Can I use Slate-ish around my fireplace?
This is one of the most common questions we see for Slate-ish.
The short answer is yes, but Slate-ish can only be use in areas where combustible materials are allowed
This image, from Fine Homebuilding, shows the allowable clearance for wood-burning fireplaces, according to the National Fire Code. Slate-ish should NOT be used within 6 inches of the firebox opening.
You should always refer to the manufacturer instructions for any fireplace, and keep Slate-ish only where combustible materials are allowed.
A few examples…
This fireplace has a non-combustible tile surround - keeping the Slate-ish at least 6” away from the firebox opening.
Slate-ish is NOT appropriate to cover the tile immediatly around the firebox.
This electric fireplace only requires a small amount of clearance to combustibles. Most electric fireplaces require little space around the unit for combustible limitations.
This fireplace maintained clearance above and around the firebox opening, according to their manufacturer’s instructions.
We don’t often recommend for wood-burning fireplaces, but this installation included a large metal surround, which kept the Slate-ish away from the firebox opening.
This is a 2 part question.
1) You can NOT install Slateish within 6” of the firebox opening. The brick in this picture is right up to the firebox opening because it is a NON-combustible material.
2) Slate-ish needs a very flat surface for installation. Flat like sheetrock or drywall level flat. Bumps, unevenness, anything NOT flat will cause problems during installation.
You can put up a sheet material over your brick - like sheetrock, thin plywood, etc, and tapcon it to the mortar joints, but please refer to #1 above!
Can I use Slate-ish over my brick fireplace?