Hot Mantle

Hello, been in a new construction home about 3 months and just had LP bottles hooked up to gas log fireplace. There is a huge wooden mantle which starts about 12 inches above the fireplace hood. The bottom of this mantle, within a few minutes of the fireplace lighting, becomes so hot you cannot keep your finger on it. I think this mantle should have begun at about 14 to 16 inches above the hood but it is too late now. There is no way I would have the builder come back and undo this. It would be an absolute mess.

My question, is there some type of thing I can apply to the underside of this mantle to heat proof it. The area is 8 inches by 53 inches. Could I have something solid cut and glued underneath. I just cannot find out what material, if any, would work in this situation and I have googled it to death.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Sammy

 

Check the tables on this site to see if yours falls into the requirements for height from firebox versus width from face: http://www.fireplacesnow.com/mantel.html
If not have the builder pay a visit, ask why it was not done properly and what he intends to do about it. Simple.

 

Thanks for the table, that is really cool. It shows I should have 17 on top and 9.5 on the side. I have 12 on top and about 6 on the sides. So that just let me know I now have to look at the sides as well. Dang!

However I just cannot entertain the idea of the builder having to destroy what would involve the whole wall. It is kind of like fixing a wrecked car, it will never be the same. And I would have to trade the car. Well in this case it is a house and I can't sell it or I would.

I have already had a few experiences with the guy with relatively small issues that took months to get someone out. It just isn't worth it.

Guess I will keep searching and thinking of what I can do here. But calling the builder is not an option.

Thanks
Sammy