Slate Mantel Shelf

[wobs]

Having slate surrounds fitted, and fitter has tried installing the shelf with just adhesive and render. All good products etc, but I insisted on mechanical fixings as well. He wasn't chuffed, as it was in place.

Am I being paranoid?

 

[plasticpigeon]

I think you are. Traditionally plaster of Paris was used. I used some plasterboard adhesive as it is white, and the plasterer I employed for a job had some in the van he was happy for me to have! I stuck my mantel shelf to the uprights with the board adhesive and it is definitely strongly attached and has survived knocks bumps and even an accidental head butt without coming loose!

 

[wobs]

It was after I read some guidance:
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/stone-fireplace-surrounds
http://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/fireplace-surrounds.htm
http://www.castfireplaces.co.uk/fireplace-fitting-guide
www.stonefed.org.uk%2Fuploads%2FFireplace%2520Surrounds%2C%2520data%2520sheet%2520January%25202015.pdf

He seems a good builder though. He assured me it would be strong enough, but in light of deaths to children that have occurred, I didn't want to take the risk.

 

[MatthewC]

in light of deaths to children that have occurred, I didn't want to take the risk.

I don't blame you. I managed to destroy an old (concrete) fireplace surround which fell whilst I was levering it to get a floorboard underneath - it was a real crash (and broke into about 10 pieces)! Hate to think what it would have done to any child/cat/self.