Is It Safe to Mount a TV Above a Fireplace?
Is It Safe to Mount a TV Above a Fireplace?
Many homeowners consider hanging their TVs above the fireplace. However, this is not advised for various reasons. Watching TV that lies outside your natural line of vision is uncomfortable and can result in neck strain and washed-out picture quality if mounted too steeply at an angle. But is it safe to mount a TV above a fireplace? Yes, it is. But you must follow the steps to ensure the TV is mounted properly and securely.
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Check Fireplace Heat Output
Even though you have decided to mount your TV above the fireplace, you still have to find the ideal spot for TV installation. Fire can generate intense heat that, if left unchecked, could compromise the delicate electronic components in your television and render it inoperable.
Professional TV installation services generally advise against mounting televisions directly above an active wood or gas-burning fireplace; this method may not work well for gas inserts or direct vent fireplaces designed to produce heat.
However, electric fireplaces produce relatively low heat output levels and should present only a few issues for most individuals. However, exercising caution and taking preventative steps is still wise if possible.
Check The Highest Temperature
Utilizing a thermometer to gauge mantel and wall temperatures effectively assesses whether your wood-burning fireplace area is suitable for mounting TVs. If the area becomes too warm, other options for creating media walls include using built-in recesses, swivel TV mounts like those we offer, or mounting your TV at different angles to achieve optimal viewing experiences.
Measure Mantel & Fireplace Wall Temperatures
Not only should sufficient ventilation be guaranteed, but the temperature of the wall and fireplace mantel where your TV will be mounted should also be considered. If a masonry fireplace produces excessive heat, its output could cause it to become too hot to safely support a television set – potentially damaging or creating fire hazards in its wake.
Noting the exact height at which a TV is mounted above a fireplace is also essential to creating an enjoyable viewing experience. Too-high mounting can cause neck and eye strain when watching, while too-low mounting could make viewing more difficult and cause glare issues.
To prevent these problems, it’s recommended that a media wall with a recessed area for mounting TVs be created. This will ensure the TV is positioned correctly and ventilated while providing a stylish, clean appearance. A simple mantel may help deflect rising heat away from the TV to protect it from overheating or burning out prematurely.
Ensure Adequate Ventilation & Clearance
Your fireplace type is critical in determining whether you can mount a TV above it. Electric fireplaces produce very little heat, making them generally safe to mount TVs above (refer to our guide for more details).
Wood-burning stoves and gas fires produce far more intense heat that could melt or damage electronics if placed too close; in these cases, you must rely on a mantel and chimney hood to direct heat away from your electronics while staying up-to-date on chimney inspections and cleanings.
Consider how long you and your family plan on spending watching TV mounted above your fireplace before setting an ideal height. This can help determine if it causes neck strain or waters the eyes.
Furthermore, it’s wise to check whether your home was built with a recessed niche above the fireplace. This niche may already contain all the necessary outlets and jacks for TV setup. Otherwise, drilling may be required.
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Use Proper Mounting Brackets
However, mounting a TV above a fireplace should never be done lightly, as its heat could seriously harm electronics. The weight of a television could damage the wall of your fireplace and, even worse, spark a fire. Furthermore, its wires could become fire hazards if improperly routed.
To mitigate this potential hazard and ensure maximum safety for you and your family when mounting TVs above wood-burning fireplaces, use straps as anchor points on walls apart from mounting kits that hold them into position for extra support should they tip over during installation – giving an extra measure if it tips over keeping flat screen TV undamaged as well as protecting you and your family safe!
Consider Different Types of TV Mount
Selecting the ideal type of TV mount is also key in safely mounting it above your fireplace. A full-range motion mount may be best, as this enables you to lower it to eye level for viewing purposes while lifting back up again when finished, eliminating neck craning and contributing to health issues over time.
Consider Viewing Angle & Height
Homeowners who mount their television above a fireplace often experience neck strain when they watch TV for extended periods. However, this problem can easily be addressed using a full-range motion mounting kit, which allows the TV screen to be pulled back to eye level when not needed.
The heat from wood-burning or gas fireplaces produces soot that can damage TV electronics over time. Still, newer homes often come equipped with a recessed niche above their fireplace that is ideal for placing TVs – eliminating some of the tedious electrical work necessary in older properties.
Locate The Wall Studs
If you proceed with your TV mounting project, use a stud finder to locate wall studs before drilling. Also, consider running all cable systems behind the wall so they remain out of sight and protected from heat damage. Use a bridge system that carries cables through hidden channels painted to match your wall color and hide them behind painted channels on your wall surface.
Conclusion
Mounting a TV above a fireplace is possible, but several factors must be carefully considered to ensure safety and an optimal viewing experience. Following these guidelines, you can safely mount your TV above the fireplace while enjoying a comfortable viewing experience.
Call PrairieTech For Expert TV Mounting Service
PrairieTech offers top-tier Residential Security Solutions and can help you keep your home safe and secure from potential threats. We are offering Home Security, Home Theatre, and Home Automation services. If you are planning to decorate your house outdoors for a holiday, then we are offering permanent holiday lighting installation as well. Contact us today!
