What are the building codes for a fireplace mantel?

• <div><p>There are fire codes for a fireplace mantel made of wood or other combustible material. The mantel must be mounted at least six inches away from the fireplace opening on all sides with a non-combustible material—like stone or brick—installed between the mantel and fireplace. Building codes and regulations will vary based on your location, so before beginning the project, research the requirements in your area.</p></div>

Is a fireplace insert safer than a fireplace?

• <div><p>Although no heating appliance can be entirely risk-free, a fireplace insert is considered a safer alternative to a traditional open fireplace, thanks to their enclosed design. With a sealed combustion chamber, a fireplace insert effectively reduces the risk of sparks and embers escaping into the room, minimizing the chance of an accidental fire.</p><p>Additionally, an insert comes equipped with various safety features, such as tempered glass doors that create a barrier between the flames and the surrounding space. This enhances both safety and energy efficiency by preventing heat loss. As an added bonus, many inserts are designed to meet strict safety standards that ensure proper ventilation and combustion.</p></div>

Get matched with top fireplace pros in Lipscomb, AL

Q: Where is the best place to install a wood stove in a house?

• <div><p>The best location for a wood stove depends on your home's layout and venting options. For optimal heat distribution, a central location on the ground floor, such as the living room, is often recommended. If you have an existing, functional chimney, installing the stove there can simplify the venting process. Alternatively, placing the stove near an outside wall can make it easier to route a new chimney through the roof. For safety, ensure no combustible materials are near the stove. Building codes typically require 20 to 36 inches of clearance between the stove and any side walls.</p></div>

Q: What does hearth look like?

• <div><p>A hearth often looks like a tile or brick floor that juts out from and surrounds your fireplace. A hearth can be made of stone, brick, ceramic, or any other fireproof material. Brick offers a classic and traditional vibe, whereas a hearth made of marble or ceramic may lean more toward modern aesthetics. The most common depth of a hearth is 20 inches.</p></div>

Q: Does a chimney need to be cleaned every year?

• <div><p>The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that chimneys and their associated elements like fireplaces, vents, or stoves should be cleaned at least once a year before the start of seasonal use. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, a chimney should be cleaned when there is 1/8 inch of soot buildup. If there&rsquo;s more than that, creosote&mdash;a flammable byproduct of burning wood&mdash;can form and increase the risk of a chimney fire. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Lipscomb, AL

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Lipscomb, AL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fireplace Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Fireplace Service companies in Lipscomb, AL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fireplace Service needs.

Last update on January 26, 2026

Reviewed in January 2026
Edgar was prompt, he did an amazing job. The week before the snowstorm was supposed to hit HOOVER, I realized I couldn’t use my Fireplace because Ivy had grown into the top of the chimney and around the cage. He gave us such a fair estimate. He removed and thinned out all ivy. He also cleaned up...
Flores Lawn Care, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2025
I hired Martinez for 2 big projects in my backyard. They build retaining walls, put down paver, and built an outdoor fireplace. Quality work at a fair price.
Martinez construction and Masonry
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Reviewed in May 2023
They are quick to respond but they were not prepared for the work they had to do. They dropped my refrigerator and broke my fireplace.
Melvin The Handyman
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Reviewed in October 2020
Everything from start (calling to see if they could help with our chimney problems) to finish (completing the work that needed to be done to fix our problem) was very pleasant and easy. Mike diagnosed our problem and got to fixing it right away. He was extremely competent and friendly. He...
Old Time Chimney Sweep
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Reviewed in March 2017
This was a personal experience with us. I hope they go out of business. They are horrible. Before I married my husband he bought a brand new house and bought it from the builder and they always tell you to have things serviced like heating once a year. My husband had never had a heat pump before...
AUX Mechanical, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2016
Got a call at 7:30 pm apologizing for not calling me earlier and telling me the dispatcher was late in giving him the information. I told him I wasn't actually complaining about any delay - I had only ordered this Angie's List deal earlier in that same day. He asked if he could come early the...
Cahaba Plumbing
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Reviewed in October 2015
<p>Arrived ahead of schedule. Worked quickly and efficiently. Slid fireplace insert back into position. </p> <p>Cleaned up work area. Suggested a product to prevent glazing and creosote build up. </p> <br />
The Mad Hatter
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Find Fireplace pros in Lipscomb

Serving Lipscomb, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1998

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"To our relief, after the fireplace was inspected, all it needed was to be caulked and that took care of the draft. We thought that the gas logs needed replacing, but were told that they were fine. A good thing we had the dryer vent done - it was very full of lint."

