Gas Fireplace Mantel Clearance Code

Builders and do it yourself masons in california must follow building codes when they plan to install a fireplace in a residential or commercial property.

Gas fireplace mantel clearance code.

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. Of a fireplace opening. Also vent free gas fireplaces will have a much greater clearance. 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.

An additional inch of clearance is needed for every 1 8 inch the combustible material or trim protrudes. 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. National standard building code. Note some fireplaces esp.

The code references are strictly for masonry fireplaces constructed to that code and do not apply to freestyle creations of architects and adventurous pyromaniacs. 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. California building codes for fireplaces. The icc though suggests at least 12 inches.

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. Your firebox wall needs to be 8 inches thick when lined with fire bricks or 10 inches thick without fire bricks. 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. Combustible materials and trim must be at least 6 inches from the firebox opening.

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. B vented gas fireplaces usually have mantel requirements that will exceed this clearance. Zero clearance manufactured fireplace information. 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.