Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - How to cover bricks over fireplace

Hi prople,

This is the situation, my fireplace has two lines of bricks going all the way up from the floor to the ceiling. When we tried to remove them it brings the whole wall with them so we decided to leave the bricks there and cover them, but with what?

I would like to cover the brick with sheetrock so it will look like the adjacent walls but how do I screw the sheetrock to the brick?

Question 2, I want to cover also the brick that is sorrounding the fireplace opening with sheetrock, is this dangerous considering that it will be right next to the fire. WIll the sheetrock burn being so close to the fire.

Measurements: Opening is 36" wide by 26.5" high.

Thanks in advance and regards,

Urip

Check with your local Building Inspection Department for code, but the general rule is to not put anything flammable within 12" above the fireplace opening.
You can fasten flat 2X4s on the brick with concrete nails in the mortar, or drill the mortar and use anchors and screws to hold the framing. Than screw on the sheetrock.
Good Luck!

Thanks OldGuy:

FOA you are using the nickname that my wife gave me. LOL

We (she) changed her mind (again), the brick at the top of the opening will be left expesed. We definitely want to cover the bricks on the side of the opening.

Do you think that sheetrock will be safe on the sides of the opening?. I have to check on building codes but I have seen numerous fireplaces with the sides covered with sheetrock.

Thanks again,

Regards,

Urip

Urip,

Look at this, International Residential Building Code...confirm all of this with your local building official.

R1003.9.1 Hearth Thickness - The minimum thickness of firepalce hearths shall be 4" thick. (102)

R1003.9.2 Hearth Extension Thickness - The minimum thickness of hearth extension shall be 2" (51 mm)

Exception; When the bottom of the firebox opening is rasised at least 8" (203mm) above the top of the hearth extension, ahearth extension of not less than 3/8" inch thick (9.5mm) brick, concrete,stone, tile,or other approved noncombustible material is provided.

R1003.10 Hearth Extension Dimensions - Hearth extensions shall extend at least 16 inches (406mm) in front of and at least 8 inches (203mm) beyond each side of the fireplace opening. Where the fireplace opening is 6 square feet (0.557m2) or larger, the hearth extension shall extend at least 20 inches (508mm) in front of and at least 12 inches (305mm) beyond each side of fireplace opening.

R1003.12 Fireplace Clearance - All wood beams, joists, studs and other combustible material shall have a clearance of not less than 2 inches (51mm) from the front faces and sides of masonry fireplaces and not less than 4 inches (102mm) from the back of masonry fireplaces. The air space shall not be filled except to provide fireblocking in accordance with Section R 1003.14.

Exceptions:

1. Masonry fireplaces listed and label for use in contact with combustibles in accordance with UL 127 and installed in accordance with the manufactures installation instructions are permitted to have combustible material in contact with their exterior surfaces.

2. When masonry fireplaces are part of masonry or concrete walls, combustible materials shall not be in contact with the masonry or concrete walls less than 12 inches (305mm) from the inside surface of the nearest firebox lining.

3. Exposed combustible trim and edges of sheathing materials such as wood siding, flooring and drywall shall be permitted to abut the masonry fireplace sidewalls and hearth extension provided such combustible trim or sheathing is a minimum of 12 inches (305mm) from the inside surface of the nearest firebox lining.

4. Exposed combustible mantels and trim may be placed directly on the masonry fireplace front surrounding the fireplace opening providing such combustible materials shall not be placed within 6 inches (152mm) of a fireplace opening. Combustible material within 12 inches (306mm) of the fireplace opening shall not project more than 1/8 inch (3.2mm) for each 1-inch (25.4mm) distance from such opening.

Hope this helps!

Thanks,

I got it, it was very helpful.

Regards,

Urip