Painted brick OK per NFPA 211?

[Kelly Korte]

Hi folks! Just about to prime and paint my newly installed thin brick surround on cement board and it struck me...I better make sure it's OK with NFPA 211 (reduced clearences and non-combustible walls) before I lay this paint down. Pretty sure I am good, but wanted to check with the fellow hobiest and experts.

For reference, I have a 1" air gap behind the cement board. Thin bricks layed down with modified thinset. Going to use a latex primer and Valspar gloss latex as top coat.

Many thanks to those that can please chime in.

Thanks,
Kelly

 

[ncwood]

Very nice,thats the way i want mine done.Where can i purchase thinbrick?is it very costly?THANKS for any info

 

[Peak and Pine]

Methinks you might be being over cautious about the paint, just slap her on and you'll be okay maybe sorta.

Interesting set-up, but where's the chimney opening and hearth and is the stove going to sit katy-corner or just stuck there in the corner against the long wall? Lotta work, lotta bricks, good job.

 

[HotCoals]

I'm curious as to why you didn't stagger the thin bricks?

 

[Peak and Pine]

As am I, but I didn't want to lard up my post (just above) with too many questions.

 

[Kelly Korte]

Thanks for all the feedback thus far! These thin bricks were picked up at a recycle store for twelve cents a piece, I think lowes has them for special order at over a buck each as I recall.
We went with a straight pattern for a mid century modern feel. The malm fireplace will be located in the corner slightly offset to meet the clearance requirements. Attached is a pic showing the malm in front. Also my next step is to custom form a concrete raised hearth.

 

[HotCoals]

I see..looks good!
More of a contemporary look it seems...but I'm no interior decorator..just ask my wife..she will tell you! lol

 

[Kelly Korte]

Haha my wife is the interior decorator and I just put in the grunt work . I have a the latex already bought and just waiting for a warm and fuzzy that latex won't deem my wall "combustible". I also shot a note to the city inspector but I'm sure he won't get back till tomorrow.

I have seen so may painted brick fireplaces but this being a freestanding, the rules could be different?

 

[HotCoals]

I have seen so may painted brick fireplaces but this being a freestanding, the rules could be different?

Beats me..but I think it looks good as is.
Maybe after some years i would paint for a diff look after consulting the interior designer!

 

[Sprinter]

Well, personally, I wouldn't paint it at all. I think it looks good as is. And I like the pattern . But, I believe that latex paint is not considered combustible. It may discolor or blister, though, if too hot.

Oh, and is the air gap open all around?

 

[Kelly Korte]

Thanks guys, yea I like the way it looks too and could go either way. And yes there is air gap all the way around but i trimmed off the sides as the nfta 211 says that if the walls are in a corner, only the top and bottom need to be vented.

Also I too wonder if that latex may bubble if the temp gets too high....

 

[Curly]

I'd use an oil based primer and paint. Stinks and clean up can be messy but it will adhere to the bricks much better. They sell high heat paint too but colors are limited.

 

[Kelly Korte]

Hey guys I found this flame retardant latex paint (broken link removed to http://www.flamecontrol.com/d_paints_n.html)
That might be a good fit for this wall. Ill wait for the city inspectors blessing and update here.

 

[Kelly Korte]

Just got word back from the city inspector and I quote-
"Paint would not deem the wall “combustible”. Paint away."

Needless to say I feel much better and glad I held off until official word came back. I am going to try and track down the flame retardant paint (oil base if they have it) and get to painting. Will post an updated pic once complete. Thanks all!

 

[Sprinter]

Just got word back from the city inspector and I quote-
"Paint would not deem the wall “combustible”. Paint away."

Needless to say I feel much better and glad I held off until official word came back. I am going to try and track down the flame retardant paint (oil base if they have it) and get to painting. Will post an updated pic once complete. Thanks all!

Great. It's always a good idea to be certain. Kind of hard to "unpaint" a brick wall....