Expert: Bart Ogden - 1/11/2009

Question
I have a floor to ceiling wood burning brick fireplace. There are 2 vents in the upper face of the fireplace where the heatilator forces out the heat generated by the fire. We want to cover up the entire fireplace and create a wood design. My only question is what options do I have in order to cover up the heatilator so I can place a wood face on our fireplace. The opening to the fireplace will be framed with tile and the remainder of the fireplace will be covered in wood. I was advised that I could simply block the heatilator vents by pointing in some concrete, or by simply covering them with concrete board. Would this not permit the heat in the air space around the firebox to hold alot of heat?
I really need some help. I am comfortable with the wood design and have a copy of our fire code, but have no knowledge on my options with this heatilator.
Please help.  

Answer
Hi John,

Those "heailator-style" boxes are typically not designed to cover the intake or exhaust convection openings.  By doing this the unit can overheat and surrounding or hidden combustibles can ignite.

I absolutely do NOT recommend that you proceed with covering the intake or exhaust convection heat openings.

Also, wood trim should not be mounted directly to the face of the fireplace opening.  It should have an air-gap to stop direct heat transmission from occurring.

I recommend you purchase a copy of NFPA 211 from the National Fire Protection Association.  This publication lists basic guidelines and construction requirements that are considered the national standard.  It covers, in depth, clearances and requirements for facing on fireplaces.

Alternativelys, you can contact a local CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep to do some on-site evaluation of your fireplace.  All CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps are tested on NFPA 211 as part of their certification, so they should be familiar with the contents.  They can give you specific advice on this issue in relationship to your specific fireplace's construction.

You can find a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep at www.csia.org.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Voice 316-265-9828
Fax 316-265-9890
www.HomeSafeKS.com

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep #2653
CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician #10
NFI Certified Wood Specialist
NFI Certified Gas Specialist
NFI Certified Pellet Specialist
NFI Master Hearth Professional
NCSG Technical Advisory Council Member