In modern usage, mantel refers to a shelf above a fireplace and mantle refers to a cloak or covering. “Mantle” is also used metaphorically when describing the transfer of power such as when one “takes on the mantle.” Some still identify these words as spelling variants, but you are better off separating them.

What do you call the top of a fireplace mantel?

The term, mantelpiece …is the shelf at the top of a mantel. It can also be referred to as a mantel cap, cornice or mantel shelf. Not all decorative features around a fireplace have sides. Sometimes there may be nothing but the firebox. A shelf or mantelpiece alone may project forward above the firebox.

What is a fireplace header?

The fireplace lintel or lintel bar is a horizontal beam that runs across the length of the fireplace and supports the chimney. It typically extends into each side of the wall by about 4 inches. … Old homes often have a wooden lintel, while newer homes usually have a lintel made of steel, stone, brick, or concrete.

What is the part around the fireplace called?

The hearth is built out of a fireproof material, such as bricks, and extends out beyond the fireplace. The surround protects the walls around the fireplace and is often topped by a decorative mantel, perfect for hanging Christmas stockings or holding family pictures.

What are the parts of a fireplace mantel?

The fireplace mantel comes in two major parts: the lower mantel and the optional overmantel. The main parts of a lower mantel include the shelf, legs, header, inner trim, and hearth. The main parts of the overmantel are crown and wall cladding tiles.

What is a fireplace lintel?

The lintel is a horizontal beam placed across the fireplace opening to support the chimney. Sometimes you might see an arch in place of the lintel, which does the same job. Lintels are more common than arches because they are easy to construct and install.

What are the parts of a mantle called?

The mantle has two main parts, the upper mantle and the lower mantle. The upper mantle is attached to the layer above it called the crust. Together the crust and the upper mantle form a fixed shell called the lithosphere, which is broken into sections called tectonic plates.

What is fireplace chase?

A chimney chase is the long, narrow space that runs from the fireplace up the chimney and through the roof. … It’s what you probably think of when you hear the word “chimney,” that rectangular structure on the roof of your house that smoke comes out of.

What is a fireplace box?

The firebox is the open-to-the-room, inner section of the fireplace where you light and burn fires. As the name suggests, a firebox has a standard box-like shape. It features a flat base, three walls, and an opening at the front and top. Since the fire burns inside of it, the walls and floor must be non-combustible.

Where is my fireplace lintel?

To find a fireplace lintel look at the top of the fireplace opening from below. A lintel should be located across the top of the fireplace opening between the outer wall of the fireplace and the base of the chimney.

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What is brick lintel?

A lintel is a structural member placed over an opening in a wall. In the case of a brick masonry wall, lintels may consist of reinforced brick masonry, brick masonry arches, precast concrete or structural steel shapes.

What is a floating mantel?

Our mantels are hollow on the inside, providing an easy alternative to solid wood mantels. … Live grain end caps maintain the look of a solid piece of wood. Each mantel is hand crafted from reclaimed longleaf pine, providing a unique look and character that cannot be duplicated.

How is a fireplace mantel attached?

As with many other forms of mantle or shelf, a fireplace mantel can be commonly attached to the wall with screws or lag bolts. Bolts are screwed into the wall above the fireplace before a mantel is slotted straight onto it. … In this case any screws or nails may be located on top or beneath the mantel.

What are the dimensions of a fireplace mantel?

The recommended width for a mantel is 6 inches (15.24cm) wider on both sides. So, if your fireplace is 36 inches (91.44cm), your mantle should be at least 48 inches (121.92cm) wide. Whether you want to install pilasters or not, you’ll need to have the same width for your fireplace mantle.

What are two parts of the upper mantle?

Two parts of the upper mantle are often recognized as distinct regions in Earth’s interior: the lithosphere and the asthenosphere. The lithosphere is the solid, outer part of the Earth, extending to a depth of about 100 kilometers (62 miles).

How do you install a lintel over a fireplace?

1. Decide On Lintel Height. …
2. Remove a Brick Either Side Where The Lintel Will Be Installed. …
3. Cut Lintel To Size. …
4. Install the Lintel On a Bed of Mortar. …
5. Re-lay Any Remaining Bricks. …
6. Make Good Any Surrounding Work.

What is chimney damper?

A chimney damper prevents conditioned (warmed or cooled) house air from escaping through the flue when you’re not using the fireplace. You need to open the damper when you start a fire to allow for proper airflow and let the smoke out.

What are parts of a chimney called?

Fireplace Flue Tiles: The vertical passageway up the inside of the chimney is the flue. The damper is often called the flue, but the flue is the passageway.

What is a prefabricated fireplace?

Prefab fireplaces are made in a factory and are most common in newer homes. They first became popular in the 1960s. The inside of a factory-built fireplace is usually made from solid sheets of metal. … Some prefab fireplaces burn wood, some gas, some both.

What is the small box inside fireplace?

A fireplace insert is a sealed box that is placed (inserted) into an existing masonry fireplace. As a result, the old inefficient wood fireplace is upgraded to a new high-efficiency wood, gas, or propane fireplace that will produce more heat and use less fuel.

What is on top of my chimney?

Chimney Crown – The top of your chimney is called the “chimney crown.” It is designed to protect the chimney’s bricks from impairment such as water damage.

What is a chimney surround?

A chimney surround, sometimes called a chimney chase, is the box which encases the metal pipe or flue stack of a factory made chimney.

What is chimney flashing?

Chimney flashing is a type of roof flashing that creates a waterproof seal to protect your chimney and roof from water damage and penetration. … Step flashing is an L-shaped piece of metal that lies under the roofing shingles and along the brick of your masonry chimney.

Can you drill into a fireplace lintel?

Due to how tough lintels can be it is recommeneded that you only use an SDS drill and drill bits. When drilling any holes it is also important that you hold your drill straight so that the hole you drill is also straight.

What is lintel beam?

A lintel or lintol is a type of beam (a horizontal structural element) that spans openings such as portals, doors, windows and fireplaces. It can be a decorative architectural element, or a combined ornamented structural item.

Does a brick arch need a lintel?

RE: When does a masonry arch need a lintel? If the arch develops tension and is not in compression throughout, it needs tension reinforcing, or a lintel, and is not an arch as BA said.

What's another word for lintels?

beamboardrafterbattengirderscaffoldingbolstercrossbarcrosspiecescantling

What are the different types of lintels?

• Stone Lintel.
• Wooden Lintel.
• Reinforced Concrete Lintel.
• Brick Lintel.
• Steel Lintel.
• Reinforced Brick Lintel.

What is metal lintel?

A lintel is a structural horizontal support used to span an opening in a wall or between two vertical supports. … Steel lintels are generally made from pre-galvanised steel which is cut and either roll-formed or pressed into the required shape.

What is a live edge mantel?

Live” means the edge appears to be natural and untouched. Mantels on this page can be between 3″ to 12″ in thickness. These sizable accent pieces are ideal for open areas with high ceilings and lots of natural lighting.

How far above fireplace should mantle be?

As a general rule, it’s important to mount the mantle an average of 12 inches over the fireplace opening, which is a general rule from the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) to ensure it’s up to code. The mantle can also be 4 1/2 feet above the floor.