Fireplace mantel
horizontal and vertical clearances
Something you have to keep in mind when
selecting a fireplace is the law. There are qualifications that must
be met when it comes to fireplace mantles, or really anything around
a fireplace. This is for the safety for your home and everyone
inside it, so be sure not to neglect them.
Clearance : the distance required by building and fire codes between
stove, smoke pipe or chimney and combustible materials such as wood
furniture or carpets. Clearances must be observed even if
noncombustible plaster or other masonry materials protect the
combustible materials, such as wood furniture or carpets.
Minimum Mantel Vertical Clearances
There are minimums for clearances for combustible mantel height
above a fireplace. NFPA codes for minimum clearances are as follows:
|
Ref. |
Mantel Shelf or
Breast Plate Depth |
Ref. |
Mantel from Top
of Combustion Chamber |
|
V |
10" |
A |
19" |
|
W |
8" |
B |
17" |
|
X |
6" |
C |
15" |
|
Y |
4" |
D |
13" |
|
Z |
2" |
E |
11" |
Minimum Mantel Horizontal Clearances
Additionally, there are minimums for clearances for combustible
mantel width beside a fireplace. NFPA codes for minimum clearances
are as follows:
|
Ref. |
Mantel Leg Depth
|
Ref. |
Mantel Leg from
Side of Opening |
|
F |
10" |
K |
11.5" |
|
G |
8" |
L |
9.5" |
|
H |
6" |
M |
7.5" |
|
I |
4" |
N |
5.5" |
|
J |
2" |
O |
3.5" |
Minimum Mantel Horizontal Clearances - Flat
Trim
If the combustible required (i.e., trim) projects from the facing
less than 1.5 inches , the closest to the fireplace opening it can
start if 6 inches .
If the combustible required (i.e., trim) projects from the facing
more than 1.5 inches, the closest to the fireplace opening it can
start is 12 inches.
Helpful articles and common questions regarding
fireplace mantels:
|
