THE MANTEL SURFACE ABOVE MY FIREPLACE IS HOT TO THE TOUCH, IS THIS A FIRE HAZARD?

A hot surface above a fireplace is normal. Non-combustible facings, such as natural marble, clay, brick, stone, and ceramic tile, are safe materials with which to surround a factory-built fireplace system. These materials and any combustible trims or mantels, should be installed in accordance with the appliance instructions and local building codes.