Gas Fireplace Mantel Height Code

Installing a fireplace means meeting the code set by local governments.

Gas fireplace mantel height code.

The national fire protection association the nfpa sets standards regarding placement of a mantel in relation to the fire box local building codes. The international codes i codes are the widely accepted comprehensive set of model codes used in the us and abroad to help ensure the engineering of safe sustainable affordable and resilient structures. The international code council icc is a non profit organization dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design build and compliance process. 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.

The standards should ensure that the fireplace will be safe to use for many years to come. Mantel height is not an arbitrary decision. 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. Again proper height is relatively subjective to your fireplace but average or standard fireplace mantel height construction is around 54 above the hearth s floor.

The easiest way to do this is to first lag a piece of plywood measuring about 12 high and the length of the mantel to the backside of. The inside surface of the smoke chamber shall not be inclined more than 45 degrees 0 79 rad from vertical where prefabricated smoke chamber linings are used or where the smoke chamber walls are rolled or sloped rather than corbeled. If the mantel will stick out from the wall more than 1 1 2 inches the height between the top of the fireplace and the shelf must be 12 inches or more. Your fireplace may fit this dimension or it might be on the shorter or taller end of the spectrum when it comes to mantel height above fireplace.

Always check with your local planning and building office for code requirements. If you install the mantel before the brick or stone face is put on the fireplace the mantel can often be mounted to the stud wall first and the brick or stone can then be put on around the mantel.