Hot Mantel

[Slackerace]

I've got a gas-log fireplace in my house and on the outside of the fireplace I have a wooden mantel. The fireplace does have a blower on it. Here's the problem: whenever I use the fireplace the underneath side of the mantel gets really hot - even after just a few minutes. Consequently I'm a little concerned about using the fireplace much at all. Is there some material that I could on the bottom side of the mantel that might deflect some of the heat or are there other suggestions out there?

 

[greenlizard]

Same setup here. My mantle gets pretty darn warm but has been doing so for 14 years. I stopped worrying about it.

 

[Mattlt]

Do you know the manufacturer of the fireplace? Did you install it, or was it installed before your time? Either way, the manufacturer will specify distance from combustibles in the installation instructions. Suggest you consult them...

 

[oldgoaly]

how hot? check with a thermometer also google "fireplace code" and your state see what the guide for your area says, hours goes months at a time it is warm but not hot..

 

[Angelfire]

The jury is still out about wood igniting after long term exposure at "low" temperatures. It happens but there is not a bonafide theory that has been accepted. Generally, if wood gets beyond 170F, it is possible over time (a long, long time) that the wood can combust. There have been cases of wood framing members catching fire due to a hot water or steam pipe running through them.

In your case, I'd take a measurement and see what sort of temps you're seeing but moreso out of curiosity unless you are running this fireplace 7x24 for years.

If you are looking at keeping the mantle cool for other reasons, then I would think any sort of reflective material able to handle whatever temps you read would suffice.

 

[Voi]

I've got a gas-log fireplace in my house and on the outside of the fireplace I have a wooden mantel. The fireplace does have a blower on it. Here's the problem: whenever I use the fireplace the underneath side of the mantel gets really hot - even after just a few minutes. Consequently I'm a little concerned about using the fireplace much at all. Is there some material that I could on the bottom side of the mantel that might deflect some of the heat or are there other suggestions out there?

I built and installed my douglas fir mantle according to the specs on our gas fireplace. We had a few day power outage recently and the fireplace ran straight for nearly 60 hours. The mantle got really hot to the touch so I turned the (battery operated) thermostat way down.

They make radiant heat shields for the underside of wooden mantles. They attach with ceramic spacers so heat doesn't conduct into the wood as rapidly. I'm probably going to get one and only install it during extended power outages.

 

[SHOCheapRacing]

I just bought a house with a fire place and we have been spending many nights adding to global warming. Our mantel started to get super hot and I wrapped some aluminum foil around it. I guess it helps, but does not look too good.

Just a temp fix.

 

[Rowdie]

My fireplace insert instructions gave a spec for how far the Mantel was to be above the fireplace and how far it could stick out. 60 inches from the bottom of the fireplace and no farther than 10 " out from the wall.
The mantel to the touch , doesn't feel any warmer than other furniture surfaces in the room.