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A fireplace hearth is necessary in most areas per building codes, especially for gas and wood-burning fireplaces. Electric fireplaces may not require a hearth, so check local building codes or ask a pro for guidance if you’re leaning toward electric. A fireplace hearth can decrease the risk of flying embers creating a fire and burning your home down. That’s why fireproof material, like tile, is used for the hearth.

A spark arrestor is a simple metal mesh device that prevents flammable particles from escaping from a combustion source and causing a fire. You typically find these attached to gas or diesel engines on things like cars, generators, and garden tools (lawnmowers, chainsaws, etc.). Fireplace or wood-burning stove chimneys also have spark arrestors attached to or sitting under the chimney cap to capture burning embers.

In addition to flashing, a roof cricket can help divert water around your chimney so that it drains properly off your roof. It’s shaped like a double triangle and is installed behind the chimney so that falling water spills evenly down each side. This helps prevent water from accumulating behind your chimney, which can increase water damage and the risk of leaks. 

The International Building Code (IBC) requires cricket installation if a chimney built after 2012 measures over 30 inches in width. Chimneys constructed before that date are typically grandfathered in and aren’t required to have crickets installed.

Yes, you can close off a fireplace both temporarily and permanently with extremely wide price ranges. Temporary solutions involve fireplace plugs that can be inflated to block air and deflated to open the fireplace, covers, and boards. Permanent methods of shutting off fireplaces usually involve bricking up the fireplace or covering it with drywall. No matter the method, it’s probably best to hire a professional.