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FrancesandDavid · Nov 2, 2009, 08:34 PM

We just moved and our new place, as it turns out, is not up to code. The hearth has to be extended. Plus we would like to improve its looks. So, we're planning to cover it with tiles and then extend the tiles a bit on the floor in order to match the code. There is a carpet on the floor. How would a professional handle the carpet/tile border?

Thanks sincerely,
Frances & David

ballengerb1 · Nov 2, 2009, 08:59 PM

Was it up to a prior code when it was first built? You do not need to meet current codes just the ones in place when the unit was constructed. If looks and safety are your issue then lets get at the project. How thicj is the carpet and pad? What type of tile do you have in mind: ceramic, slate, stone..

hkstroud · Nov 3, 2009, 06:13 AM

There is a tile edging for making the transition between tile and carpet. It is an "L" shape metal strip that comes in brass and silver. You tack it to the floor with the lip to the tile side. Then lay your tile over the lip. Then put the carpet tack less strips on the carpet side.

FrancesandDavid · Nov 3, 2009, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by hkstroud

There is a tile edging for making the transition between tile and carpet. It is an "L" shape metal strip that comes in brass and silver. You tack it to the floor with the lip to the tile side. Then lay your tile over the lip. Then put the carpet tack less strips on the carpet side.

Thank you for your answer and picture! David had been thinking that there was something like this.

Much appreciated.

ballengerb1 · Nov 3, 2009, 10:01 AM

So is it the code issue or just the look that is causing you to make the cahnge?

FrancesandDavid · Nov 3, 2009, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

Was it up to a prior code when it was first built? You do not need to meet current codes just the ones in place when the unit was constructed. If looks and safety are your issue then lets get at the project. How thicj is the carpet and pad? What type of tile do you have in mind: ceramic, slate, stone...?

Thanks for your questions! Our insurance agent looked at our home inspector's report and put this stipulation on it.
David is looking at the carpet and pad in a closet. The carpet is a short dense pile, one inch.
Pad is about 3/8". Maybe 1/4.
We have been looking at slate, ceramic, and even limestone tile.
Here is the thing: the current hearth is made of concrete that has been molded to look like stones. It is an odd shape. It's a see through fireplace and the hearth is at an angle.
Part of it extends beyond what code would require.
Before we realized it was concrete, Dave was set to chisel away at it, hoping to reveal the wood structure on which it was built and go from there. Now, he is thinking he would just like to tile over it. And do the extensions needed to get to code on the floor.

I wonder whether I might include a photo at this point. Here is a pic from the real estate promo for our house: 1777 Dogwood Ave

Thanks for taking an interest in our project!

ballengerb1 · Nov 3, 2009, 10:31 AM

What exactly did the inspector write in his report regarding the harth? Home looks to be from about 1975 and that is the code it must meet, not a newer code.

FrancesandDavid · Nov 4, 2009, 02:06 PM

Thanks for your help.
I called the insurance company and sure enough, if it was a wood stove or an insert, they would require current code, but, as a simple fireplace, it's okay!
Your work is unquestionably very valuable here.
Keep it up.
I will look to see how to rate your answer...
Frances

FrancesandDavid · Nov 4, 2009, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

So is it the code issue or just the look that is causing you to make the cahnge?

I am frustrated in my attempts to rate your answer.
I am not seeing the option.
It is there for other answers, but not yours.
I'm wondering how this could have happened and how to fix it.
I'll fiddle with it some more and come back later to try and resolve this issue.

ballengerb1 · Nov 4, 2009, 03:51 PM

Thanks for the try but I think you need to do a few more posts before they allow you to rate us. The current system want to be sure you know your way around the block before they turn you loose.

FrancesandDavid · Nov 4, 2009, 10:43 PM

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

Thanks for the try but I think you need to do a few more posts before they allow you to rate us. The current system want to be sure you know your way around the block before they turn you loose.

That makes sense except I am seeing the rate option attached to other posts including my own.

Frances

ballengerb1 · Nov 5, 2009, 03:09 PM

Tryu rating one of those options. I can't remenmber what it was like when I was new here but though you had no options for any posts and then one day you got them because you reached the magic number. I think the number is 10 currently.

FrancesandDavid · Nov 5, 2009, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

Tryu rating one of those options. I can't remenmber what it was like when I was new here but though you had no options for any posts and then one day you got them because you reached the magic number. I think the number is 10 currently.

That definitely jives with my experience so far.

Thanks again,

Frances