Book Question

[FataMorgana]

Keeping old books on a working fireplace won't damage them will it?

 

[SpeareChucker]

How thick is your mantel?



It doesn't seem to hurt photographs.

 

[FataMorgana]

How thick is your mantel?



It doesn't seem to hurt photographs.

Only 6 inches, gas fire btw not real.

 

[bellisarius]

Only 6 inches, gas fire btw not real.

6 inches deep or 6 inches thick? A 6 inch thick mantle is massive.

 

[SpeareChucker]

I would think that sufficient.

I think my native oak produces a lot more heat than gas would.

 

[SpeareChucker]

6 inches deep or 6 inches thick? A 6 inch thick mantle is massive.

Mine is 4" deep and a foot in depth.

Things seem to be safe enough up there.

 

[SpeareChucker]

Also mine is over two feet in height over the fireplace

(which is vented and has fans to disperse the heat).

 

[hobbit.]

it alsso depends on how far away from the heat source the books are it should be no closer than 16" ( i think) building regs could give you specifics.

The best thing to do with books though, if you have a working fireplace, is burn the bloody things - they only trap dust and attract all sorts of strange people.

 

[HisArpy]

You can put a thermometer on the mantle to check what the temp is while you're burning the gas. If it's below 150* the books probably won't light up spontaneously no matter how dry they are.

The biggest problem is that the binding glue requires some moisture to prevent the book from just falling apart. Keeping the books on the mantle probably dries them out more than they are already. If the books are merely decoration, then no problem. If they're rare first edition classics, I'd find a different place for them.

 

[Em_1]

Fireplaces can leave black residue on books.

 

[jaF0]

Not a bit. Dries them out so they make better kindling for starting the next fire.

 

[oggbashan]

Books should be stored upright, away from heat, damp or sunlight.

 

[hobbit.]

Book Lives Matter. treat your books with respect.

 

[phrodeau]

Make sure that your fireplace is below Fahrenheit 451.

 

[FataMorgana]

6 inches deep or 6 inches thick? A 6 inch thick mantle is massive.

Sorry deep, 2 inches thick.

 

[FataMorgana]

When I have the fire on, its never very high.

Thanks for all your help.

 

[FataMorgana]

Book Lives Matter. treat your books with respect.

Always.

 

[hobbit.]

This was quite a refreshing thread, a much needed change in tempo, like a cooling summer breezes through an open patio....

 

[HisArpy]

This was quite a refreshing thread, a much needed change in tempo, like a cooling summer breezes through an open patio....

Pants dude, put on some pants. That way the "breeze" isn't so cold.

 

[FataMorgana]

This was quite a refreshing thread, a much needed change in tempo, like a cooling summer breezes through an open patio....

I'll do one on sideboards tomorrow.

 

[Adre]

Book Storage

Temperature and Humidity

Ideal levels are 68-72° F, with 40-50% RH. Monitor temperature and humidity levels. Excessive fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity can be particularly damaging to book.

 

[hobbit.]

Pants dude, put on some pants. That way the "breeze" isn't so cold.

My silk kimono blowing in the wafting breeze....

 

[Adre]

I'll do one on sideboards tomorrow.

Spray can cheese the next day.

 

[FataMorgana]

My silk kimono blowing in the wafting breeze....

*moistens downstairs*

 

[FataMorgana]

Book Storage

Temperature and Humidity

Ideal levels are 68-72° F, with 40-50% RH. Monitor temperature and humidity levels. Excessive fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity can be particularly damaging to book.

Good man, Nadre.