Zero-clearance fireplace repair by local pros in Fullers

The hearth extension in front of a prefab unit

Section R1004.2 says the hearth extension of a factory-built fireplace follows the listing of the fireplace, stays readily distinguishable from the surrounding floor and, when it is a listed product, complies with UL 1618.

In one maker's manual, that extension reaches 20 inches in front and 12 inches beyond each side, over a layer with a stated insulating value. We measure yours against your own model's figures when the hearth is part of the repair.

Outside combustion air kits

Outside air reaches some factory-built fireplaces through a kit fitted during framing. One maker offers kits that draw air from a vented crawl space or through a sidewall, and warns that combustion air inlet ducts shall not end in an attic.

Crushed ducts, missing screens and closed inlets change how the fireplace burns. We check the kit where it can be reached and repair it with the maker's parts.

• Duct intact from inlet to fireplace
• Screen on the outside inlet
• Inlet clear and open
• No duct ending in the attic

When the owner's manual is missing

Manuals go missing when homes change hands. Fireplace makers such as Heat & Glo keep manual libraries online, searchable by model, and the rating plate gives the model name to search for.

We look up the manual for your unit when the plate is readable and bring the relevant pages to the repair. You get a copy of what we used, so the next service visit starts from the same document.

• Model read from the rating plate
• Manual found in the maker's library
• Relevant pages brought to the repair
• A copy left with you

What we can see and what stays hidden

Much of a factory-built system sits behind walls, above ceilings and inside a chase. From the firebox, the attic and the roof we can see a good share of it, and some stretches stay out of view.

The estimate lists what was checked and from where, and names any part of the system we could not see. If a hidden section needs a look, we explain the access it would take before anything is opened.