A Fireplace & A TV: The Perfect Entertainment
A lot of people consider their fireplace as a huge decorative element, which is why a lot of careful planning and attention is given to it. Christmas stockings are hung on its mantel shelf during the holidays. The family gathers on it during those cold chilly nights. In truth, the fireplace serves as the center of most family den, that it is part of the whole entertainment package. This is why some people like to install a flat or plasma TV above a fireplace, which serves as the center of the room and the ideal place to watch a family movie.
If you are no longer using your fireplace and its presence is just purely for decorative purposes, then there is really no other concern other than if your wall can support the weight of your TV. However, if it is still a working fireplace, then you may need to give your TV installation some thought. A fireplace once used will obviously produce heat that may affect your TV.
You may find out if your TV can tolerate the heat created by your fireplace by first setting the heat at its maximum level. Get a thermometer and place on the spot where you plan to put up your TV. If the temperature is well within the TV manufacturer’s tolerance level, you can go right ahead even at 90 degrees. If you do not have a thermometer, you can put your hand on the wall and feel if it is too hot or just alright. A TV can actually get warm with prolonged use and it is designed to withstand this. If your wall seems too hot for comfort, it is better not to have your TV there.
Another matter you should look into other than the temperature is your mantel wall. You should know if the façade bricks are a part of the chimney or not. If it is, then it could get really hot. Many homes in the 70s actually have facades so performing a heat test is very important. A fireplace with a brick façade, the heat can be directed in little smoke stacks, which are encapsulated so as not to heat the adjacent walls. This essential feature prevents the wall paint to dry up or crack, and speedy deterioration.
If you are still doubtful about the soundness of your judgment on installing a TV above your fireplace, it is wise to seek the assistance of the experts. There are many TV installers that know about the safety of combining a TV with a fireplace. As a rule of thumb, it is better to be sure than sorry.
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