Building Code Fireplace Clearances

National Standard Building Code Information 2114.3 Masonry-built Fireplaces

4114.3.10 - All combustible mantels and similar trim shall be kept at least 6 inches from the fireplace opening.

There are National Fire Codes that require all flammable materials to be at

least 6" from the fireplace opening, and depending on the overhang and material of the mantel, that distance could be more. These codes state that for every 1/8 inch of protruding combustible material, you must add an additional inch of clearance.

The code references are strictly for masonry fireplaces constructed to that

code and do not apply to freestyle creations of architects and adventurous pyromaniacs. Note some fireplaces, esp. B-vented gas fireplaces usually have mantel requirements that will exceed this clearance. Also, vent free gas fireplaces will have a much greater clearance.

Clearance distances such as those cited above can in some circumstances be r

educed by using proper heat shields of proper material and with proper air spacing and mounting hardware: subject to approval by your local building code official or fire marshall and described below.

Lynn Underwood, a building official in Norfolk, Virginia, replies: Combustib

le fireplace surrounds and mantels must be held back from the actual fireplace opening to minimize fire danger. A stone or granite mantel isn’t combustible, but wood trim is. You’ll need to keep it back from the opening.

Code: R1003. 11 Fireplace Clearances All 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.

R1001.11Fireplace 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.

Masonry Fireplaces. All combustible mantels and similar trim shall be kept a

t 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.

The Seattle Residential Code specifies that woodwork, mantels and trim must

be at least 6 inches away from a fireplace opening and regulates the size and placement of a mantel hung within 12 inches...

Chimney height rules: height & clearance requirements for chimneys - how hig

h must a chimney be, what other chimney clearances are required for fire safety or function?, outdoor height requirements for chimneys - rooftop chimney distances & clearances. Questions & answers about chimney height & clearance requirements to comply with building codes and fire safety chimney height,chimney ...

R1003.11 Fireplace clearance. All wood beams, joists, studs and other combus

tible 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.

In the United States and referring to the ICC, a widely-used model building

code, the code specifies a 16" hearth extension to front of the fireplace for fireplaces

Advice on how to check whether woodwork around a fireplace meets fire codes.

October 4, 2005 ... The simple answer is that clearances are set by local building code, which is enforced by your local building department. Call them and ask to speak with a building inspector; he/she can tell you minimum clearances over the phone. ...

This publication, using National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) standard

s, describes proper installation of radiant-type wood-burning room heaters in residential homes. These standards are the basis of many building codes. Recommendations will vary for furnaces, circulating stoves, cook stoves, and ranges.

The fireplace facing clearance requirements vary depending on how much it pr

ojects above the brick face. 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". National Building Code of Canada 9.22.9.

A masonry fireplace featuring a firebox -- the main chamber -- that measures

less than 6 square feet requires a hearth extension of at least 16 inches in front of the opening and at least 8 inches...

Gas Fireplace Direct Vent Termination Cap Clearance Distances - clearances b

etween the gas fireplace exhaust vent and other building components or features. This article gives typical clearance distance requirements between the termination cap of a gas fireplace or fireplace insert and other building or site features such as windows, doors, other mechanical system components, air intakes ...

Wood beams, joists, studs and other combustible material shall have a cleara

nce 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. The airspace shall not be filled, except to provide fireblocking in accordance with Section R1001.12.

Chimneys located entirely outside the exterior walls of the building, includ

ing chimneys that pass through the soffit or cornice, shall have a minimum air space clearance of 1 inch (25 mm). The air space shall not be filled, except to provide fire blocking in accordance with Section R1003.19.

Gas fireplaces are considered gas appliances, not true fireplaces. As such,

they are not regulated by the same safety codes as wood-burning fireplaces, and each model has its own requirements. Some gas fireplaces are built with "zero-clearance" fireboxes, meaning you can put combustible materials right up to the sides, front and bottom.

For Your Hearth Your fireplace hearth must extend at least 16 inches beyond

the fireplace opening and at least 8 inches on either side of the firebox, according to the International Code Council. Hearth extensions will need to be at least 2 inches thick.

