4) The top of the unit must not be closer than 32" Secure the non-combustible board (supplied) directly above the unit as shown. 3. Minimum firebox clearances for noncombustibles. (Do not insulate the fireplace itself.) According to national fire codes, your mantel needs to be a minimum of a certain number of inches higher than the top of the fireplace’s firebox. Each 1/8 inch that trim or another combustible material protrudes requires an extra inch of clearance. deep … This table does not cover all requirements, nor does it cover all aspects of the indicated requirements. NFPA 211 reduces fire hazards by ensuring the safe removal of flue gases, the proper installation of solid fuel-burning appliances, and the correct construction and installation of chimneys, fireplaces, and venting systems. Combustible material includes all wood trim, framing, mantels and anything else that can ignite and burn. In addition, the National Fire Protection Association proposes codes relating the width of the mantel to its distance from the fireplace. From contributor T: Ref; "Architectural Graphic Standards". The arrestor screen shall have heat and corrosion re-sistance equivalent to 19-gage galvanized steel or 24-gage stainless steel. Also, make sure that the code where the job will be installed is not more restrictive than the Uniform code. The net free area of the arrestor shall not be less than four times the net free area of the outlet of the chim-ney flue it serves. This is the flat area of the fireplace, not taking into account any curvature for the flue. For the actual mandatory requirements of the code, see the indicated section of text. Also, vent free gas fireplaces will have a much greater clearance. It depends on local code. all of the following requirements: 1. local installation codes. Hearth (floor) minimum 20" forward of firebox and 8" minimum out from sides of firebox. FirePlace Mantels Building Codes - National Standard Municipal building codes are more strictly enforced as they relate to fireplaces than they are for many other decorative additions in a house. a wood fireplace mantel. Note some fireplaces, esp. The letters refer to Figure R1001.1. The code references are strictly for masonry fireplaces constructed to that code and do not apply to freestyle creations of architects and adventurous pyromaniacs. 16" from firebox opening all around. The proper height of a fireplace mantel depends on the height of the hearth, the size of the fireplace's fire box, and the requirements of the local building codes. 2. Conversely, the deeper your mantel is, the higher your mantel mounting measurement will be (6 in. When thinking about and selecting a new mantel, one of your first steps should be to check with your local building code compliance office (and/or the Before you install a fireplace, surround or mantel: Check any local code or by-law restrictions. Not required in Seismic Design Category A, B or C. Also, each manufacturer of pre-fabricated metal fireplaces specifies safety clearances required for each box they manufacture. 2015 IRC R1003.11 Fireplace Clearance, Exception 4; 2016 NFPA 211 11.2.5.4 Clearance If the mantel placement projects less than 1.5 inches from the wall, you can place it closer to the firebox according to fireplace clearance codes. National Fire Code: All combustible material must be at least 6 inches from the opening of the firebox. But the following sources indicate that the bottom of the Mantel must be at least 12 inches (30.48 cm) above the top of the firebox:. B-vented gas fireplaces usually have mantel requirements that will exceed this clearance.