Think You're Ready To Start Fireplace? Try This Quiz
Think You're Ready To Start Fireplace? Try This Quiz
Blog Article
What Are Fireplace Accessories?
Many homes have fireplaces that offer warmth and comfort all day and night. They also add beauty and value to the house.
If your fireplace requires a facelift or just some basic repairs, these projects can often be completed by homeowners. However, certain jobs requiring gas service must be left to trained professionals.
The Hearth
The hearth is a noncombustible surface that surrounds a fireplace or wood-burning stove. It can be an elevated area or the foundation of the fireplace. The word "hearth" is often used to describe the entirety of the fireplace, including the firebox, raised floor and mantel, as well as the chimney. However, it is important to note that there are very specific fire safety regulations about how the fireplace and its components should be constructed, so contact your local authority for more details.
Hearths are typically constructed from brick, stone or cement, and are a focal point of any room. They are designed to create an enclosure between the fire and the flooring. They also protect against accidental fires that are caused by stray logs or embers. They can also be used to store fireplace tools wood, tools, and other items.
Archaeological research points to the importance of hearths as a key to early human existence. Many people believe that hearths supplied warmth, light, food, and protection.
Although a hearth offers many benefits, it can also cause serious health issues if not properly maintained. Smoke inhalation can increase blood levels of nitrogen which hinders red blood cells (methemoglobinemia) from carrying oxygen to tissues. It can lead to dizziness, nausea and loss of consciousness when in high concentrations.
Hearths used to be made of rock, but are now more often made of concrete or brick. They can come in many shapes and sizes. Some cooking fireplaces feature hearths that extend over the entire wall, while others are smaller, more decorative features that only cover the area of the fireplace opening. The material used in a hearth can greatly influence its appearance, price and heat resistance.
The Surround
A fireplace surround (also called a mantel) is the frame that is placed above the hearth, and is a part of the atmosphere of the room. In addition to its aesthetic value it also serves as a practical element since it shields flammable materials from the fireplace and deflects heat away from the space. It can also serve as an extra shelf for household items like mirrors or paintings.
There are various options based on the type and size of the fireplace. Some are non-combustible while others must meet local and national fire codes for clearance distances from the combustible object.
Some of the most popular choices for the surround include stone, brick and concrete. Some stone surrounds are carved with decorative features like bevels or bolection moulding. They may also have plinths or cornices. These details can give a home an elegant appearance that is in harmony with its style.
Another option is to use plaster. This material is made from a mix of sand, cement, and water. It can be finished to match any style of architecture. A plaster surround, for instance can go well with an Mission style home.
Tile is the final option for a surround. Tiles are available in a variety of colors and designs. It can be used as an accent to the surround or spread over the whole wall for an eye-catching focal feature. Tile is a great option for homes with contemporary styles.
The surround is the first thing that guests see when they enter a living space. It is for this reason that it is essential to choose a piece that will set the tone for your space and increase your home's value.
The Firebox
The firebox is an area behind the fireplace opening, where a fire may be built and maintained. The firebox is typically covered by a chimney that allows the smoke to escape. These traditional structures typically burn wood, but some can also use gas, such as natural gas or propane.
Regardless of what type of fuel you are using the firebox is where the combustion takes place and must be properly maintained to ensure safety and efficiency. The grate in the hearth as well as a fire poker and an air damper are all important elements of the firebox that must be in place for proper operation.
It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly. This includes maintaining the firebox in good order and the lining. Since it's constantly exposed to extreme temperatures, the inside will be soiled with soot and ash that need to be removed. To clean it, use a wire brush or a scraper to get rid of the caked on ash and soot.
For durability and long-term longevity, it's an excellent idea to line the inside of your fireplace with steel slag. These metals are resistant to corrosion and won't rust. They also offer more uniform heat distribution and last longer.
You can also make your fireplace by adding decorative fire logs and lava stones. Some homeowners also opt to use decorative modern glass as an alternative. Make certain that whatever you're using in your fireplace is UL rated for safety. This includes not only the fireplace, but the accessories and decorations you're adding to it.
The Burner
Burners are an easy method to add warmth and get more info style to any space. They come in various sizes and shapes, making it easy to find the perfect burner for your home. Some are even equipped with remotes so that you can control the flame from anywhere in the room. Fire-burners can be used indoors and outdoors, since they are safe.
There are many different types of burners, each having their own pros and cons. Some are more expensive than others, but they all provide a variety benefits for your home. Some are safer than others, and can be used with or without a chimney. No matter what kind of burner you pick, make sure to follow the directions provided in the product's manual. This will ensure that the burner is installed correctly and is in compliance to the laws of your state and local authorities.
The burning of wood is a traditional way to enjoy your fireplace, however it's not always efficient. The smoke and soot created by burning wood can be hazardous to your family members and yourself. Ethanol burners create water vapor and very little CO2, which is more environmentally friendly.
A fireplace can also be helpful in the event of an outage. In winter, trees may be weighed down by the weight of snow and ice, which causes them to fall and power lines to drop below. You can use your fireplace to cook and keep warm in the event that the power is out in your home. This is an important benefit for homeowners who wish to be prepared for the unexpected.
The Flu
The flue is a passageway inside a chimney which carries gases and smoke out of the home. It is an essential element to ensure a safe and efficient fire. A flue creates an updraft, which draws air through the fire, allowing the fuel to fully burn, as well as reducing smoke.
The drafting of the flue stops the hot gases produced by the fire from billowing back into your home and instead, they are carried outside, where they can cool. It is this controlled venting that helps prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
The chimney should be regularly inspected to check for leaks and blockages. The flue pipe is a steel tube or duct that runs through the middle of the chimney, must be cleaned using special cleaning chemicals and equipment. The metal brush, a drill with a brick bit and masking tape are all required to remove any soot or tarnish that has been stuck on the chimney's walls. flue pipe.
Shut off the flue when not using your fireplace to prevent conditioned air from escaping. This also stops rain or wind gusts getting into the fireplace and causing damage to your gas or wood stove furnace.
The damper, located near the bottom of the flue pipe or flue tiles, and at the top of the fireplace is able to be closed or opened via a latch or handle. It is designed to keep the flue open even when a fire is burning however, it should be closed when not in use to reduce your energy costs and keep animals and precipitation from your fireplace.