FirePlace Mantels Building Codes - National Standard ... from the face of th

e fireplace, shall have additional clearance equal to the projection. Parts of the mantel assembly located above and projecting more than 1-1/2 inches (38mm) from the fireplace opening shall not be placed less than 12 inches (305mm) from the top of the fireplace opening

Fireplace Clearance. Building code 2111.11 pertains to the clearance of the

fireplace in relation to any combustible materials, including exterior walls. Combustible materials should be at least 2 inches from the front of the fireplace and 4 inches from the back of the fireplace.

The local building inspector must inspect new fireplaces, wood, pellet or co

al burning stoves before they are used as required by the Massachusetts State Building Code. Allow for at least 36 inches of clearance around the appliance to prevent combustibles from coming into contact with a heat source. This is the 3 foot circle of safety.

R1001.11 Fireplace Clearance All wood beams, joists, studs and other combust

ible 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.

Clearance to the fireplace Opening (1) Combustible material shall not be pla

ced on or near the face of a fireplace within 150 mm of the fireplace opening, except that where the combustibl e material projects more than 38 mm out from the face of the fireplace above the opening, such material shall be at least 300 mm above the top of the opening.

APPLICABLE CODE AND ENFORCING AGENCY The following Model Codes and Ordinance

s are to be used for the design and construction of all projects in Duval County: BUILDING CODE Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2020) – Building Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2020) – Residential Florida Building Code 7th Edition (2020) – Existing Buildings

The information posted herein is intended for educational use only. Please c

heck the current Provincial Building Code, National Building Code, and your Local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for applicable requirements, or consult with your qualified, local chimney sweep.

Building a small hot fire for a short period rather than an "idle" fire over

a long period, when temperatures are moderate. Keeping a hot fire; many manufacturers recommend opening the damper and allowing the stove to burn hot for at least 15 minutes to burn away small amounts of creosote.

Fire Inspector Guidebook, A Correlation of Fire Safety Requirements Containe

d in the 1987 BOCA National Codes, (newer edition available), Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), Country Club HIlls, IL 60478 312-799-2300 4th ed. Note: this document is reissued every four years.

Masonry Chimney Clearances IBC Code Change Proposals S232-12 and S237-12 by

Jim Buckley, Chair, MACS Fireplace and Chimney Committee 5/15/12. Builders have a problem building a masonry fireplace or a masonry chimney when it comes to clearances to combustibles. Current code requires a 2" air space clearance to combustibles around an interior ...

Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances

NFPA 211 reduces fire hazards by ensuring the safe removal of flue gases, the proper installation of solid fuel-burning appliances, and the correct construction and installation of chimneys, fireplaces, and venting systems.

http://www.homebuildingandrepairs.com/home_building/index.html Click on this

link for more information on building design, house construction and repairs. W...

Clearances refer to how far materials have to be from your fireplace. Most z

ero clearance fireplaces can have combustible materials (e.g. wood framing, drywall) touching the back and sides of the unit without fear of heat damage.

1) Not less than a 100 mm clearance shall be provided between the back and s

ides of a fireplace and combustible framing, except that a 50 mm clearance is permitted where the fireplace is located in an exterior wall. 2) Not less than a 50 mm clearance shall be provided between the back and sides of the smoke chamber of a fireplace and combustible framing, except that a 25 mm clearance is ...

I want to make sure it meets building and fire code. The way I read the code

is that there needs to be at least 6" clearance from the firebox opening to the surround, and if less than 12", then it cannot project more than 1/8" for every 1" of clearance.

When the BCA is satisfied, it will issue a building consent for the work to

proceed. If the work is built to the consented plans and receives a code compliance certificate, it confirms the requirements of the Building Code have been met. The Building Code is contained in regulations under the Building Act 2004.

The division works to ensure the adopted codes and standards are accessible.

Eight of the adopted specialty codes are available to read online. The remaining codes are comprised of multiple standards listed on the program pages. Amendments, errata, helpful tools, and additional information can be found on the code program page.