Simple fireplace built into drywall.

9 years ago

Hi! We recently built a house and I wanted a simple, sleek fireplace built directly into the drywall. Builder wasn't experienced in the area but "figured it out". It is now cracking along the edges and gets extremely hot (could burn your hand) below the mantle. We are looking for a solution. How can I get the simple look but make it functional? Is there a special drywall? What are we missing?

Featured Answer

dbrad

9 years ago

If it gets that hot around the unit the first thing I would do is get all the specs & installation paperwork on that specific unit (the manufacturer will likely have it all online) and verify they were followed as he "figured it out." Those documents will specifically spell out all of the manufacturer's requirements regarding types of finishes allowed, how close they can be, etc. They aren't even as daunting to read as one might think.

If those specs weren't followed, he has to re-do it properly. Simple.

If they were, I'd reach out to a local fireplace store that sells that unit and ask them for advice. They may charge you a small fee to have someone come out and inspect it and provide a recommendation, but it would be well worth the peace of mind.

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Comments (6)

User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Right. Yours is not flush and you need space all around it. Fireplace edge >> gap >> drywall edge. Ours was set like that per the architects spec, but really it is very difficult to get the drywall edge sharp around the gap.

Look at the specs it will be clear how much gap around the face of the unit is required.
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worthy
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
As suggested above, the installer likely didn't follow instructions. Consequently, the wallboard cracked.

Often zero clearance manufacturers advise surrounding the fireplace opening with heat-resistant cement board mounted in a way that it can move without cracking. For instance, below are directions for a Valor unit similar to the OPs.

I have installed zero-clearance fireplaces with drywall abutting the unit when the manufacturer said it was OK and there were no cracking problems over at least the first few years.

very difficult to get the drywall edge sharp around the gap.

There are a variety of galvanized steel edges and j moulds/beads that provide a straight clean edge.
User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Sadly my builder didn't have enough experience with it.

Also depends on the model. How do you get the front off to service or clean? Mine (napoleon) has a latch that needs to be accessed on the side. And it needs a little room to be lifted out.

I ended up doing a temp frame with the floor tile until I fix it for good.
mojomom
9 years ago
Sara, no help here, but just wanted to say I love the simplicity of the design. Sorry about the problems with the execution,
chispa
9 years ago
You might also want to check the specs for the type of fire you should have in that fireplace.

We have wood burning fireplaces with gas starter and we were warned by our chimney inspector that these weren't like the wood burning fireplaces we had in the northeast. The ones we have now in CA, should not have a huge roaring fire in them and we should control/limit the amount of logs we added.