Gas Fireplace Mantel Height Code

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.

Gas fireplace mantel height code.

The average height for a fireplace mantle varies by personal preference as well as locality. 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. Icc digital codes is the largest provider of model codes custom codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe sustainable affordable and resilient structures. 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.

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

Mantel height is not an arbitrary decision. The national fire protection association the nfpa sets standards regarding placement of a mantel in relation to the fire box local building codes. 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. The international code council sets standards that can offer a good blueprint but local government codes take precedence.

The standards should ensure that the fireplace will be safe to use for many years to come.