First you need to calculate the distance between the bottom of the mantel and the top of the firebox.
Fireplace mantel height code.
Based on mantel height codes and.
The national fire protection association the nfpa sets standards regarding placement of a mantel in relation to the fire box local building codes.
When installing a mantel shelf don t forget to account for any brackets or corbels when measuring for the appropriate clearance.
A mantel must be at least 6 inches from the fireplace opening.
4101 8 10 01 chimneys and fireplaces.
The seattle residential code specifies that woodwork mantels and trim must be at least 6 inches away from a fireplace opening and regulates the size and placement of a mantel hung within 12.
Clearance to the fireplace opening 1 combustible material shall not be placed on or near the face of a fireplace within 150 mm of the fireplace opening except that where the combustible material projects more than 38 mm out from the face of the fireplace above the opening such material shall be at least 300 mm above.
The ontario building code clearance to the fireplace opening 9 22 9 1.
If you re seeking an optimal mantel height over a fireplace there are a few things you need to keep in consideration and again these may differ from fireplace to fireplace.
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These are usually based on the international building code standards along with standards set by the national fire code.
Mantel height is not an arbitrary decision.
You ll want to familiarize yourself with your local building code for fireplaces.
Parts of the mantel assembly located along the sides of the fireplace opening which project more than 1 1 2 inches 38mm from the face of the fireplace shall have additional clearance equal to the.
2114 3 masonry built fireplaces 4114 3 10 all combustible mantels and similar trim shall be kept at least 6 inches from the fireplace opening.