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.

How much wall depth do you need for a gas fireplace?

Typically, a depth of 2 to 4 inches is the recommended amount of lava rocks for most gas fireplaces.

How much clearance does a ventless gas fireplace need?





Sidewall and ceiling clearances: The sides of the fire- place opening must be at least 16″ from any combustible wall. The ceiling must be at least 42″ from the top of the fireplace opening.

Can I drywall around a gas fireplace?

We talked to the experts, and this is what we discovered. It would be best if you did not use regular drywall around a fireplace as it is considered to be highly flammable. Instead, it would be best to surround the fireplace area with non-combustible materials such as stone, tile, marble, or metal.

What is the recommended height from the floor to mount a gas fireplace?

Raising these fireplace 6 to 12 inches off the floor is perfectly acceptable. In bedrooms, we suggest that you raise them even higher, so that the flames are visible from the bed. This might mean that the fireplace is 24 to 36 inches off the floor.

What is code for gas fireplace surround?

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 is a zero clearance gas fireplace?





Zero-clearance fireplaces are pre-manufactured fireplaces that can be installed almost directly against combustible materials like wood, walls, or paneling. 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.

Which is better vented or ventless gas fireplace?

Ventless fireplaces are more energy efficient than vented fireplaces because no heat escapes up the flue, so you’ll save money on gas utility bills. A vented gas fireplace uses more gas to create the same level of warmth because some of its heat escapes through the flue.

How close can a fireplace be to a window?

Put Safety Precautions in Place

When installing a wood stove in front of a window, make sure the clearance is at least 36 inches from the glass to keep it from heating up and cracking or getting damaged.

Can you put a gas fireplace on an inside wall?



Their inner and outer shell construction allows for maximum heat insulation.” As long as you have a natural gas connection or propane availability, you can install a gas fireplace almost anywhere in your home—under a window, in either an outside or inside wall, at wainscot or floor level, in a corner or even in the …

How much depth is needed for a fireplace?

A wood-burning fireplace should be at least 16 inches (40.64 cm) deep, as standard, unless the opening is over 48 inches (121.92 cm) wide, according to the Brick Industry Association. At most, the depth of a wood-burning fireplace should be 20 inches (50.9 cm) to allow for ample heat distribution.

Can you fit a gas fire on an internal wall?

The short answer is yes. You definitely can install a gas fireplace even if you only have an internal wall available – as long as you have the required outlet. What you’re going to need is a balanced flue that can vent through the ceiling of the room, up through any rooms above, and out through the roof.

How wide does a hearth need to be for a gas fireplace?



The hearth must extend a minimum of 150mm either side of the opening and a minimum of 300mm in front of the opening. The hearth must also be a minimum of 50mm in height or be surrounded by 50mm high fender. No combustible material should protrude onto the hearth.

Can I have a gas fire without a chimney?

Flueless Gas Fires

Yes, you can have a gas fire without a flue. These rather clever fires can either use an in built catalytic converter to filter any gases. Flueless gas fires are a very interesting option for people with no access to an external wall.

Do you need ventilation for a gas fire?

Some gas fires are flueless, which means they do not need to be connected to a flue pipe or chimney , they do however require adequate ventilation. Because they burn very cleanly, exhaust gases can be released back into the room safely.

Do gas fireplaces use a lot of gas?



A standard 20,000 BTU gas fireplace will use about 20 cubic feet of natural gas per hour. Given that price of natural gas is about $1.09 per 100 cubic feet, running a standard-sized gas fireplace will cost about $0.22/hour at 100% heating output. In short: Gas fireplaces are quite inexpensive to run.

Are ventless gas fireplaces safe?

Are Ventless Gas Fireplaces Safe? Ventless gas fireplaces emit dangerous and noxious gasses into the room they are operating. Without proper ventilation and safety systems in place there can be serious health risks associated with burning gas in a ventless fireplace.

Can you put a TV above a ventless gas fireplace?

Really, with all the heat a fireplace generates, is it OK to do that? The short answer is – yes. However, to ensure your television isn’t damaged from the heat, care must be taken to ensure heat generated by the fireplace is redirected away from television.

Which is better vented or ventless gas fireplace?

Ventless fireplaces are more energy efficient than vented fireplaces because no heat escapes up the flue, so you’ll save money on gas utility bills. A vented gas fireplace uses more gas to create the same level of warmth because some of its heat escapes through the flue.

What states have banned ventless gas fireplaces?



Vent-Free fireplaces have been very controversial in the fireplace industry for over decades. Many argue that these fireplaces are unsafe. In fact, in 1996, they were banned by Alaska, Montana, Minnesota, New York, and Massachusetts, however, after strong influence by the industry, all but California still bans them.

How do you vent a gas fireplace without a chimney?

You can install a gas fireplace without a chimney if you have either a ventless gas fireplace or you install a venting system. For gas fireplaces that need a vent, a direct vent system is widely suggested. Direct vents can be installed either vertically through the roof, or horizontally through the wall.

Why are ventless fireplaces illegal?

Ventless fireplaces are often restricted or illegal because of safety concerns, specifically due to the fact that they might introduce noxious combustion by-products into your home’s air supply.