Local fireplace installation pros in Brandon

Hearth and hearth extension for masonry

Section R1001.9 of the Florida residential code requires masonry hearths and hearth extensions to be built of concrete or masonry on noncombustible support. The hearth is at least 4 inches thick and the extension at least 2 inches. Section R1001.10 sizes the extension to project 16 inches in front of the opening and to run 8 inches wider than it on each side, and for an opening of 6 square feet or more the figures rise to 20 inches in front and 12 inches at each side.

Our pros lay out the hearth with those dimensions from the start, so the finished floor, the stone and the furniture plan all fit around it in your room in Brandon.

Keeping framing away from masonry

Masonry carries heat into whatever touches it. Florida's residential code, section R1001.11, keeps wood beams, joists, studs and other combustible material a minimum of 2 inches away from a masonry fireplace's front faces and sides, and 4 inches away from its back. Section R1001.12 adds fireblocking as described in section R302.11.

On new construction that is simple to plan. In an existing house, the wall framing around the new fireplace may need changes. Our pros show you where the framing sits relative to the masonry before construction starts in Brandon.

The order of work on an installation

Installations run in stages. Framing and any structural work come first. Then the fireplace is set and connected, the chimney is run through the ceilings and the roof, and the roof opening is closed with the parts listed for the system.

Inspections may fall between those stages, before walls and ceilings are closed. The hearth, surround and mantel come last. Our pros give you the sequence and a realistic number of visits for your project in Brandon, so you know when rooms will be open and when the work is done.

What your written estimate spells out

A fireplace installation involves more parts and trades than most home projects, so the estimate has to be specific. Ours names every piece of the job, the work we include and the work others handle.

You approve the price before anything is ordered, with no hidden fees, and approving the installation within 72 hours of the inspection takes 10% off.

• The fireplace model and its listed chimney system
• Framing, chase and any structural work
• Hearth extension size and material
• Roof opening, cap and chase top
• Permit and inspection steps
• Work handled by other trades