What Are Fireplace Accessories?
Fireplaces are an integral part of many homes they provide warmth and comfort all day and night. They also enhance the value and appeal of the interior of your home.
Homeowners can take on most of these tasks regardless of whether your fireplace requires an overhaul or just a few easy repairs. Certain jobs that require gas service should be left to experts.
The Hearth
The hearth is the noncombustible flooring for a wood stove or fireplace. It can be a raised area or just the foundation of the fireplace. The word "hearth" is used to describe all the components of the fireplace, such as the firebox, the raised floor and mantel, as well as the chimney, is often used. It is nevertheless important to remember that there are very specific fire safety guidelines regarding how the fireplace and its components should be built, so please check with your local governing body for more details.
Hearths are generally constructed of brick, stone or cement and can be a focal point of any room. They are designed to guard against accidental fires that could 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 the central to early human existence. It is widely believed that they supplied light, food, protection and warmth.
A hearth could be a source of serious health issues if it is not maintained properly. Smoke inhalation raises the levels of nitrogen in blood which blocks red blood cells from delivering oxygen to the tissues (methemoglobinemia). It can lead to dizziness, nausea and loss of consciousness in high levels.
Traditionally, hearths were built out of rock, however they are now commonly made out of brick or concrete and come in different sizes and shapes. Some cooking fireplaces wood have hearths that span the entire wall. Others are smaller, more decorative features that are only covering the area of the fireplace opening. The material of a hearth can significantly affect its appearance, cost and resistance.
The Surround
A fireplace surround (also called a mantel) is the frame that sits above the hearth and enhances the ambience of the room. It is not just visually appealing, but also practical as it keeps combustibles away from the flame and redirects heat back to the room. It can also serve as a shelf to display household items, such as mirrors or paintings.
There are various options based on the size and type of the fireplace. Certain surrounds are not combustible, while others must meet the fire codes of the local and federal government in relation to clearance distances away from items that are combustible.
The most popular choices for surrounds are stone, brick or concrete. Some stone surrounds come with decorative features such as bevels and bolection moulding. The stone surrounds could also have plinths or cornices. These elements can give an elegant appearance that complements the style of the house.
Another option is to use plaster. This material can be made with a mixture of cement and sand, then decorated to match any style of architecture. For instance, a textured surround can go well with a Mission style house.
The final option for an interior fireplace surround is tile. Tiles come in a variety of designs and colors. It can be used as an accent to the surround, or spread across the entire wall to create an eye-catching focal feature. Tile is an excellent choice for homes in contemporary styles.
The surround is among the first things guests notice when entering a living space. It is essential to select an item that sets the tone for your space and enhance the value of your home.
The Firebox
The firebox is the area behind the fireplace opening, in which a fire can be constructed and maintained. The firebox is usually enclosed by a chimney, allowing smoke to escape. The majority of these traditional structures burn wood, however some can also burn gas, such as natural gas or propane.
The firebox is the place where combustion occurs and must be maintained in a way that ensures security and efficiency. The firebox is made up of a number of important parts. They include the grate and the fire poker and the air damper.
It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly. This includes maintaining the firebox in good shape and its interior lining. The interior of your fireplace will be matted by soot and dust due to its continuous exposure to high temperatures. You can employ a scraper or wirebrush to get rid of the soot and ash that has been clogged up.
To ensure durability and longevity, it's recommended to line the inside of your firebox with steel slag. These types of metals can resist corrosion and will not rust. They will also provide a more uniform heat distribution and will last longer.
You can also add visual appeal to your fireplace with decorative fire logs and lava stones. Some people prefer modern decorative glass instead. Just be certain that whatever you're using to make your fireplace is UL rated for safety. This includes the fireplace as along with any accessories or decorations you put on it.
The Burner
Burners are a popular way to add warmth and beauty to any room. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, making it easy to locate the perfect burner for your home. Some are even equipped with remotes, so you can control the flame from anywhere in the room. They are also safe to use, which makes them an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor spaces.
There are many different types of burners, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some are more expensive, but they all have a myriad of benefits. Certain types of burners are safer than others, and some can be used with or without a chimney. No matter what kind of burner you pick, always follow the instructions included in the manual. This will ensure the burner is properly installed and is in compliance with all state and local laws.
Wood burning is a classic way to enjoy your fireplace, but it's not always the most convenient. In addition to being a messy, inconvenient process, the smoke and soot it creates can be unhealthy for you and your family. Ethanol fire-burners, on the other hand produce water vapor and minimal CO2 which is more sustainable.
Another benefit of having a fireplace is that it could be helpful in the event of an outage. In winter, trees may become weighed down by heavy snow and ice, which causes them to fall, and power lines below. You can use your fireplace to cook and keep warm if the electricity is cut off in your home. This is an important benefit for homeowners who want to be prepared for the unexpected.
The Flue
The flue is a tunnel within the chimney that carries smoke and gases out of the house. It's also a crucial element of a safe and efficient fire. A flue is a source of updraft that pulls air through the fire, allowing fuel to burn fully and reducing smoke.
The flue's draft prevents the hot gases produced by the fire from flowing into your home. Instead they are taken outside to cool. This controlled venting stops carbon monoxide from escaping.
Your chimney must be regularly inspected for blockages and leaks. The flue pipe, which is a steel tube or duct that runs through the middle of the chimney, should be cleaned using specific cleaning chemicals and equipment. This includes a brush made of metal and a drill using a masonry drill and masking tape and an utility knife for removing any soot or creosote that has accumulated on the walls of the flue pipe.
Keeping the flue closed when you're not using your fireplace helps keep the air conditioned inside from getting out. This also prevents wind or rain from getting into the fireplace and causing damage to the wood stove or gas furnace.
The damper, located near the bottom of the flue pipe, or flue tiles and on the top of the fireplace can be shut or opened via a latch or handle. It is designed to keep the flue open even when the fire is burning, but it should be shut when not in use to help reduce your energy costs and keep precipitation and animals from your fireplace.