Category: Fireplaces | Published: 12 Jul, 2017

Does A Fireplace Need A Hearth?

Fireplaces have traditionally always included a mantle, a surround and a hearth. While lending an area for design, these components have a more important role, which is to surround the actual fire with non-combustible materials to prevent the spread of fire.

The surround and hearth is traditionally made of marble, stone, ceramic or metal in order to withstand any stray sparks or embers that fell from the body of the fire.

Stove inserted into an existing fireplace recess

Underneath all superimposed hearths, there will be a constructional hearth beneath, which is normally solid concrete. The constructional hearth should jut out a minimum of 500mm into the room and be wider than the recess by 150mm within the room.

Gas fires

However, with more modern installations like gas fires, do hearths still have a function? In short, no. A modern day gas fire, which does not require a chimney, is not considered in building regulations a real fireplace. A gas fire is seen as an appliance, just like a fridge or a dishwasher.

Therefore, if your home is fitted with a modern gas fire, you can forego the hearth, and have a wood, composite or laminate floor go right up to the base, unless the manufacturer’s installation requirements ask otherwise.

Freestanding stoves

If you are looking at a freestanding stove, which is not being put in a recess, you should be recommended a stove that is independently certified not to heat the hearth underneath to more than 100 degrees Celsius. The rules regarding these stoves are straightforward. All you need to do is have 12mm of non-combustible material under the stove.

This hearth should be a minimum size of 840mm x 840mm, with a minimum of 150mm of hearth at each side and rear, and 225mm in front of the stove door (however if stove is designed to burn while the doors are open, then a minimum of 300mm is a must.)

Wood-burning fireplace that has a gas insert

However, the rules regarding a wood-burning fireplace that has a gas insert are different.

The regs will insist that households leave 36” of clear space in front of the installation – so no furniture should be placed too close to the fire and 8 inches beyond each side of the fireplace opening should be left free. When the fireplace opening is 6 sq. ft. or larger, the hearth extension (that is, the area of non combustible material in front) shall extend at least 20 inches in front of, and 12 inches beyond, each side. This is because they are, strictly-speaking, burning wood, and so those wood burning rules remain.

Still scratching your head? Our team of fireplace installation experts are clued up on every aspect of building regs and fire safety in the home. Contact us if you need any help!

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