5 Fireplace Myths You Should Avoid

What Are Fireplace Accessories?

cheap fireplaces (click for info) are a major feature of many homes, providing warmth and comfort all day and night. They also provide value and aesthetics to the home.

Whether your fireplace needs to be repainted or just simple repairs, these projects can often be completed by homeowners. Certain tasks that require gas are best left to the professionals.

The Hearth

The hearth is a noncombustible surface that is used to surround the fireplace or wood fireplace-burning stove. It could be a elevated area or simply the foundation on which the fireplace sits. The term "hearth" is often used to refer to the entire area of the fireplace, including the firebox, the raised floor and mantel and the chimney. It is nevertheless important to note that there are specific fire safety regulations about how the fireplace and its accessories must be constructed, so contact your local authority for more details.

Hearths are generally constructed of brick, stone or cement. They can be the focal point of any room. They are designed to form a barrier between the fire and the flooring. They also protect against accidental fires triggered by stray logs or embers. They can also be used to store fireplace tools, wood, and other equipment.

Archaeological studies have revealed that hearths were important to early human life. It is widely believed that they provided light, food, protection and warmth.

A hearth can cause serious health problems when it isn't properly maintained. Smoke inhalation increases blood levels of nitrogen which hinders red blood cells from delivering oxygen to the tissues (methemoglobinemia). At high levels it can cause nausea, dizziness and loss of consciousness.

Hearths were once made of stone, but are now more often made of brick or concrete. They can come in various shapes and sizes. Some cooking fireplaces have hearths that extend over the entire wall. Others are smaller, more decorative features that only cover the area of the fireplace opening. The material used in the construction of the hearth can have a huge impact on its appearance, cost, and the resistance to heat.

The Surround

A fireplace surround (also called a mantel) is the frame that is placed above the hearth and enhances the ambiance of the room. Besides its aesthetic value, it also serves as a useful element since it keeps combustible substances away from the fireplace and deflects heat into the space. It can also serve as a shelf for household items like mirrors or paintings.

There are a variety of options based on the size and type of the fireplace. Some are not combustible and others must meet national and local fire codes regarding clearance distances from the combustible object.

The most popular options for surrounds are brick, stone or concrete. Some stone surrounds have decorative features like bevels and bolection moulding. These stone surrounds can include plinths or cornices. These details can give a home a more refined design that matches the style.

Plaster is a different alternative. It is made with a mixture of sand and cement, and decorated to match any style of architecture. A plaster surround, for example can be a perfect match for a Mission style house.

The final option for an interior fireplace surround is tile. It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. It can be used as a decorative element to the surround, or spread over the whole wall for a dramatic focal feature. Tile is a great choice for homes with modern or contemporary styles.

The surround is the first thing that guests see when they enter a living room. It is essential to select an item that sets the tone for your space and increase the value of your home.

The Firebox

The firebox is a space behind the fireplace suite's opening in which a fire can be created and maintained. The firebox is usually surrounded by a chimney to allow the smoke to escape. Usually, these traditional structures burn wood, but some also burn gas like propane or natural gas.

No matter what kind of fuel you are using, the firebox is the location where the combustion takes place and must be maintained for safety and effectiveness. The firebox is comprised of a number of important parts. This includes the grate and the fire poker and the air damper.

It is important to regularly clean your fireplace. This includes keeping the firebox in good shape and its interior lining. Since it's always exposed to high temperatures, the inside will be soiled with soot and ash which need to be cleaned out. To clean it, make use of a wire brush or scraper to get rid of the caked on ash and soot.

It's also a good idea to utilize steel slag or steel to line the interior of the firebox to ensure long-term durability and longevity. These kinds of metals resist corrosion and will not rust. They also have an even heat distribution, which will last longer.

Additionally you can add a bit of visual interest to your fireplace by using decorative fire logs or lava rocks. Some people choose decorative modern glass instead. Make sure that whatever you're using in your fireplace is UL certified for safety. This is not just the fireplace itself, but also the accessories and decorations you're adding to it.

The Burner

Burners are a simple way to add warmth and aesthetics to a space. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it easy to find the ideal one for your home. Some are even equipped with remotes, so you can control the flame from any place in the room. Fire burners can be used indoors as well as outdoors, since they are safe.

There are a variety of burners, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are more expensive than others, but all offer a range of advantages to your home. Certain types of burners are safer than others ones, and some operate with or without chimneys. No matter which kind of burner you select ensure that you follow the directions included in the manual. This will ensure that the burner is installed correctly and is in compliance to all state and local laws.

While burning wood is the most popular method of enjoying an open flame, it's not always the most practical. The smoke and soot generated by burning wood can be harmful to your family members and yourself. Ethanol burners produce water vapor, and cheap Fireplaces extremely little CO2, making them more environmentally friendly.

A fireplace can also be helpful in the case of a power outage. In winter, trees become weighed down by heavy snow and ice, which causes them to fall and power lines below. If the electricity is not working in your home it is possible to use a fireplace to keep warm and cook food. This is an important benefit for homeowners who wish to be prepared for the unexpected.

The Flu

The flue is a tunnel inside a chimney which carries gases and smoke out of the house. It is an essential component for a safe, efficient fire. A flue is a source of updraft that pulls air through the fire, allowing the fuel to fully burn, as well as reducing smoke.

The drafting of the flue prevents the hot gas produced by the fire from leaking back down into your home and instead, they are carried outside, where they can cool. This controlled venting stops carbon monoxide from escaping.

Inspect your chimney on a regular basis for any leaks or blockages. The flue pipe (a steel tube or duct that runs through the middle of the chimney) should be cleaned using special cleaning chemicals and equipment. This includes a metal brush and an electric drill fitted using a masonry tool and masking tape and an utility knife for removing any creosote or soot that is stuck to the walls of the flue pipe.

Keeping the flue closed when you're not using your fireplace can help keep the conditioned air inside from escape. This also stops wind or rain from entering the fireplace and damaging your wood stove or gas 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 help reduce your energy bills and keep animals and precipitation out of your fireplace.