How do you remove a fireplace mantel?
Pound the bottom of the mantel shelf with a rubber mallet to separate it from the wall if it doesn’t release when you pry the base of the mantel away from the wall, advises Fireplace Town. Tap it gently, but with enough force to pull the nails from the wall. Once it’s loosened, pull out on the shelf to remove it.
Is it hard to remove a fireplace mantel?
Removing a fireplace surround or mantel typically isn’t too difficult, but either one of them without any issues can require an understanding of how and where they are attached to the wall.
How are fireplace mantels attached?
Since neither option is very sturdy, we recommend you attach the mantel to a cleat—a simple piece of lumber securely fastened to the wall. One cleat runs horizontally under the mantel shelf, and the others run vertically inside the legs (most mantels are hollow in back).
How do you get rid of an old mantle?
Place a pry bar along the side of the mantel and tap in place with the hammer if it is a full mantel. Begin at the top edge and pry the mantel off the side of the fireplace. Move the pry bar down the side length of the surround; tap the pry bar in place and pry the side piece off until you’ve removed the entire piece.
How much does it cost to replace a fireplace mantel?
Install a Fireplace Mantel: national average cost The national average materials cost to install a fireplace mantel is $236.47 per mantel, with a range between $212.16 to $260.79. The total price for labor and materials per mantel is $578.11, coming in between $483.53 to $672.69.
Is it expensive to remove a fireplace?
Fireplace and Chimney Removal Costs If you need to remove the inconvenient or dangerous parts of a chimney or fireplace, you can avoid the massive cost of demolishing the entire system and structure. A partial chimney or fireplace demolition costs $500 to $2,000. A complete removal could run $4,000 to $6,000.
How do I replace my mantle?
Here’s how to replace your fireplace mantel in a few easy steps.
- Step 1 – Remove the Old Fireplace Mantel.
- Step 2 – Measure.
- Step 3 – Purchase a New Fireplace Mantel.
- Step 4 – Attach the Support Ledger.
- Step 5 – Prepare the New Mantel.
- Step 6 – Attach the Mantel to the Support Ledger Board.
- Step 7 – Secure the Mantel.
How do I delete a hearth?
Remove Old Hearth Use demolition hammer with a chisel bit to chip away old hearth and the mortar underneath (as shown). Leave concrete hearth base and firebox floor in tact. Brush and vacuum debris and dust from hearth base.
How far does a mantel need to be above a fireplace?
12”
Most housing codes and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) state that the bottom of the mantel must be at least 12” away from the top of the fireplace box.
How do you remove a mantel from a stone fireplace?
- Remove the corbel braces under the mantel if the mantel has them.
- Chip off the masonry around stone or brick corbels using a cold chisel and masonry hammer.
- Push upward on the mantel, rocking it up and down to loosen it.
- Insert a pry bar behind the mantel and pry it off.
How can I update my fireplace?
Learning to DIY: How to Update a Fireplace on a Budget
- Add a touch of paint. Gone are the days of design elements such as bold and bright red fireplaces and natural, oak-colored wall paneling and trim.
- Turn your brick to stone.
- Add a mantel.
- Think — and build — outside the box.
- Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize.
Does fireplace increase home value?
A homeowner can often recover over 100 percent of the expenses associated with adding a fireplace upon selling their home. According to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, adding a fireplace to home can increase the resale value of the home by as much as 6-12 percent.
Can a mantel be removed from a wall?
It’s important to pry the mantel away from the wall as much as you can either by unscrewing it or with a hammer and a pry bar. Getting the mantel off the wall will help you salvage the wall behind it. While you will probably have some drywall work to do, you can avoid any major wall repairs.
What should I do if my fireplace mantel is damaged?
If the mantel is attached to the chimney, there will be some superficial damage. However, if you’re replacing the mantel with a new one, it should cover up those spots. Otherwise, you can use mortar or caulk to fill them in.
What’s the best way to remove an insert from a fireplace?
Moving a fireplace insert can be messy, so you’ll want to thoroughly sweep or vacuum the area to clean it after your project is finished. Turn off the gas to the house at the main valve. Before you do anything else near a gas fireplace insert, locate the shutoff valve that controls the gas to your entire home.
What kind of tape to use to remove brass insert from fireplace?
Wrap the threads of your brass cap in 3-4 layers of the Teflon tape. Teflon tape is usually yellow, as opposed to basic plumber’s tape, which is white. You can purchase a brass safety cap and Teflon tape from any home improvement store.
