OK, we all know about the rules regarding clearances between fireplace boxes and any combustable materials (12″ on top and 6″ on the sides), but has anyone ever heard of a “tapered” clearance?
I’m talking with a customer about a mantle, and he has found a website that says that the side and top clearance requirements increase depending on how far the mantle and legs extend from the front plane of the firebox. According to the website, an 8″ wide mantle would have to be at least 18″ above the top of the firebox.
That’s news to me!! I have a call into the building department, but would like to know if any of you have seen this.
Replies
Yes Dave, it's true. It's in many of the fireplace (metal) directions. The deeper the mantle, the higher you no. Sides? don't remember that one.
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It is clearly explained in the International Residential Code which has been adopted in most jurisdictions I believe. To long to insert here. IIRC it is almost, if not, identical to the Unified Building code that was commonly used. Might check your local library if you don't have a copy of the code.
Very similar to the way that hearth depth increases if the firebox is elevated.
Well, who says that an old dawg can't learn a new trick. Every mantle I've ever built (including a few that got inspected) had the side and top clearances, but most of them wouldn't have met the top clearance rules.I should hear from the building department on Monday. It will be interesting to hear their take.Thanks to all