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Discussion Forum

Wood fireplace surrounds clearances

cic317 | Posted in General Discussion on March 15, 2009 09:38am

Finally have to finish off the fireplace. Existing brick veneer will stay & I’ll build raised panel surround & mantel. Can’t remember the code for clearances. I’m thinking 4″ sides & 12″ top to combustibles + 1/8″ per 1″ of clearance above box for projection. Am I on target?
Any suggestions on a design. Looking for ideas.
Thanks

Reply

Replies

  1. Piffin | Mar 15, 2009 10:51pm | #1

    what do the manufacturer install instructions say?

    Or

    What model is it - if you don't have the manual anymore, you can find it online as a PDF.

    code would say 36" except where Manuf testing shows diff.

     

     

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    1. cic317 | Mar 15, 2009 10:54pm | #2

      Just realized I was not real clear originally, this is an existing masonry wood burning fireplace

      1. Piffin | Mar 15, 2009 11:02pm | #3

        I am more confused now. You did say brick veneer....Supposing that this is a solid masonry real fireplace and chimney, and you are thinking the mantle surrond facade over and flanking the brick front exposure...I have to look it up. I think it changed twice in my life already so .... 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

        1. cic317 | Mar 15, 2009 11:27pm | #4

          Yes,solid masonry W/ brick veneer & a new wood surround & mantle leaving some brick showing. Looking for latest code for clearances to wood legs & breast plate from firebox opening

          1. Snort | Mar 15, 2009 11:38pm | #5

            my book says 6" for legs, and what you said for breast/mantle projection is like you said.http://www.tvwsolar.com

            I went down to the lobby

            To make a small call out.

            A pretty dancing girl was there,

            And she began to shout,

            "Go on back to see the gypsy.

            He can move you from the rear,

            Drive you from your fear,

            Bring you through the mirror.

            He did it in Las Vegas,

            And he can do it here."

          2. Piffin | Mar 16, 2009 12:00am | #6

            my memory was that the latest is 6"sides and 8" above, but 12" to mantle projection varying according to depth of mantle.Still looking for official confirmation 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          3. Piffin | Mar 16, 2009 12:14am | #7

            OK, here is from National Fire protection asso.http://www.fireplacesnow.com/mantel.htmlBut it doesn't fit my momories exactly. you might need to check what local code standard you go by.Here is from IRC 06 but it says nothing I could find on this particular Q
            http://www.rumford.com/code/IRC06.htmlAnd then this mantle maker site gives out the same as I recall
            http://www.themantelmaker.com/pages/measuring.htm 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

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