Hearth extension repair done right in Rowena Gardens

What the hearth extension in front of the opening does

The hearth extension is the noncombustible floor that runs out in front of the fireplace opening and past its sides. Sparks, rolling embers and radiant heat land there instead of on wood flooring, carpet or a rug. The Florida Building Code, Residential, treats it as part of the fireplace, with rules for its material, thickness and size in sections R1001.9 and R1001.10.

Because it protects the floor, a hearth repair is judged by two questions at once. Does the finish hold together, and does the extension still cover the area it has to cover? Our pros answer both before any tile is lifted.

• Catches sparks and rolling embers
• Keeps radiant heat off the floor
• Marks the zone kept clear of rugs and furniture

Trim and mantels close to the opening

Hearth work often brings the surround into view. Another exception in section R1001.11 lets combustible mantels or trim sit on a masonry fireplace front only 6 inches or more from the opening, and inside the first 12 inches each inch of distance allows just 1/8 inch of projection.

Mantel rebuilding sits outside a hearth repair, yet we point out trim that sits closer than those numbers so you can decide how to handle it while the room is already under work.

Setting materials that belong near a fireplace

Where a noncombustible facing overlaps the front of a factory-built fireplace, one maker's manual calls for noncombustible mortar or adhesive only. The same thinking guides our choice of setting materials around a hearth, where the bed under the tile should suit the heat it will see.

Construction adhesive from a hardware aisle is a poor fit here. We use setting and grouting products suited to the location, follow their makers' curing directions and tell you when the fireplace can be used again.

Hearths for see-through fireplaces

A see-through fireplace opens into two rooms, and each opening sits in front of its own floor. The protection in front of one side does nothing for the other.

We measure each opening and each extension separately and write them as two items on the estimate. Repairs often differ between the sides as well, since one side usually faces the busier room.

• Each opening measured
• Each extension measured
• Two lines on the estimate