I have a masonry fireplace that was built in 1940. Its been inspected and has no issues for burning logs. However, I would like to convert it to gas logs and I want to understand the requirements before I start getting estimates. There is a trap in the middle of the firebox and a cleanout/access in the basement below. The basement is unfinished, so you can also access the walls to the left and right of the fireplace. The gas line for the boiler is also at ceiling level in the basement under the firebox area, so it is only about 4 feet from the firebox. Now I have a few items where I need input. 1. I could run the gas line up into the wall to the left of the fireplace, and then drill straight over into the side of the firebox. This would put the shutoff in the wall next to the fireplace. As an alternative I could run the line directly up through the floor of the firebox, but I don't know how you would install a shutoff that was accessible. I assume an external shutoff is needed, and it must be accessible from somewhere near the fireplace (not down in the basement). 2. I've seen one article that said I should first install a steel pipe in the masonry as a sleeve, and then the actual gas pipe is run inside the sleeve. However, I haven't found this in any code requirement. Is this the proper way to run the pipe into the firebox? 3. I've contacted a couple of plumbers who are licensed to run gas pipe, but they only keep the license in case they need it on a plumbing job. They don't do gas pipe installations. The places that sell gas logs will run pipe as part of the installation, but they only offer it with a purchase of the logs. Is there another category of licensed repairman I should be looking for, or do I just need to find the right plumber? I'm at the planning stage and would appreciate any input. Thanks, Bruce

We had a gas insert added to our wood burning fp. One of the best investments in the house that we've made. We use it all winter long. If the next owners of our house don't like it, they can just pull out the insert, and use it as a wood burning fp again. We've used ours during power outages for heat. The blower doesn't work during outages, but the flames do (as does the remote control). It still warms up the FR and the rest of the ground floor of our raised ranch/bi-level type house. I think this is the model we have: Regency Horizon HZI390E But it appears they might have changed the model numbers/styles on their site (linked below). http://www.regency-fire.com/Products/Gas/Gas-Inserts.aspx

If you were using something closer to 3/4" thick, you probably wouldn't have to worry. Why not? Because a tiled floor, once installed = 3/4" tall. A solid 3/4" hardwood = 3/4" tall. Or a 12mm (1/2") laminate + 6mm cork underlay (1/4") = 3/4" high. Or a 15mm laminate + 3mm cork underlay = 18mm = 3/4" (or very close to). Sadly the LVP is the stuff that is SUPER hard to deal with when trying to 'match' a floor height. And to be clear, LVP does NOT like underlayment unless it is plywood or OSB. Soft squishy stuff is NOT allowed with LVP. Oh...and LVP HATES HEAT! Yes. Hates. It. With. A. Passion. LVP (vinyl....like mum N dad's records) will shrink and warp and do all kinds of neat things in the presence of heat. Dry heat (from a wood burning oven...or even gas fireplace) is the worst. It shrinks more than you would ever know. Just a few thoughts. Personally I prefer a thick, high-end laminate + cork underlayment as a floor. It is so much easier to live with...and it couldn't care less about heat or sunlight.

I have no particular knowledge of how LVP reacts to heat when run up to a gas fireplace. So I did a little research on this via Google and found this post that describes discoloration with hardwood flooring. I would think the same may occur with LVP: http://www.city-data.com/forum/home-interior-design-decorating/1972371-gas-fireplace-safety.html My best guess would be that raising the fireplace 6" as you suggested might minimize or eliminate potential discoloration from heat. Yet it is certainly not required from a safety standpoint according to your installation instructions. You could even run carpet up to that fireplace and it would still meet code. I agree with PPF that contacting the LVP manufacturer is the best way to get determine if raising the fireplace is necessary. After being in the fireplace business for nearly 30 years, I personally have a hard time accepting the look of a traditional fireplace without a hearth. Meaning a fireplace with a mantel surround. But that is purely subjective. If you are aiming for a more contemporary look, similar to a linear gas fireplace, I think it would look best raised in the wall even more than 6". What type of surround do you plan on using around the fireplace? What look are you trying to achieve and what style of decor are you planning for the room? Answers to these questions will help you decide whether or not raising the fireplace off the floor is appropriate regardless of whether it is necessary.