Fireplace venting

[G-ZUS]

Hey beyond, i have a natural gas fireplace in my living room and i want to re-do the area around it. Specifically the shelf on top. Does anyone know what the code is for how far framing and shelves should be for the exhaust vent?

[Darell_n]

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Hey beyond, i have a natural gas fireplace in my living room and i want to re-do the area around it. Specifically the shelf on top. Does anyone know what the code is for how far framing and shelves should be for the exhaust vent?

I'm not sure about code, but the install manual for your fireplace insert will have the required clearances.

[sxtasy]

What Darell said, clearances to combustibles will be found in the manual. Every fireplace is different. Shelf on top is called the mantel.

[max_boost]

tv above it or no? lol

[ExtraSlow]

Fuck the code, frame everything tight.

[G-ZUS]

Thanks for the replies everyone, this fireplace came installed in my house and didn't come with a manual. I was able to dust off the model number and found the manual online. Looks like i can drop down the top shelf 3 inches. Not the mantel but there is a shelf on top of the fireplace. Yes there will be a tv on top

[Darell_n]

The flue pipe probably runs from the top, then out. Might not be any additional space once you open it up.

[G-ZUS]

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The flue pipe probably runs from the top, then out. Might not be any additional space once you open it up.

So i did lift off the shelf on top and looks like there is approximately 6 inches between the top shelf and the top of the flue pipe. Might not be worth the hassle to bring it down 3 inches. Was hoping i could bring it down to the top of the pipe

[ThePenIsMightier]

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Fuck the code, frame everything tight.

Like with Ikea bowls, or...?

[ExtraSlow]

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Like with Ikea bowls, or...?

Well or jysk, that's almost as good.

[Darell_n]

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So i did lift off the shelf on top and looks like there is approximately 6 inches between the top shelf and the top of the flue pipe. Might not be worth the hassle to bring it down 3 inches. Was hoping i could bring it down to the top of the pipe

If you want to spend money on your insert, it can probably be optionally vented out the back instead. Also direct vented coaxial pipe only needs 1” of clearance. Test it yourself, the piping will not get hot. Could also use some low profile metal studs as well.

[G-ZUS]

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If you want to spend money on your insert, it can probably be optionally vented out the back instead. Also direct vented coaxial pipe only needs 1” of clearance. Test it yourself, the piping will not get hot. Could also use some low profile metal studs as well.

Thanks for all the information! Looking in the manual, there's no mention of rear vent so i will leave it as a top vent. It barely gets used, i will fire it up and see how hot it gets. If it's not too hot then i will drop the top to right on top of it or do a 2 shelf top to fit around the flue pipe

[schurchill39]

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Thanks for all the information! Looking in the manual, there's no mention of rear vent so i will leave it as a top vent. It barely gets used, i will fire it up and see how hot it gets. If it's not too hot then i will drop the top to right on top of it or do a 2 shelf top to fit around the flue pipe

Like @Darell_n said just frame with metal studs

[mr2mike]

This seems to be a question for a realtor.

[G-ZUS]

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Like @Darell_n said just frame with metal studs

I can frame with metal studs. Im more worried about the top, it is made out of mdf

[schurchill39]

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I can frame with metal studs. Im more worried about the top, it is made out of mdf

Metal studs, 5/8 Firecore (fire code core) drywall, MDF top.

Drywall is probably unnecessary but would give you a piece of mind.

[T-Dubbs]

I'm on the middle of a similar idea!

We're adding cabinets next to the fireplace and mounting the our frame tv above the fireplace.
The main mantle used to be 34 inches deep... so we wanted to make it alot narrower and a bit more of a modern feel
adding a faux chimney also


We had a minimum of 3 inches from the exhaust vent to everything surrounding it, which is what was recommended from the fireplace install manual.


As it used to be






the cabinets arrive this week, then we can start tiling!