Cracked panels and worn fireplace parts fixed in Crescent Park

The shield between the chimney and attic insulation

Section R1005.8 requires an insulation shield where a factory-built chimney passes through insulated assemblies, made of steel at least 0.0187 inch thick, which is No. 26 gage. In an attic, the shield ends at least 2 inches above the insulation and is secured in place.

New insulation blown into an attic can bury a missing or short shield. We look for the shield when we are in the attic and add or reset it before the insulation settles against the pipe.

• Steel shield around the pipe
• No. 26 gage or heavier
• At least 2 inches above the insulation
• Secured in place

Mantel clearances on a factory-built fireplace

Each factory-built model sets its own mantel clearances. One maker's 36-inch model keeps combustible trim and mantels projecting from the face at least 12 inches from the opening, its larger models 18 inches, with further limits on anything that projects more than 1 1/2 inches.

A mantel added after the fireplace was installed is often the first thing we measure. If it sits closer than the manual allows, we show you the numbers and discuss moving it or changing its depth.

What zero clearance really means

Zero clearance describes a fireplace built to sit close to wood framing, with air spaces and shields built into it. It does not mean any material can touch any part of it. Each model lists its own clearances, and those figures are part of its listing.

We read the clearances in your model's manual before any repair near the framing or the face, and we point out finishes that have crept closer than allowed.

Every repair follows one model's documents

Two factory-built fireplaces that look alike can come from different makers and carry different rules for parts, clearances and fuel. The documents for your model are the reference for every decision in the repair.

When a finding falls outside what the manual covers, we say so and explain how we propose to handle it. Nothing is improvised on a listed appliance.

• Parts by model
• Clearances by model
• Fuel rules by model
• Findings the manual does not cover, named in writing