What Are Fireplace Accessories?
Fireplaces are central to many homes, providing warmth and comfort all day and at night. They also add value and beauty to the house.
Whether your fireplace needs to be repainted or just simple repairs, these projects can often be completed by homeowners. Certain jobs that require gas service should be left to experts.
The Hearth
The hearth is the non-combustible flooring of an open fireplace or wood stove. It could be an elevated area or simply the foundation of the fireplace. The word "hearth" is usually used to refer to the entire area of the fireplace, which includes the firebox, raised floor and mantel and the chimney. It is nevertheless important to note that there are strict fire safety rules regarding how a fireplace and its accessories must be built, so please contact your local authority for more information.
They can be made from cement, bricks, or stone. They are a fantastic focal feature for any room. They are designed to protect against accidental fires that could be caused by stray embers or even logs. They can also be used to store fireplace tools, wood, and other supplies.
Archaeological research has revealed the importance of hearths as a key to early human life. It is widely believed that they supplied food, protection, light and warmth.
A hearth can cause serious health issues when it isn't properly maintained. Smoke exposure raises nitrogen levels in the blood, which prevents the red blood cells from delivering oxygen to tissues (methemoglobinemia). It can cause nausea, dizziness, and loss of consciousness at high concentrations.
Traditionally, hearths were built of rock but they are now commonly made out of brick or concrete and can be in various shapes and sizes. Some cooking fireplaces feature hearths that are able to cover the entire wall, while others are smaller and solely decorative pieces that only cover the fireplace's opening. The material of a hearth can greatly influence its appearance, Electric Firesuite price and heat resistance.
The Surround
A fireplace surround (also known as mantel) is the frame that sits above the hearth, and is a part of the atmosphere of a room. Besides its aesthetic value, it also serves as a useful element since it shields flammable materials from the fireplace and deflects heat away from the space. It can also be used as an area to store things like mirrors or paintings.
Depending on the kind of fireplace, there are several materials that can be used for the surround. Some surrounds are non-combustible, while others must comply with local and federal fire codes in regards to clearance distances from combustible objects.
The most popular choices for surrounds are brick, stone, or concrete. Certain stone surrounds are carved using decorative features like bevels or bolection moulding. These stone surrounds may also feature cornices or plinths. These details can give a house a more sophisticated look that complements its style.
Plaster is another option. This material can be created by mixing cement and sand, and finished to match any architectural design. A plaster surround, for instance, can complement an Mission style home.
Tile is the last choice for a wall. Tiles are available in a variety of colors and designs. It can be used to accent the surrounding area or be extended over the entire wall to create a dramatic focal. It is a fantastic choice for homes in contemporary styles.
The surround is the first thing guests notice when they enter a living space. It is crucial to choose a piece to set the mood for your space and to enhance the value of your home.
The Firebox
The firebox is the space behind a fireplace opening where a fire can be built and maintained. The firebox is typically covered by a chimney to allow the smoke to escape. These traditional structures typically burn wood, however some can also use gas like propane or natural gas.
The firebox is the area where combustion occurs and must be maintained in a way that ensures safety and effectiveness. The firebox is made up of several essential components. They include the grate and the fire poker and the air damper.
It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace. This includes maintaining the firebox in good condition and its interior lining. The interior of your fireplace will be soiled by dust and soot because of its constant exposure to high temperatures. You can make use of a scraper or wirebrush to clean the soot and ash that have been clogged on.
For durability and long-term longevity it's recommended to line the inside of your firebox with steel slag. These kinds of metals resist corrosion and will not be rusty. They also have an even heat distribution that will last longer.
You can also make your fireplace by using decorative fire logs and lava stones. Some people opt for modern-looking decorative glass instead. Make sure the fireplace you choose to use is UL approved. This includes the fireplace, as well as any accessories and decorations you'll add to it.
The Burner
Burners are a popular way to add heat and aesthetics to any room. They come in various shapes and sizes that make it easy to find the ideal burner for your home. Some have remotes, so you can control the flames from any location in the home. Fire burners are safe to use, which makes them an ideal choice for outdoor and indoor spaces.
There are a variety of burners. Each one has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some are more expensive, but they all offer a range of advantages. Certain are more secure than others, and can be used with or without a chimney. No matter what type of burners you choose ensure that you follow the directions that are in the manual. This will ensure that the burner is properly installed and is in compliance with all local and state laws.
While burning wood is the most traditional method of enjoying a fireplace, it isn't always the most practical. In addition to being messy and uninspiring as well as the smoke and soot that it releases could be harmful for you and your family. Ethanol fire-burners, on the other hand produce just CO2 and water vapor which is a lot more eco-friendly.
A fireplace can also prove useful in the occasion of an outage. In winter, trees may get weighed down by heavy snow and ice, which causes them to fall, and power lines below. If the electricity in your house goes out, you can use an open fire to warm up and cook food. This is a huge benefit for homeowners who want to be prepared for the unexpected.
The Flu
The flue is an internal tunnel in a chimney that brings smoke and gases from your fireplace out of your home. It is also an essential element 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 stops the hot gas produced by the fire from blowing back down into your home, instead, they are carried out, where they will cool. This regulated venting is what stops carbon monoxide from escaping.
Your chimney needs to be regularly inspected for leaks and 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. The metal brush, a drill with brick bits, and masking tape are needed to remove any soot or tarnish that has been stuck on the walls of the chimney flue pipe.
Close the flue when not using your fireplace to prevent conditioned air from escaping. It also prevents wind or rain from getting into the chimney and damaging your fireplace wood stove or gas furnace.
The damper can be opened and closed by using a latch or a handle. It is located on the uppermost part of your fireplace close to the flue tile or pipe. It is designed to keep the flue open even when the fire is burning however it should be shut when not in use to reduce your energy bills and keep precipitation and animals from your fireplace.