Fireboxes are usually wrapped in a non-combustible material within 12" of their perimeter. For this project we used stainless steel. Another alternative would be stone/quartz/etc. I would also not recommend bringing these panels right to the edge of your fireplace.

I love what you did with the modular panels. Can you tell me how difficult it was to make the corners look so seamless? Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Maureen,

I detailed the installation here: http://www.contractortalk.com/f18/modular-arts-panels-update-55243/

It also appeared in a recent issue of the Journal of Light Construction.

The outside corner took a bit of finesse. The key was to miter the factory edges so the pattern would appear to flow through the corner. We did this by cutting the 45 degree angles with a dry, diamond circular saw (much the way you would miter baseboard trim)--and then filling the gap just as we did the butt seams.

Hope that helps.

C.

Thank you so much for sharing - I have been looking for awhile for something special to do and this is it! Great job on the entire project - your work is beautiful.

I have a linear radiant heat fireplace and plan to install the ModularArt tiles. We installed Magnesiacore board over the steel studs in one piece fastening it on by the perimeter only. This is key. Next, we plan to add a additional piece of Magnesiacore board to bump out the metal trim kit from the main wall. The Magnesiacore board can handle the high BTU's of the fireplace without cracking, and by adding the extra bump out, the ModulartArt tiles will be clear of the trim kits vents. We plan to attach the ModularArt tiles only to the Magnesiacore boards and NOt to the steel studs, as the studs move under the high heat. I am presently sourcing high heat caulking and high heat paint. The ModularArt tiles and panels are rated non- combustible. We have had our fireplace on with the Magnesiacore board in place. We can place our hand in the one foot area above the firebox briefly. This is a huge improvement to a previously tested standard cement non-combustible board, as we would have burnt our hand on that one. We plan to take the ModularArt tiles right up to the trim kit of the fireplace.
Pat

pmartz - did that installation work for you? I am looking at an installation similar to yours, for a client, and do not want to run into problems with the radiant heat. what were your findings?

My installation has been put on hold, while I continue to source flexible heat-resistant products, to replace the products that came with the tiles. I did, however, test the heat emissions with a digital heat sensor gun; as an Engineer from Napolean Fireplaces had told me the heat output was in the thousands, which seemed odd to me. My findings were that, after running the fireplace on high for 1/2 hr. , the heat conduction 12" above the glass face was less than 500 degrees ( need to confirm that with my notes). So, I concluded that products that can handle "continuous" 600 degrees, flexible, paintable and white, should be on my radar. Another Contractor and user of this site, made an excellent point. After grouting the tiles, to prevent cracking, do not use the fireplace until the grout has not only dried, but cured, which can take up to 30 days. A wise man!
I have seen many pictures of this non- combustible Modular Art product completely wrapped around fireplaces, but often, when you read the fine print on such presentations, the fireplace is not natural gas, but rather electric. So, I say, let the challenge begin!
I wish I could tell you exactly what products works in this situation, but I can't at this point. I have many projects on the go and my research time has been more limited lately.
Fortunately for me, I have the luxury of time on this particular project.
Good luck with your project!
Pat

Thanks Pat, for the advice. I've called Chris, the contractor who used the product on his project. Hopefully he will also have some advice.

Spoke with modular arts inc and was told that these tiles are Class A fire rated and have zero fire spread. Can be installed to edge of firebox. Only issue might be cracking of joint filler due to expansion and contraction with surface heat.

Was told a general rule of thumb...Run fireplace for 30 min on high. If I could place my hand on surface for 5 seconds with no discomfort...then standard joint compound would be safe to use as joint filler.

Call sales department in washington state for direct answers. (206) 788-4210.