What Are Fireplace Accessories?
Many homes have fireplaces that provide warmth and comfort all day long and into the night. They also provide value and aesthetics to the interior of your home.
Homeowners can tackle most of these tasks regardless of whether your fireplace needs facelifts or basic repairs. However, certain jobs requiring gas service should be left to professionals with the proper training.
The Hearth
The hearth is the noncombustible flooring of a wood stove or fireplace. It could be an elevated area or the foundation of the fireplace. The term "hearth", which is used to describe all of the components of the fireplace, such as the firebox, the raised floor and mantel, as well as the chimney, is often used. However, it is important to remember that there are very specific fire safety guidelines regarding how a fireplace and its accessories should be constructed, so contact your local authority for more information.
They can be constructed from stone fireplaces, bricks or cement. They are a great focal feature for any room. They are designed to guard against accidental fires that may be caused by stray embers or logs. They can also be used to store fireplace tools wood, tools, and other supplies.
Archaeological studies point to the importance of hearths as a key to early human life. Many people believe that hearths were the source of warmth, light, food, and protection.
Although a hearth offers many advantages, it can also cause serious health issues in the event that it is not properly maintained. Smoke inhalation raises blood levels of nitrogen which hinders red blood cells from delivering oxygen to the tissues (methemoglobinemia). At high concentrations it can cause dizziness, nausea, and loss of consciousness.
Hearths were traditionally constructed of rock but they are now commonly made of concrete or brick and come in various shapes and sizes. Some cooking fireplaces have hearths that span the entire wall. Others are smaller, more decorative features that cover the area of the fireplace opening. The material used in a hearth can significantly affect its appearance, price and heat resistance.
The Surround
A fireplace surround, also known as a "mantel" is the frame that sits above the hearth that adds to the ambience of the room. It's not just aesthetically appealing, but also practical because it keeps combustibles out from the flame and redirects heat back into the room. It can also serve as an area to store household items such as mirrors or paintings.
There are various options based on the type and size of the fireplace. Some are non-combustible while others must meet the national and local standards for clearance distances from fire-prone objects.
Some of the most popular choices for the surround include concrete, brick, and stone. Certain stone surrounds feature decorative features like bevels and bolection moulding. They may also feature plinths or cornices. These details can create a more refined appearance that can complement the style of the home.
Another option is to use plaster. It is a mixture of sand, cement and water and can be shaped to match any architectural style. A plaster surround, for instance can be a perfect match for the look of a Mission style house.
Tile is the best option for a wall. Tiles are available in a variety of designs and colors. It can be used as a decorative element to the surround or extended across the entire wall for an impressive focal feature. Tile is a great choice for homes in a contemporary style.
The surround is the first thing guests notice when they enter a living space. For this reason, it is important to choose the right piece that will set the tone for your space and add to the value of your home.
The Firebox
The firebox is the space behind a fireplace's opening where the fire can be constructed and maintained. It's typically surrounded by some sort of chimney for the smoke to escape through. Traditional structures usually use wood, however some can also use gas, such as natural gas or propane.
The firebox is the place where combustion occurs and must be maintained properly for security and efficiency. The grate in the hearth as well as a fire poker and an air damper are the most important components of the firebox to ensure the proper operation.
In addition to maintaining the firebox and its liner in good shape It's also important to clean out your fireplace frequently. The inside of the 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 has been caked on.
It's also a great idea to make use of steel slag or stainless steel to line the interior of the firebox to ensure longevity and durability. These metals are resistant to corrosion and will not rust. They also have an even heat distribution, which will last longer.
Finally you can add a bit of visual appeal to your fireplace by adding decorative fire logs or lava rocks. Some people also utilize modern glass with decorative designs as an alternative. Just be certain that the glass you're using for your fireplace is UL approved 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 great way to add warmth and style to your home. They are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and shapes, making it easy to find one that will fit your home. Some are even equipped with remotes so that you can control the flame from any place in the room. Fire burners can be used indoors or outdoors, since they are safe.
There are many different types of burners, each having their own pros and cons. Some are more expensive, however they all have a variety of benefits. Certain types of burners are safer than others, and can be used without or with a chimney. Regardless of which type of burner you select ensure that you follow the directions provided in the user's manual. This will ensure that the burner is properly installed and in compliance with all local and state regulations.
Burning wood is a traditional way to enjoy your fireplace, however it's not always efficient. In addition to being messy and uninspiring it also produces smoke and soot it creates can be harmful to you and your family. Ethanol burners release water vapor and very little CO2, making them more environmentally friendly.
A fireplace can also prove useful in the occasion of an outage. In winter, trees get weighed down by heavy snow and ice, causing them to fall and power lines to drop below. You can use your fireplace to cook and keep warm when the power is out in your home. 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 away from your house. It's also a key element of a secure and efficient fire. A flue creates an updraft that pulls air through the fire, allowing fuel to fully burn and reduce smoke.
The drafting mechanism of the flue prevents the hot gas produced by the fire from billowing back into your home and instead, they are carried out to the outside where they can cool. It is this regulated venting that prevents carbon monoxide poisoning.
Inspect your chimney on a regular basis for blockages and leaks. 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 a drill using a masonry drill and masking tape and an utility knife to remove any soot or creosote that is stuck to the flue's walls. pipe.
Keep the flue shut when you aren't 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 gas or wood stove furnace.
The damper can be closed and opened by using a latch or a handle. It is located at the top of your fireplace, near the flue tile or pipe. It is designed to keep the flue open when a fire is burning, but it should be closed when not in use to help reduce your energy bills and keep animals and precipitation from your fireplace.