In every design or home magazine you'll see it: a big expensive flat panel television mounted directly above a fireplace. It seems like a very popular idea, but is it a good one?
First of all, no fireplace manufacturer supports placing their fireplaces near a television. Every television is made differently, so it would be impossible for a fireplace manufacturer to confidently guarantee that the television would be constructed in a way that it would withstand the heat from the fireplace. Secondly, because there is such variation between fireplace models and how much heat each is capable of producing, no television manufacturer can state with certainty that their product would withstand being placed near the myriad of potential fireplaces. What that means to the consumer is that if you do decide to place a television above a fireplace and it is damaged from excessive heat, the manufacturers are not responsible - you are on the hook for it. With that caveat in mind, there are several things that are recommended in order to reduce the amount of heat reaching the television in the event that you insist on mounting it above the fireplace.
When planning for your fireplace, consider including a solid non-combustible mantle in your design. A well-placed mantle shelf can absorb and deflect the rising heat before it reaches your television; just make sure that it extends far enough from the front of the fireplace to do so. Granite, natural stone or concrete make ideal mantle shelves. You are not limited to these suggestions though - the only prerequisite is whatever material you use needs to be non-combustible. Recessing the television into the wall is also another effective way of lessening the impact of the rising heat.
How your fireplace is vented can also affect what the television is subjected to. You want to have your fireplace rear vented if you can. In a rear vent installation the chimney vent attaches to the rear of the fireplace, rather then to the top of the unit. Fireplace venting can get extremely hot when the fireplace is in operation, so by installing a fireplace with the venting not directly behind the television (as in the case of a top vent install) you can keep that extra heat away from the television. Keep that in mind when picking your fireplace, because not all fireplaces can be vented from the rear.
The last point is a matter of personal opinion, but an important consideration none the less. When a fireplace is installed into a room, it instantly becomes a focal point with its captivating dancing flame. Having a fireplace above it does not change this. Installing a television above a fireplace will result in having two visually imposing appliances that compete for your attention. You'll have to decide if that is something that you can live with.
As a matter of company policy Home Fyres does not recommend the installation of a television above a fireplace for the reasons given above. This article is by no means an endorsement of the installation and Home Fyres or this articles' author shall not be held responsible in the event of damage. Jesse Collin is a project manager for Home Fyres, Calgary's only outdoor kitchen and hearth specialist.
Home Fyres is your one stop location for everything necessary to visualize, design, and create a custom outdoor kitchen or that perfect fireplace, indoors or out.
Home Fyres is located
763 Northmount Drive N.W.
Calgary, AB T2L 0A1
B. (403) 457-4833
F. (403) 457-4834
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