What Are Fireplace Accessories?
Many homes have fireplaces that offer warmth and comfort all day and all night long. They also provide value and aesthetics to the home.
Homeowners can take on many of these projects regardless of whether your fireplace needs an overhaul or just a few simple repairs. However, certain jobs requiring gas service must be left to trained professionals.
The Hearth
The hearth is the non-combustible flooring for an open fireplace or wood stove. It can be an elevated area or simply the foundation of the fireplace. The word "hearth" is used to describe all of the fireplace's components, including the firebox, the raised floor and mantel, as well as the chimney, is a common term. However, it is important to remember that there are strict fire safety regulations about how a fireplace and its components should be built, so please contact your local authority for more details.
Hearths are typically made of stone, brick or cement. They can be 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 triggered by stray logs or embers. They can also be used to store fireplace tools as well as wood and other supplies.
Archaeological studies point to the importance of hearths as the central to early human existence. Many people believe that hearths provided food, light, warmth and even protection.
A hearth could cause serious health issues when it isn't maintained properly. Smoke exposure raises the levels of nitrogen in blood, which prevents the red blood cells from delivering oxygen to tissues (methemoglobinemia). It can lead to dizziness, nausea and loss of consciousness in high concentrations.
Hearths used to be constructed from rock however, they are now typically made of brick or concrete. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some cooking fireplaces have hearths that extend over the whole wall while others are smaller, purely decorative features that cover the area of the fireplace opening. The material used to construct a hearth has a great impact on its appearance and cost as well as the resistance to heat.
The Surround
A fireplace surround (also known as mantel) is the frame that sits above the hearth and enhances the ambience of the room. Besides its aesthetic value, it also serves as a useful element as it keeps combustible substances away from the fireplace and deflects heat away from the room. It can also serve as a shelf for household items such as mirrors or paintings.
Depending on the kind of fireplace, there are a variety of materials that can be used for the surround. Certain surrounds are not combustible, while others must meet federal and local fire codes in relation to clearance distances away from combustible objects.
Some of the most popular choices for the surround include concrete, brick, and stone. Certain stone surrounds are carved with attractive features such as bevels or bolection moulding. They can also feature cornices or plinths. These details can give your home a more sophisticated design that matches its style.
Plaster is another option. It is created by mixing cement and sand, then finished to match any architectural design. A plaster surround, for example can go well with a Mission style home.
The most popular option for a fireplace surround is tile. Tiles are available in a range of colors and designs. It can be used to enhance the surround or be extended across the entire wall to create an impressive focal. Tile is a great option for homes with modern style.
The surround is the first thing people notice when they enter a living room. For this reason, it is crucial to select a piece that will set the tone of your space and add to the value of your home.
The Firebox
The firebox is the space behind the fireplace's opening, where a fire can be built and maintained. The firebox is usually covered by a chimney that allows smoke to escape. Traditional structures usually use wood, however they can also burn gas like propane or natural gas.
Regardless of what type of fuel you use the firebox is the place the place where combustion occurs and must be properly maintained for safety and effectiveness. The firebox is comprised of several important components. These include the grate as well as the fire poker and the air damper.
It is important to clean your fireplace regularly. This includes maintaining the firebox in good shape and its liner. Since it's constantly exposed to high temperatures, the interior will be soiled with soot and ash that need to be cleaned out. You can make use of a scraper or wirebrush to clean the soot and ash that has been clogged up.
For durability and long-term longevity It's an excellent idea to line the interior of your firebox with steel slag. These metals are resistant to corrosion and will not get rusty. They will also provide a more uniform heat distribution and last for longer.
In the end you can add some visual interest to your fireplace by using decorative fire logs or lava rocks. Some people also use decorative modern glass as an alternative. Make sure that the fireplace you use is UL approved. This is not just the fireplace itself but also the accessories and decorations you're adding to it.
The Burner
Burners are a common way to add warmth and style to any space. These fireplace accessories come in many different dimensions and shapes, so it's easy to find one that will fit your home. Some are even equipped with remotes, so you can control the flame from anywhere in the room. Fire-burners can be used indoors and outdoors, as they are safe.
There are a variety of burners. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks. Some are more expensive, however they all have a variety of benefits. Certain types of burners are safer than others, and some can be used with or without a chimney. No matter what type of burners you choose be sure to follow the guidelines included in the manual. This will ensure the burner is properly installed and is in compliance with the laws of your state and local authorities.
Burning wood is a traditional method of enjoying your fireplace, but it's not always the most convenient. In addition to being messy and uninspiring, the smoke and soot it creates could be harmful for you and your family. Ethanol burners release water vapor, and extremely low levels of CO2, which is more eco-friendly.
Another benefit of having a fireplace is that it could be beneficial in the event of a power outage. In winter, trees can get weighed down by heavy snow and ice, which causes them to fall, and power lines to fall below. Fireplaces can be used to cook and keep warm if 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 tunnel within the chimney, which is used to transport smoke and gases out of the house. It's also a crucial element of a safe and effective fire. A flue creates a breeze that pulls air into the fire. This allows the fuel to burn completely and reduces smoke.
The drafting mechanism of the flue stops the hot gases produced by the fire from leaking back into your home, and instead, they go outside, where they can cool. It is this regulated venting that prevents carbon monoxide poisoning.
The chimney should be regularly inspected to check for leaks and blockages. The flue pipe, which is a steel tube or duct that runs through the center of the chimney, must be cleaned with special cleaning equipment and chemicals. This includes a metal brush and an electric drill fitted using a masonry drill as well as masking tape and an utility knife to remove any soot or creosote that is stuck to the walls of the flue pipe.
Shut off the flue when not using your fireplace UK fire place to stop the conditioned air from venting out. This also prevents rain or wind gusts entering the fireplace and damaging the wood stove or gas furnace.
The damper can be opened and closed 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 while there is a fire burning however it should be shut when not in use to reduce your energy costs and keep animals and precipitation from your fireplace.