Asked by: Linna Giridharan
home and garden home appliances

What does a zero clearance fireplace mean?

Last Updated: 12th March, 2020

41
Zero-Clearance Fireplaces are pre-manufactured fireplaces where the unit or firebox can be placed almost directly against combustible materials like wood, walls, or paneling. Often much more than a traditional open fireplace which means less heat and energy is wasted up and out the chimney.

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Likewise, people ask, what is the difference between a zero clearance fireplace and an insert?

Fireplace inserts are generally installed directly into the existing fireplace, requiring little installation. Zero-clearance fireplaces are pre-fabricated fireplaces that are safe to install within inches of combustible materials like wood, sheetrock or paneling.

are zero clearance fireplaces safe? Zero-Clearance Fireplaces and Why They are Good Options. Zero-clearance fireplaces are pre-manufactured heating appliances that are safe to place directly against or within a couple of inches of combustible materials, such as a sheetrock wall, wood, or paneling.

Beside above, how does a zero clearance fireplace work?

The term zero clearance refers to how close a fireplace can be to material that is combustible, typically framing. (The distance required before combustible material can be installed near a fireplace is known as the fireplace standoff.)

How much does a zero clearance fireplace cost?

Here are the average prices installed, which includes the flue, vent, or chimney. On average, a new metal prefabricated gas or wood-burning fireplace costs $2,900 installed, while an electric fireplace runs $1,200.

Fireplace Cost.

National Average Cost $2,415
Average Range $1,050 to $3,780

Related Question Answers

Debbra Bruntrager

Professional

How do I know if my fireplace is zero clearance?

Many conventional Zero-Clearance Fireplace models have glass doors to reduce heat loss when there is no fire and should be left open when the fire is lit. One thing to look for when purchasing a Zero-Clearance Fireplace is the size of the firebox opening on the fireplace.

Monike Hermke

Professional

What the difference between a fireplace and an insert?

Either way the fireplace is the entire structure that you burn inside of. A fireplace insert is basically a stove, wood or gas, that is designed to be inserted into a fireplace that is already there. Usually a wood burning fireplace built with the home will get an “insert” put inside of it.

Sofian Jakimovich

Professional

How long does a fireplace insert last?

20-30 years

Branko Ugliano

Explainer

Are all gas fireplaces zero clearance?

Zero-clearance direct vent gas fireplaces are used in homes where there is no existing fireplace. This improves efficiency, maintains the air quality and distributes heat evenly throughout your room, eliminating drafts or cold spots.

Kautar Severiano

Explainer

Can I put an insert in my fireplace?

Professionals can install a fireplace insert into your existing fireplace with a masonry chimney. This not only enhances the beauty and performance of your fireplace but also allowing you to enjoy the warmth of a clean, safe fireplace from within your home.

Elva Alzo

Explainer

Does a fireplace insert need a liner?

But to work properly, an insert needs a proper chimney liner. A fireplace insert is like a wood stove that has been modified by its manufacturer to fit within the firebox of a masonry fireplace. Later, a short length of stainless steel liner was installed up into the chimney of the original fireplace.

Agricio Jaen

Pundit

How much does a fireplace insert cost?

Inserts heat 1,000-3,000 sq. ft., depending on their size. You'll want to size your insert to the square footage you need to heat. Cost: $3,000-$4,000, including installation and a chimney liner.

Chunxiang Torti

Pundit

Are fireplace inserts worth it?

Fireplace inserts are a more efficient heat source than traditional fireplaces. The increased efficiency is due to the design of a fireplace insert creating a closed combustion system. This system results in a less heat efficient system, as most escapes through the chimney.

Faycal Abaunza

Pundit

How much clearance does a gas fireplace need?

Typical Combustible Clearances
A gas fireplace might require a one-inch combustible clearance behind it, six inches at the sides, 36 inches out in front and 36 inches above. A typical clearance to a six-inch wide mantel shelf above the fireplace is four inches. Watch for evidence of overheating above the firebox.

Norddine Arzanegui

Pundit

Can you put laminate flooring in front of a fireplace?

Floor Damage in Front of the Fireplace
If you have a plastic-based flooring like a laminate material or another type of flooring that could melt or crack under constant heat, consider using a hearth rug. These rugs provide an extra barrier between fireplace heat and fragile floors.

Alle Alferaki

Pundit

What is the best wood burning zero clearance fireplace?

Top 7 Best Zero Clearance Wood Burning Fireplaces
  • Comfort Flame B36L-M Builder Wood Burning Fireplace, 36-Inch.
  • Pleasant Hearth 2,200 Sq.
  • Drolet 60,000 BTU EPA-Certified Escape Fireplace Wood Insert, Metallic Black.
  • Timberwolf Economizer EPA Wood Burning Fireplace Insert.
  • FL-064 Flame Monaco XL Woodburning Fireplace.

Yamani Paguay

Teacher

How do you make a zero clearance insert?

Set the zero-clearance insert flush with your tablesaw top by applying small strips of tape to the underside of the insert where the tablesaw supports it. Hold the insert down with your tablesaw's fence and raise the running dado set through it. Watch Jim Heavey show you how to make a zero-clearance insert.

Luigi Geaney

Teacher

Does Home Depot install gas fireplaces?

The Home Depot offers natural gas or liquid propane direct vent fireplaces. We also carry wood stoves, wood fireplaces that can be installed indoors or outside in your backyard. Gas fireplace, permit, delivery of product (within 30 miles of The Home Depot store where purchased), professional installation.

Renu Sizudo

Teacher

How much space does a fireplace take up?

Be sure your fireplace location is at least 36 inches from any combustible wall that lacks protection. If you add a wall protector, you may be able to reduce the clearance to 12 inches. Also, you should plan for a non-combustible hearth extension on the front and side of the unit.

Mallie Camaron

Teacher

How many types of fireplaces are there?

There are four types of fireplaces: Wood-burning, gas-burning, electric and ethanol-burning fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces are the traditional Laura Ingalls/old western style units. If you dreamed of having a crackling fire type of fireplace, this is the one for you.

Mouhamed Lajas

Reviewer

How does fireplace insert work?

An insert is basically a fireproof box that's surrounded by steel or cast iron and fronted by insulated glass, creating a closed combustion system. The steel or cast iron helps to trap the heat. Some inserts have a blower that pushes the hot air back into the room through front vents.

Trang Fouillet

Reviewer

What is a zero clearance table saw insert?

Zero Clearance Table Saw Inserts. The opening in the insert is cut on the table saw to the exact width of the saw blade's kerf, thereby preventing thin slices of wood from jamming in between the blade and the throat plate during a cut, and reducing the amount of tear-out that can happen with a standard insert.

Othmane Mccabe

Reviewer

Are prefab fireplaces safe?

Prefab fireplaces are extensively factory-tested for safety. However, they must be installed correctly to be safe in your home. You must be sure that replacement parts are made for your specific fireplace, or risk a house fire. Some prefab fireplaces burn wood, some gas, some both.

Xinru Fanjul

Reviewer

Do I need double or triple wall chimney pipe?

Inside the enclosure, building codes require a 2-inch clearance around the double- or triple-wall chimney pipe. While a double-wall class A chimney pipe is adequate for most installations, wood stoves installed in mobile homes are required to use a triple-wall chimney pipe.

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EveryThingWhat Staff Editor

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