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benfield
October 30th, 2007, 10:13 PM
Hello

Have a question about framing around the fireplace in my basement. First a few details! The fireplace and chimney are on an outside wall in the basement. the firebox and chimney are flush with the concrete foundation wall and are below grade. The only thing that sticks out from the concrete and the chimney is the brick that surrounds the firebox and only goes up half the wall. So you basically look at the fire place wall and see the concrete walls then the cinderblocks for the chimeny and the brick around the firebox.

Hopefull this crude drawing gives a visual of how the fireplace and chimney are set up.


Underground behind Foundation G = Ground
GGGGGGGGG$$$$$$GGGGGGGGGGGG $ = Fireplace
XXXXXXXXX$$$$$$XXXXXXXXXXXX X = Foundation
SSSSSSSSSBBBBBBSSSSSSSSSSSS B = Brick
Living Space S = stud wall I intend to build


I am furring this wall out and my 2x4 studs make a wall that now stands flush with the brick surrounding the firebox. My question has to do with combustible framing and distances from the brick surround and the chimney face. I think that normally when you frame up to and around a chimney you are supposed to keep a 2 inch distance between studs and the chimney. So when I frame the wall above the brick and infront of the chimney I need to keep a 2 inch distance from the face of the chimney and the studs? Do I need to keep 2 inches on the sides and top of the brick surround and the studs as well? Essentially I can frame a wall flat across the foundation and chimney with an opening for the brick fireplace. Do I need to bump out the framing in front of the chimney for combustible clearance? I was planning to either Tile the face of the brick surround or put on a venier of cultured rock to make the fireplace stand out from the wall like it should.then putting some sort of trim around that to give myself a mantle and a nice finished look. Home is a rancher and build in 1971. Thanks and I hope this makes sense!

Wgoodrich
October 31st, 2007, 12:10 PM
The framed wall face may be equal to the brick face. You are correct about the 2" clearance required. Remember a hearth minimum size is required in front of this fire place also and is dictated in size by the size of your fire box.

Good Luck

Wg

benfield
November 1st, 2007, 03:05 PM
Thanks Warren! Is there a calculation for the Hearth size? Before I tore this room apart there was carpet up to the front of the firebox (which is raised) and paneling glued to the walls and chimney. No wiring and no insulation It was a real beauty so I tore it all out! I am furring it out and adding better lighting and outlets to it. I want to give the fireplace a better look since it was painted white. Thanks again for the info.

Wgoodrich
November 1st, 2007, 11:53 PM
COPIED SECTION 2003 IRC;
R1003.10 Hearth extension dimensions. Hearth extensions
shall extend at least 16 inches (406mm)in front of and at least 8
inches (203 mm) beyond each side of the fireplace opening.
Where the fireplace opening is 6 square feet (0.557m2) or larg-
er, the hearth extension shall extend at least 20 inches (508mm)
in front of and at least 12 inches (305 mm) beyond each side of
the fireplace opening.

Hope this helps

Wg