11 All wood including joists, beams and studs, and any other combustible materials must have a clearance of no less than 2 inches from the front and sides of masonry fireplaces. A minimum of 4 inches of clearance to combustibles is required from the back face of a masonry fireplace.
National Fire Code
The primary goal is to help you avoid creating unsafe situations that can result in a fire burning your home and possibly causing the loss of life. 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.
All combustible mantels and similar trim shall be kept at least 6 inches from fireplace openings. Parts of the mantel assembly located along the sides of the fireplace opening, which project more than 1-1/2 inches from the face of the fireplace, shall have additional clearance equal to the projection.
As a general rule (as shown in most all the photographs of mantels and fireplaces throughout our website,) you will need 6” to 8” of non-combustible material on the sides of the firebox and 12” of non combustible material on the top of the firebox.
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.
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.
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.
That said, it is industry standard that there is a minimum clearance of at least 36 inches between the wood-burning stove and furniture, walls, and tapestry that aren't made from combustible materials. This minimum also goes for any other flammable objects that you may have nearby.
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.
Woodwork, such as wood trim, mantels, and other combustible material, shall not be placed within 6 in. (152 mm) of a fireplace opening ... is not less than 12 inches (306 mm) from the inside surface of the nearest firebox lining.
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".
Surround. Commonly confused with one another, the fireplace surround is an informal name given to the entire assembly of elements: mantel, legs, returns, etc. Ultimately, the surround is what makes up all parts of a fireplace in its entirety.
If there is any metal around the fireplace itself, you have a factory-built fireplace. Factory-built fireplaces, also called " Zero Clearance" or ZC fireplaces, are designed to be built with very little clearance to combustible components of your home.
While drywall is fire resistant and used in fire-rated wall and floor/ceiling assemblies, it is not rated for use in fireplace insert surrounds. Radiant heat from pellet or gas inserts dries the cover paper, which is combustible and can pose a fire hazard.
Combustible framing shall be not less than 2 inches (51 mm), but shall be not less than the distance specified in Sections 2111 and 2113 and the International Mechanical Code, from flues, chimneys and fireplaces, and 6 inches (152 mm) away from flue openings.
The minimum mantel height from the top of the fireplace viewing area is 12″, for a total minimum of 19″ to the bottom of the TV. By adhering to this minimum distance between the fireplace and TV, and by taking advantage of Acucraft's Cool Touch tech, you can protect your TV from accidental overheating.
No combustibles are allowed within 6 inches of the firebox. Some mantels have legs that project out 2 inches or more from the wall. To meet code, those legs have to be at least 12 inches away from the firebox opening.
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.
3m clearance is mandatory around the end of the flue – that means it should not be obstructed by second storey walls or the walls of neighbouring property or trees. Furthermore, it should match the size of your fireplace, so there is sufficient space for air to expel.
Clearance requirements depend on how much wall space is needed for an electric fireplace in the living room. Requirements recommend keeping all combustible items at least three feet back from the fireplace. These items, like drapes and furnishings, also need to be 1-1/2 feet away from the fireplace along the wall.
Fireplaces are subject to the same building code safety clearances to combustible trim as with any radiant heat fireplace. All combustible trim shall be kept at least eight inches (8”) from the finished fireplace opening.
Fireplace surrounds come in many sizes and materials. They can be made of wood, brick, concrete, cast iron, stone and even marble. Standard dimensions for fireplaces range between 24 to 36 inches wide and 24 to 29 inches high.
Fire-resistant boards are perfect both as a construction and insulation material and fireboards with pattern can be used as a decorative cover for fireplaces and stoves. They also can act as wall lining, or insulation core in industrial range.
Key Takeaways: Firebox temperatures in wood-burning fireplaces reach 600°F–1,200°F, with chimney flue temperatures averaging 200°F–500°F. Factors influencing heat output include wood type, fireplace design, and airflow management. Upgrades like fireplace inserts can significantly improve heat retention and efficiency.
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from a fireplace, a wood stove or any other heating equipment, and create a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires. Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Never leave a fireplace fire unattended.