![]() ![]() Make sure the mantel is installed according to those codes to help protect it from wear.Īs a rule, 12 inches of space from the top of the fireplace to the bottom of the mantel is considered a good clearance. Local building codes determine what the safe clearance is. The distance from the top of the fireplace opening to the bottom side of the mantel is described as the clearance. The hood not only protects the mantel and any décor above the fireplace from heat, but it also improves heat output into the room. It redirects the heat from going straight up into the mantel and instead pushes the heat out into the room. If you are painting the deflector, be certain the paint is heat resistant and rated for use around a fireplace.Ī hood is also made of metal and is installed at the top of the fireplace opening. The deflector can be painted a similar color to the mantel to make it more conspicuous. The little bit of space between the mantel and the deflector allows for airflow, preventing overheating. This prevents the mantel from absorbing heat and overheating. The deflector will “bounce” the heat off the metal plate and away from the mantel. They are two different methods of redirecting heat and will be explained below.Ī deflector is a piece of thin metal that is installed directly beneath the mantel and angled (usually at 45 degrees) away. Install a heat deflector below the mantel to help redirect the heat away from the mantel. To protect the mantel from excessive fireplace heat, let’s look at two different methods. The clearance recommendation is typically right at 12 inches.ĭirect heat from the fireplace will wear down the mantel over time and can cause it to become overheated-and in some cases, flammable. The best way to ensure the mantel is protected is to install it at the correct clearance. ![]() Those devices are deflectors and fireplace hoods. Protect a mantel from heat by using a device to redirect the heat. To be safe, read this post to learn how to protect your mantel from heat! How Do You Protect A Fireplace Mantel From Heat? Usually, this isn’t a problem, but you could run into some issues when you start decorating the mantel. Finally, fire retardants help wood mantels resist heat damage.Įven though mantels don’t tend to get too hot, they can get warm to touch. They can be added beneath the mantel or right on the fireplace opening. Also, deflectors redirect heat away from the mantel. To protect a mantel from heat, install it 12 inches away from the fireplace opening. Although a mantel itself serves as a heat barrier, it too needs protection from fireplace heat. The mantel also serves as a heat barrier to framed pictures or TVs hung above. The mantel adds cohesion to the fireplace, and it breaks up the solid wall of masonry. A mantel serves more purposes than being an aesthetically pleasing decorative shelf.
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