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Chimney & Fireplace

Any ideas how big my hearth is?

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.42 PM

I'm just updating this question as I want to make clear that I will employ a registered HETAS engineer for the installation as it is against the law to do otherwise. Also, there are many dangers to consider when installing a stove, not least, carbon monoxide, which is more deadly than gas in my opinion, as you cant smell it. I was just hoping to get an idea of what may lay beneath my hearth before starting, so I can weigh up options. (original post follows) Hi, hope you are all well. I live in a circa 1960 bungalow and I want to replace an old open fireplace with a 5kw multi-fuel stove and add a limestone surround with a new one-piece granite hearth. The opening of the fireplace measures 16" wide x 22" tall and the tiled hearth measures 44.5" wide x 16" deep from front of opening. I assumed that the hearth sat on a brick built base of the same size, however peering down a large gap between the hearth and the surround I can see floorboard running at least 4.75" under the tiled hearth, suggesting an overhang of at least this amount. This is as far as the gap will allow me to see. Does anyone have any idea what might lay underneath the hearth in terms of size and what size the builders opening might be. Also, if there needs to be a significant overhang for the new hearth, will it take the weight of the limestone surround. As always, many thanks in advance. Simon

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2 Answers

Tristram Installations

Rating: 5 out of 5

Kidderminster

Sone of that information is incorrect. The Co2 alarm has to be within 3 metres of the appliance if installation is on the ceiling, if installed on the wall then again max 3 metres from appliance & 150mm from ceiling. Not all appliances will sit on a 12mm hearth, check with the manufacturers instructions. If you require a constructive hearth then this will need to be 125mm thick, then the superimposed hearth (12mm) can sit on that. There should be a minimum gap at the back of the appliance of 50mm & 150mm on the sides. Ideally the opening needs to be 900mm H & 800mm W. The minimum size of the front hearth is 225mm to regs but I’d recommend 300mm. The appliance will need to sit at least 500mm away from combustible materials, again refer to the manufactures instructions. I am a HETAS engineer & do this day in & day out.

Answered25 March 2022

Toasty Stoves

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

Bristol

Hello. You have to get a co alarm. That is law. And needs to be with in 2 Mrs of stove. Ideally at waist to chest height. Below floor boards will be joists. Which could be from 9” to 12” deep. Could rip it up and made soiled. But don’t have to. Anyone can fit a stove. And the council can sign it off. Modem stoves only need 12.5 mm thick hearths now. Ie. You can see lots of glass hearths. Some stove ask for air gaps at side and back. But not all. Lastly we need minimum of 250mm in front of stove. But if carpet in front of hearth. Bring hearth out in front a bit more than width of stove door. As an ember and get into corner of door. And drop when door open. Enjoy and stay warm. Innes construction

Answered22 March 2022