Gas Fireplace Mantel Clearance Code
Also vent free gas fireplaces will have a much greater clearance.
Gas fireplace mantel clearance code. The icc though suggests at least 12 inches. In addition if the side panels of your mantel project more than 1 1 2 inches from the fireplace facing you will need additional clearance equal to this projection. Masonry heaters listed and labeled in accordance with ul 1482 or cen 15250 shall be installed in accordance with the listing specifications and the manufacturer s written instructions. If your mantel extends more than an inch and a half out from the fireplace opening you should have more than a 6 inch clearance.
Builders and do it yourself masons in california must follow building codes when they plan to install a fireplace in a residential or commercial property. Zero clearance manufactured fireplace information. An additional inch of clearance is needed for every 1 8 inch the combustible material or trim protrudes. Mantel corbels and brackets attached along the sides of the opening must have additional clearance if they project more than 1 1 2 inches out from the face of the fireplace.
B vented gas fireplaces usually have mantel requirements that will exceed this clearance. Section 1001 11 of the irc 2006 edition exception 4. Note some fireplaces esp. Also any part of the mantel that sticks out more than 1 5 inches from the wall s face over the opening needs to be at least 12 inches from the top of the fireplace opening.
The code references are strictly for masonry fireplaces constructed to that code and do not apply to freestyle creations of architects and adventurous pyromaniacs. If your side panels jut out 2 inches from the facing an additional 2 inches of clearance will be needed from the fireplace opening to the sides of the mantel assembly. Combustible materials and trim must be at least 6 inches from the firebox opening. National standard building code.
California building codes for fireplaces. Your firebox wall needs to be 8 inches thick when lined with fire bricks or 10 inches thick without fire bricks. Of a fireplace opening. Exposed combustible mantels or trim may be placed directly on the masonry fireplace front surrounding the fireplace opening providing such combustible materials are not placed within 6 in.