Issues fixing mantel to metal surround

[fluey]

Hi

The fireplace I've inherited seems to have metal plates between the brickwork and wall finish all around the fireplace - Is this to better conduct the heat from the stove?

Anyway I want to screw a piece of oak to act as a mantel support and then stick a white shelf in top much like the attached photo shows.

My concern is not knowing what things I need to check or be sure of before I start drilling the fixings for
tbe mantel

Are there any potential pitfalls?

Help appreciated

• Fluey

 

[DAKSY]

Where exactly are the metal plates? They aren't obvious in the first picture.

 

[mol1jb]

Is there anything in the fireplace currently, like a stove or insert? Each stove and insert unit have specific clearances to above combustibles. All inserts should specify in the manual. As for stoves in fireplaces, some stoves specify how high a combustible mantle has to be and some do not. In that case you would have to get in touch with the manufacturer and inquire.

 

[fluey]

Where exactly are the metal plates? They aren't obvious in the first picture.

Hi Daksy,

The entire lower part of the chimney breast has a half inch sheet of metal plating between the brickwork and the outer wall plaster/wallpaper

I believe it is so that the gas stove heats up till its red hot and then this metal plate conducts the heat further and acts as a kind of radiator fit the room.

My issue is I want to drill two holes into it or not if its going to adversely affect the hearth.

Hopefully the photos might help

 

[DAKSY]

I wouldn't worry too much about the integrity of the masonry. Drill into the wall & see what you hit.
Just make sure where you mount your combustible mantle meets the minimum clearances above
your stove. That dimension should be cited in the owner's manual.
If you drill thru the wall & hit Masonry, good. Use a hammer drill to drill as deep
as you need to for what ever fasteners you will be using to attach to the wall...

 

[fluey]

Is there anything in the fireplace currently, like a stove or insert? Each stove and insert unit have specific clearances to above combustibles. All inserts should specify in the manual. As for stoves in fireplaces, some stoves specify how high a combustible mantle has to be and some do not. In that case you would have to get in touch with the manufacturer and inquire.

Much obliged - I'll check the manual

 

[fluey]

I wouldn't worry too much about the integrity of the masonry. Drill into the wall & see what you hit.
Just make sure where you mount your combustible mantle meets the minimum clearances above
your stove. That dimension should be cited in the owner's manual.
If you drill thru the wall & hit Masonry, good. Use a hammer drill to drill as deep
as you need to for what ever fasteners you will be using to attach to the wall...

Thanks. I'm inclined to agree
I'll check the manual for clearance
Any tips on fasteners - I'm not sure I'll do the job myself but it would be good to know what options there are. This would not be a really thick (depth) mantel as it it really just a support for a shelf as per earlier photo but I suppose I lead a minimum thickness for the fasteners to hold the mantel firm