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. An additional inch of clearance is needed for every 1/8 inch the combustible material or trim protrudes.
All combustible mantels and similar trim shall be kept at least 6 inches from fireplace openings.
Fireplace Opening Clearance Requirements
6" is of clearance from combustibles is required on either side of the opening and above, but 12" is required above the opening if the the facing projects more than 1 1/2".
This rule means that the chimney's shortest side needs to be at least 3 feet above roof penetration, and its top has to be 2 feet higher than any part of the building within 10 feet.
The minimum distance from walls when installing a fireplace is determined based on the specific requirements of the manufacturer. However, in general, it is recommended that the back wall of the fireplace be at a distance of at least 20 cm from non-combustible materials.
We recommend leaving at least 45cm between the top of your fire and electrical equipment, such as a TV. Practice the same caution for all flammable objects, with at least 60cm in all directions from your fireplace, especially if the flame is open, as with our wall-mounted Alden range.
The specific minimum distance required can vary depending on the heat emission of the fireplace, as well as the type of materials used in the construction of the furniture and the surrounding area. Generally, a clearance of at least 36 inches is advised to allow for proper airflow and reduce the risk of overheating.
For built-in gas fireplace models, common dimensions range from widths from [26" to 65"], heights from [15" to 25"], and depths from [15" to 22"]. These fireplaces go well with either a fireplace surround or a fireplace mantel, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and creating a cohesive design element in any room.
(c) An existing chimney may only be utilized with one or multiple gas appliances if the interior area of the chimney is no greater than seven times the area of the smallest flue to be connected to that chimney. burning appliances is used with an appliance using fuel gas, an accessible cleanout shall be provided.
It's recommended that an outdoor fireplace should be installed at least 10 feet away from your house, property line, or any other structure, such as a fence. Code requirements in your area could require more distance and could also regulate chimney height, so always educate yourself on your local building codes.
A zero-clearance fireplace is a premanufactured metal firebox that is completely self-contained and insulated, which keeps the outside of the fireplace from getting too hot, protecting the materials surrounding the unit. This allows it to need zero distance from combustible materials, such as walls, wood and paneling.
How far above the fireplace should the TV be? Ideally, a TV is hung so the center is between 60 and 68 inches above the ground. Depending on the size of your fireplace and whether you have a mantel, a TV should be hung between 4 and 12 inches above the fireplace.
A minimum of ONLY 6" is required between the Ceiling/Wall and Double Wall Stove Pipe, or 18" for Single Wall Stove Pipe. *Clearances may vary-refer to installation instructions MAIN FLOOR every 8 feet. Tee requires a chimney length to go through the wall, and it must extend a minimum of 3" into the room.
40-42 inches is a popular height from the floor to the bottom of the fireplace because it can then be seen from a seated position. Another popular position is underneath a wall-mounted TV. However, there are different factors to consider depending on the type of fireplace.
The space above a fireplace mantel is too high for comfortable TV viewing. The center of the screen should be at eye level when you are sitting and facing the screen. Unless your fireplace is unusually low, its height will likely conflict with the optimal viewing height and angle for the TV.
Clearance Requirements
As a general rule, keep combustible materials, such as furniture, pillows, bedding, papers, clothes, and curtains at least 3 feet (0.9m) away from the front of the fireplace, 1.5 feet away from the sides, and never near the rear or the unit.
This rule means that your chimney's shortest side needs to be at least 3 feet above the roof penetration, and its top has to be 2 feet higher than any part of the building that's within 10 feet.
A chimney must extend at least 3 feet above a flat roof and at least 2 feet above a roof ridge or any raised part of a roof within 10 feet. Sometimes getting enough vertical clearance to prevent eddy currents from affecting chimney draft is impossible. This may be because of unusual heights of nearby trees.
Never Leave a Fire Unattended
Smother out the fire or wait until it's entirely out before leaving the room, going to bed, or leaving the house.
We always recommend keeping a 3-foot clearance for your fireplaces. However, electric inserts work differently. Here are the clearance requirements you need to know about: From the top of the box to combustible or non-combustible materials, you need ⅜" of clearance.
2. Leave Room For Your Fireplace Surround. Regardless of how small you go with your fireplace opening width, don't forget about the surround. When you envision the design of your fireplace, be sure to add 12 to 24 inches on either side of the fireplace for a surround.
A TV should be placed at least 3-6 feet away from a fireplace to prevent heat damage and fire hazards. Gas and electric fireplaces may allow for slightly closer placement, but manufacturer guidelines and room factors should be considered.
While a gas fireplace keeps the flames contained, the heat generated can be tremendous. Metal framing adjacent to the firebox unit ensures safety and the longevity of frame. Your fireplace-construction will also require cement board (or concrete board) rather than typical drywall.
Close Off Fireplaces with a Throat Damper
The first, and perhaps easiest, way to close off a fireplace is with the damper. “If you have a bottom/standard masonry damper you can close it and seal it closed with silicone to stop the airflow,” says Blaken.