Gas Fireplace Mantel Clearance Code

Of a fireplace opening.

Gas fireplace mantel clearance code. Combustible materials and trim must be at least 6 inches from the firebox opening. National standard building code. If your mantel extends more than an inch and a half out from the fireplace opening you should have more than a 6 inch clearance. The code references are strictly for masonry fireplaces constructed to that code and do not apply to freestyle creations of architects and adventurous pyromaniacs.

California building codes for fireplaces. B vented gas fireplaces usually have mantel requirements that will exceed this clearance. The icc though suggests at least 12 inches. An additional inch of clearance is needed for every 1 8 inch the combustible material or trim protrudes.

If your side panels jut out 2 inches from the facing an additional 2 inches of clearance will be needed from the fireplace opening to the sides of the mantel assembly. Also vent free gas fireplaces will have a much greater clearance. Also any part of the mantel that sticks out more than 1 5 inches from the wall s face over the opening needs to be at least 12 inches from the top of the fireplace opening. Mantel corbels and brackets attached along the sides of the opening must have additional clearance if they project more than 1 1 2 inches out from the face of the fireplace.

Section 1001 11 of the irc 2006 edition exception 4. A clearance of not less than 8 inches 203 mm shall be provided between the gas tight capping slab of the heater and a combustible ceiling. Mantel brackets and corbels at the sides of the firebox opening require extra clearance if they project more than 1 5 inches outwards from the face of the fireplace. The national fire code dictates that any combustible material e g wood mantel or similar trim must be at least six inches from the firebox opening.

Note some fireplaces esp. Masonry heaters listed and labeled in accordance with ul 1482 or cen 15250 shall be installed in accordance with the listing specifications and the manufacturer s written instructions. Exposed combustible mantels or trim may be placed directly on the masonry fireplace front surrounding the fireplace opening providing such combustible materials are not placed within 6 in. In addition if the side panels of your mantel project more than 1 1 2 inches from the fireplace facing you will need additional clearance equal to this projection.