The Best Way to Protect a Fireplace Mantel From Too Much Heat Exposure

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

A wood mantel is more prone to smoke and soot damage from a fireplace fire

A fireplace mantel is an aesthetically pleasing piece of furniture. However, it has to be protected from the fire that it frames. 

A fireplace mantel comes with detailed installation instructions that you should study before installing it. The best place to install a mantel will be at least 12 inches away from the top of the fireplace. Depending on your mantle's material type will dictate how prone it is to fire damage and how you clean a damaged mantle. 

If you are considering buying a new mantel, we suggest that you avoid wood materials. Wood mantels are prone to more soot and smoke damage. In this blog post, we will go over fireplace safety tips, the best way to protect your fireplace mantel, and mantle soot cleaning.  

A fireplace fire can cause damage to your mantel

A fireplace fire can cause damage to your mantle. Before we go over the best ways to keep your mantle safe from fire damage, it is essential to go through general tips to prevent your fireplace fire from getting out of control. As professionals in the fire damage restoration field, we have found that the following five tips have saved many homeowners from fire outbreaks:

5 Fireplace Safety Tips 

1. It's essential to install a carbon monoxide and smoke detector in the room with the fireplace and replace batteries regularly.
2. Have a fire extinguisher nearby.
3. The fireplace area should be clear of extra fire food, flammable materials, and paper.
4. A fire should never be left unattended.
5. A screen should be close enough to the flame so that embers and sparks don't leave the fireplace.

Protect your mantel with a protective shield

A mantel protector heat shield will help to protect the fireplace mantels from undergoing too much heat. There are many brands of heat shields. The heat shield you choose should be customized and cut to be the perfect fit for your fireplace. Some heat shields will come with a black oxide finish to protect combustible surfaces from heat stress. A mantel heat shield will be between the bottom of your mantle and the top of your fireplace. Your heat shield will prevent the mantel from discoloration and exposure to too much heat.

DIY Mantel Soot Cleaning 

The fireplace mantel maintenance is essential to preserve its appearance and last for a more extended period. Depending on the material will determine the best method for mantel cleaning. 

For example, when cleaning a stone mantel, you will want to use a soap solution and a soft brush to avoid damaging the surface. Cleaning your stone mantel with a soft brush will remove stains on it caused by smoke and soot.

Unlike stone mantels, you will want to avoid using water-based solvents when cleaning a wood mantel. The best way to clean soot off a wood mantel will be with an oil-based solution and a soft cloth. 

Call the professionals to clean tough soot

Cleaning the fireplace is exceptionally crucial to prevent yourself from hazards. The fireplace and chimney should be cleaned annually and inspected for potential hazards like creosote can cause a fire to get out of control. 

When your property has had a fire on the premises, then smoke damage must be dealt with professionally. Experts will remove and clean the lingering burnt smell that has spread through your property. The unpredictable nature of smoke and soot damage will result in different professional soot cleaning methods to eliminate the smoke smell. 

SERVPRO of South Cobb at (770) 739-2355 is ready to help local homeowners with fire damage. They have the advanced equipment and IICRC certified professionals on call to turn the loss around and make it "Like it never even happened."