drywall around chimney
#1
07-27-13, 07:55 PM
drywall around chimney
I am mid remodel of my kitchen and have the drywall installer coming in a few days. The chimney attached to our boiler runs through the corner of my kitchen and needs to be drywalled around. I know I don't want them drilling into my chimney or just gluing the drywall to the plaster covering it...Ive been told they should glue 2x4's "on the flat" to the chimney and then screw the drywall into that...want to make sure this is done correctly and don't want to sound stupid when speaking to the installer...any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
#2
07-27-13, 07:59 PM
Group Moderator
I am not in the business but in my opinion the wall or sheetrock around that chimney should not be connected to the chimney. The house and chimney settle at different rates and all connections are prone to cracking.
I think you would usually install a furring strip or 2x3 to the wall and attach beams on the flat to that. Sort of like boxing the chimney out from the wall.
I think you would usually install a furring strip or 2x3 to the wall and attach beams on the flat to that. Sort of like boxing the chimney out from the wall.
#3
07-27-13, 08:06 PM
Thanks PJ, first time I looked at it I kinda felt as you said, it just wouldn't make sense to go right onto it...I know you have to have certain clearances from combustibles around fireboxes, but wasn't sure about the chimney itself...although I guess the concrete chimney provides the clearance!
#4
07-28-13, 05:29 AM
The gap I have always looked for is 2", but local codes may be different. When we air seal that 'chimney chase" we bridge the gap with sheet metal or sheetrock and seal the edges with fire rated caulking. The "chase" needs to be constructed so that it doesn't provide an air path from basement (or house) straight up to the attic.
Bud
Bud
#5
07-28-13, 06:57 PM
I'm going to go with 2x2 furring strips glued to chimney, the gap between the floor and the chimney is already firecaulked as per the building inspector's requirement...thanks!
#7
07-28-13, 08:55 PM
Group Moderator
I wasn't as concerned with the gap as I was with the house settling at a different rate as the chimney. If you don't feel that there will be any settling than you should be ok with the sheetrock not cracking.
#8
07-28-13, 09:44 PM
Everything I'm reading seems to refer back to Bud's 2" clearance around the chimney. I can use 2" metal furring to ensure proper spacing between the chimney and the new wall. What's interesting is that the original framing of the house has the first and second floor beams coming in direct contact with the chimney...oh how times (and code) has changed!
