeover (think really crummy 1970's tile).
My interpretation of R1001.9 is that if the hearth extension is built over combustible material, such as the plywood subfloor on my second floor, the hearth extension technically cannot come in contact with the floor. It somehow needs to float or be cantilevered over the subfloor. Is that interpretation correct?
Note that for me the 8" clearance exception would not apply. I'm in around 6.5".
Although my fireplaces are no longer wood burning and use gas logs (open burner, not a self-contained insert), R1001.9/10 still applies, right? I thought I heard somewhere "once wood burning, always a wood burning fireplace". Is that statement correct?
If the above statement is correct, are there any exceptions which would exempt me from these rather rigorous hearth extension guidelines? If I went and replaced the gas burners with a fully manufactured gas insert which essentially "plugs up" the old masonry firebox - would I then no longer be subject to R1001 and be bumped over to R1004 rules? I would then just use the manufacturer's spec for hearth extension requirements.
Thanks, any insights would be greatly appreciated.
The specific code in question:
R1001.9 Hearth and hearth extension
R1001.10 Hearth extension dimensions
I have two fireplaces that are essentially stacked on top of each other. One in my living room and one in my master bedroom. I'm looking to redo my hearth extensions, as they're in dire need of a makeover (think really crummy 1970's tile).
My interpretation of R1001.9 is that if the hearth extension is built over combustible material, such as the plywood subfloor on my second floor, the hearth extension technically cannot come in contact with the floor. It somehow needs to float or be cantilevered over the subfloor. Is that interpretation correct?
Note that for me the 8" clearance exception would not apply. I'm in around 6.5".
Although my fireplaces are no longer wood burning and use gas logs (open burner, not a self-contained insert), R1001.9/10 still applies, right? I thought I heard somewhere "once wood burning, always a wood burning fireplace". Is that statement correct?
If the above statement is correct, are there any exceptions which would exempt me from these rather rigorous hearth extension guidelines? If I went and replaced the gas burners with a fully manufactured gas insert which essentially "plugs up" the old masonry firebox - would I then no longer be subject to R1001 and be bumped over to R1004 rules? I would then just use the manufacturer's spec for hearth extension requirements.
Thanks, any insights would be greatly appreciated.