+15

Response time6 hrs

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by93%of homeowners

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The Mad Hatter Air Duct Cleaning & Chimney Sweep Service, Inc.

4.4(

105

)

Serving Lipscomb, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The 2 techs cleaned our dryer vents and did a side job on the gas fireplace. They were nice, efficient, and quick. I really liked the work performed. Good guys! Everything is working great and I am happy!"

Response time1 day

Recommended by96%of homeowners

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Henry Simpson Masonry Construction, LLC

4.8(

)

Serving Lipscomb, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1975

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"They did a really good job. I would highly recommend them"

+37

Response time11 hrs

Response rate90%

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Lipscomb, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job. FREE ESTIMATES within 40 mile radius only.\n

Response time1 day

23 neighbors recently requested a quote

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FirstTierHomeSolutions

New to Angi

Serving Lipscomb, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

First Tier Home Solutions delivers fast, reliable help for all your home needs.

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Jones' construction and More

New to Angi

Serving Lipscomb, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

My brother 32 and myself 28, we have 10yrs plus work experience together. We have learnt our trades hands on for big companies and now it's time for us to build our own income. We put customer satisfaction first and always respectful no smoking.\n

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

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WSB CLEANING SOLUTIONS L. L. C.

New to Angi

Serving Lipscomb, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

At WSB Cleaning Solutions LLC, we proudly serve Birmingham, Alabama with professional commercial and residential cleaning. From offices and medical facilities to homes and rental properties, we deliver dependable service and quality results every time.

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Maid You Look Cleaning Services

New to Angi

Serving Lipscomb, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

We don’t just clean — we make you l👀k. ✨\n We clean Apartments, Commercial suites, and Houses. Message me for quotes and any cleaning services. AL📍

12 neighbors recently requested a quote

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C2 Cleaning Industries

New to Angi

Serving Lipscomb, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

Hi! My names Joshua Connell and I am the team lead for C2 Cleaning Industries

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Busy B's Cleaning

New to Angi

Serving Lipscomb, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

I am a dependable, hardworking Marine Corps veteran with a strong attention to detail and a commitment to doing every job right. I take pride in creating clean, organized spaces and understand the importance of reliability, trustworthiness, and professionalism when working in someone's home. My military background taught me discipline, accountability, and a strong work ethic that I bring to every cleaning job.

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

The best location for a wood stove depends on your home's layout and venting options. For optimal heat distribution, a central location on the ground floor, such as the living room, is often recommended. If you have an existing, functional chimney, installing the stove there can simplify the venting process. Alternatively, placing the stove near an outside wall can make it easier to route a new chimney through the roof. For safety, ensure no combustible materials are near the stove. Building codes typically require 20 to 36 inches of clearance between the stove and any side walls.

A hearth often looks like a tile or brick floor that juts out from and surrounds your fireplace. A hearth can be made of stone, brick, ceramic, or any other fireproof material. Brick offers a classic and traditional vibe, whereas a hearth made of marble or ceramic may lean more toward modern aesthetics. The most common depth of a hearth is 20 inches.

There are fire codes for a fireplace mantel made of wood or other combustible material. The mantel must be mounted at least six inches away from the fireplace opening on all sides with a non-combustible material—like stone or brick—installed between the mantel and fireplace. Building codes and regulations will vary based on your location, so before beginning the project, research the requirements in your area.

Although no heating appliance can be entirely risk-free, a fireplace insert is considered a safer alternative to a traditional open fireplace, thanks to their enclosed design. With a sealed combustion chamber, a fireplace insert effectively reduces the risk of sparks and embers escaping into the room, minimizing the chance of an accidental fire.

Additionally, an insert comes equipped with various safety features, such as tempered glass doors that create a barrier between the flames and the surrounding space. This enhances both safety and energy efficiency by preventing heat loss. As an added bonus, many inserts are designed to meet strict safety standards that ensure proper ventilation and combustion.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that chimneys and their associated elements like fireplaces, vents, or stoves should be cleaned at least once a year before the start of seasonal use. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, a chimney should be cleaned when there is 1/8 inch of soot buildup. If there’s more than that, creosote—a flammable byproduct of burning wood—can form and increase the risk of a chimney fire.

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