ethanol burner and firebox

[optout2015]

Hello Everyone,

First-time home owner/poster here! I have purchased an ethanol burner to be recessed into a wall in my living room EB3600 - Ethanol Fireplace Burner Insert. The manufacture sells a firebox for the burner, but at $4,500 it is too rich for my blood (broken link removed to http://www.ignisproducts.com/fireplace-insert-fb3600-s.html). I am building my own custom firebox, with the manufactures specs, but have a question regarding the heat given off by the ethanol burner itself. Unlike a traditional gas or wood burning fireplace, the ethanol burner does not produce a lot of heat. It is more for looks than anything else. It is however fire and as a former firefighter myself, I’d like to make sure I don’t burn my new house down.

My question - If I build a metal firebox, could I wrap it in Durock to act as a barrier to heat given off by the burner? I’m hoping the Durock would prevent any radiant heat from transferring from the firebox to exposed studs/insulation behind the drywall.

FYI - I will not be building a hearth. Exterior of fireplace chase will be wrapped in reclaimed wood.

Thank you very much for you recommendations.

 

[bholler]

Follow their instructions and you should be fine they have all of the clearances listed in the manual

 

[optout2015]

Follow their instructions and you should be fine they have all of the clearances listed in the manual

Thanks bholler! I can't imagine a problem with the heat, just doing my due diligence. Thanks again!

 

[Jags]

I would definitely be scouring the manual for the required specs and following them to a "T". On the question about the Durock wrap - I think you would be better off with roxul insulation as it is an actual "insulation" compared to the Durock being a "non-combustible" with a fairly low R value.

But as always - the manual trumps "suggestions".