hearth

[mcmook]

i'm putting down tiles to make a hearth ... are there any regulations that state whether the hearth can the hearth be flush with the floor or should it be raised. if so how much.

on top of the hearth will be a pellet stove and i have the hearth dimensions for clearance at the back and sides.

thanks

[The Natural Philosopher]

I build a hearth flush with the floor and the BCO never batted an eyelid.

I think the size/materials is what matters, not how high it is.

[AJH]

I cannot remember there being any height stipulation, just clearance distances and provision for combustion air if over 5kW(t).

You'd best check in Part J of the building regulations, they used to be available as a download on the ODPM site but I think they're in

now.

Making provision for sweeping the flue of a pellet stove normally dictates the position as space for this tends to be much larger than the part J requirements.

AJH

[sm_jamieson]

I can see how height may be relevant, i.e. its easier to push a rug onto the hearth if it is not raised, etc. The info is in some BS which was quoted on a fireplace I saw (must be fitted in accordance with BS xxx) - it can be viewed in the local library. Anyone know the relevant BS ? Simon.

[dom]

IIRC part J stipulates that there should be some sort of barrier between the floor and hearth "such as a level change" to discourage carpets/rugs being lain onto the hearth. I don't think it specifies a height - and leaves it open to other forms of barrier.

[Steve]

Did they ever sort out the building regs regarding hearths? The text (below) was taken from the brochure for my fire, I didn't put one in, which the installer didn't worry about.

Steve

HEARTHS You may have noticed that not all products are shown with floor hearths. A hearth is a safety feature and is described in the Building Regulations very clearly for traditional fire types. As with most technological products, regulations take time to ´catch up¡ with contemporary developments. There are differing views on whether a hearth is necessary or not in the raised chamber fireplace situation. The Building Regulations state that under some circumstances a hearth is not required, while in the same circumstances the CORGI regulations state that a hearth is required. So, it is for this reason that some products are shown with hearths and others are not, giving you an idea of what your set-up may be like. The ultimate arbiter of whether a hearth is required in your particular circumstances is your registered CORGI gas fitter, but for the avoidance of doubt we would recommend that a hearth is fitted. There are a number of different hearth options shown, some of which are bespoke. Regulations exist regarding the minimum dimensions for each fire, so please consult your retailer if you wish to purchase a bespoke hearth.