Expert: James Ball - 2/21/2011

Question
We have removed all stone around our Elco fire insert.  We need to frame it out before we can re-tile.  If we use 2x4's will we have a fire issue, is insulation needed around the insert?  Should we use steel 2x4's instead?

Answer
Hello Debbie, before you start you need to find the owners manual (it will tell you if you can cover the front, most you can not cover the black face and vents of a pre fab fireplace front) if you do redo the front of your fireplace do not cover those vents or thew "black face" front and the re build, use metal studs, and cement backer board, not sheet rock. you must also check with your local building department.
James