Expert: James Ball - 12/29/2008

Question
Hi,

I have a Lennox ELV direct vent gas fireplace.  Last spring, I had stonework installed around the fireplace. There is drywall under the stonework.  Just above the glass door area, there is also drywall under the stonework.  I have not started it up since the work was done.  Are there any fire safety issues with drywall installed close to the area above the framed glass area?  Again it is covered with stone.  (Lennox ELDV 40)

http://www.lennoxhearthproducts.com/products/overview.asp?pid=377

Answer
Hello Todd, you will have to read the owners manual for that unit and it will tell you how close you can get with combustibles (some thing that will burn and sheet rock has paper on it and it will burn even if there is stone on top of it.) also make sure you do not have any gaps between the black metal face and the sheetrock/stone sparks can get up in there and start a fire.
in most cases the black face of a pre fab fireplace should not be covered
James