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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The wood framing must be held back at least 2 in. from the sides and front of the fireplace and 4 in. from the back. This space can only be filled in order to meet fireblocking requirements.
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.
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 fireplace is typically centred in the middle of a wall with matching bookshelves, built-in cabinets or windows either side. When it comes to seating, symmetry is just as important – matching sofas are placed facing each other, while a set of armchairs will point towards the fireplace.
The building codes will typically determine the height to place the mantel from the hearth, and the distance from the firebox. As a general rule, the mantel is placed about 12 inches above the fireplace opening. Then adding an inch to the distance for every inch that the mantel protrudes.
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".
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.
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.
11 Fireplace Clearance. Wood beams, joists, studs and other combustible material shall have a clearance of not less than 2 inches (51 mm) from the front faces and sides of masonry fireplaces and not less than 4 inches (102 mm) from the back faces of masonry fireplaces.
Outdoor fireplaces should be at least 10 feet away from your home and other structures. You should also have at least 3 feet of clear space between the fireplace and anything flammable (like outdoor furniture, plants, or other decoration) for maximum safety.
(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.
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.
It is possible to install drywall around a gas fireplace, but it is not ideal. This is because drywall is highly flammable. The best option would be to use type X drywall, which is gypsum-based. Standard building code dictates a minimum clearance of six inches between a fireplace and any combustible material.
Mantelpiece/ Chimneypiece - a fireplace surround and its overmantel.
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.
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.
Fire surround attached with fixing lugs
These are small brackets placed around the edge of the fire surround that are attached to the wall with screws.