I have a fireplace in my kitchen that has a raised hearth extension, currently it is only 9″ deep and I know code (IRC) asks for 16″ hearth extension for a fireplace of this size. My question is — I will be installing non-combustible flooring (porcelain tile) in front of the fireplace, so can I remove the extension completely and still meet code, or at the very least will the 9″ extension with porcelain tile on the floor underneath be enough to keep the inspectors happy and not try to make me bring it up to code. (I know every inspector is different, so looking for your educated assumption on this one).
I could really use the extra 9″ that removing that extension would give me, right now I have 36″ between that and the planned island, and I would prefer a little more breathing room then that.
I have attached a photo in case I am using some of the code terminology incorrectly.
Thanks in advance for you thoughts.
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This fits your field of expertise I think.
so can I remove the extension completely and still meet code, or at the very least will the 9" extension with porcelain tile on the floor underneath be enough to keep the inspectors happy and not try to make me bring it up to code.
Maybe, maybe not. Besides spark protection, you need radiant heat protection. It depends on what's under the tile. If the tile is laid on 1/2" backer board with a UL listing for that application you should be able to do it. Tile on 1/4" backer or any wood product won't fly.
edit: Man, that's a real raised hearth. The above might not apply in this case. Spark protection is gonna be the main concern.
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Edited 12/8/2007 4:29 pm ET by seeyou
Being as it is raised that high, I think you are OK with just the surface protection of the ceramic tiles without full non-combustible materials.
But I can't think of the language that specificly permits it, given that elevation AFF. Something to run past your inspector.
Out of curiosity, is that a full masonry FP or a metal unit?
( You the guy fitting a beam to a masonry chimney, right?)
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LOL, I studied that photo some more. It will take a lot of Heiniken to lubricate the blade on that sawsall to cut all those brick out of there.
;)
The glass doors containing the fire should help convince the inspector too.
where I see chance of danger is if somebody overloaded the FP and a burning log rolled out.
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If a burning log rolled out of that thing it's not stopping at 16 or 20 inches.
thanks for the quick responses guys.the plan was to lay the porcelain on Ditra with a 1-1/4" sub-floor (3/4" t&g and 1/2" ply). But is sounds like you're telling me the combustible underlayment is not a big deal because of the height of the fireplace and as long as I have the spark protection provided by the tile I should be in good shape.Piffin, it is a full masonry fireplace and yes I'm that guy trying to tie a beam into that same chimney. I actually had an architect sign off on the plans that have the wood header tying into the fireplace as I showed it in my sketch -- according to him because of that little shelf it will be acceptable. I'm still a little uncertain about it so I might just go with a steel i-beam to avoid any inspection complications later.I wish it was as easy as taking a sawz-all to those bricks, thats actually a Becks beer bottle and its not for lubricating the blade, its for lubricating my body at the (almost) end of the day.thanks again -- if any has any major concerns with removing that shelf, speak now or forever hold your peace.ps - those doors are actually wood and acrylic believe it or not -- they will obviously be changed but its good to know that glass doors will help my case.
Edited 12/8/2007 5:35 pm ET by DesignBuild
I think that is Becks, not Hieniken..(G)Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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