What Are Fireplace Accessories?
Many homes have fireplaces that provide warmth and comfort all day and night. They also provide value and aesthetics to the house.
If your fireplace requires an overhaul or basic repairs, these projects can often be completed by homeowners. However, certain tasks that require gas service must be left to trained professionals.
The Hearth
The hearth is the noncombustible floor to a fireplace or wood stove. It can be a raised area or just the foundation of the fireplace. The term "hearth" is usually used to describe the whole area of the fireplace including the firebox, raised mantel and floor as well as the chimney. However, it is important to remember that there are strict fire safety guidelines regarding how the fireplace and its accessories must be built, so please check with your local governing body for more details.
Hearths are usually constructed from brick, stone or cement and can be an important focal point in any room. They are designed to guard against accidental fires that could be caused by stray embers or even logs. They also provide a space for storing fireplace tools such as wood, tools and other equipment.
Archaeological research points to the importance of hearths as central to early human existence. Many people believe that hearths were the source of food, light, warmth and security.
While a hearth has numerous benefits, it could cause serious health problems if not properly maintained. Smoke exposure raises nitrogen levels in the blood, which prevents the red blood cells from delivering oxygen to tissues (methemoglobinemia). At high concentrations it can cause nausea, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
Hearths used to be constructed from rock, but are now more typically made of brick or concrete. They are available in many shapes and sizes. Some cooking fireplaces have hearths that cover the entire wall, while others are smaller and solely decorative pieces that only cover the fireplace's opening. The material used to construct the hearth has a significant impact on its appearance and cost as well as heat resistance.
The Surround
A fireplace surround (also known as a mantel) is the frame that is situated above the hearth and enhances the ambiance of a room. Besides its aesthetic value, it also serves as a useful element as it keeps combustible materials away from the hearth and disperses heat into the room. It can also be used as an area to display household items like mirrors or paintings.
Depending on the type of fireplace, there are various alternatives for the surround. Certain materials are non-combustible, while others need to meet the national and local standards for clearance distances from combustible objects.
The most popular options for surrounds are brick, stone or concrete. Certain stone surrounds are carved with attractive features, such as bevels and bolection moulding. They may also have cornices or plinths. These elements can give a more refined appearance that is in keeping with the style of the home.
Another option is to use plaster. It can be created by mixing cement and sand, then it is then finished to match any style of architecture. A plaster surround, for instance, can complement the look of a Mission style house.
The last popular choice for the fireplace surround is tile. It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. It can be used to enhance the wall, or it can be extended across the entire wall to create a striking focal. It is also a good option for homes with a contemporary or modern style.
The surround is one of the first things people notice when they enter a living space. For this reason, it is essential to choose a piece that will set the tone of your room and increase the value of your home.
The Firebox
The firebox is a space behind the fireplace's opening where a fire can be built and maintained. The firebox is usually surrounded by a chimney to allow the smoke to escape. Traditional structures usually use wood, however some can also use gas such as propane or natural gas.
The firebox is where combustion occurs and must be maintained in a way that ensures security and effectiveness. The firebox is made up of several essential components. This includes the grate and the fire poker and the air damper.
It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace. This includes maintaining the firebox in good order and its interior lining. The interior of the fireplace will be matted by dust and soot due to its continuous exposure to high temperatures. You can use a scraper or a wirebrush to remove the soot and ash that have been clogged on.
To ensure durability and 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 be rusty. They also offer more even heat distribution and last for longer.
You can also add visual appeal to your fireplace by using fire place UK decorative fire logs and lava stones. Some people also choose to utilize modern glass with decorative designs as an alternative. Be sure that whatever you're using to make your fireplace is UL certified for safety. This includes the fireplace as well as any accessories and decorations you put on it.
The Burner
Burners are an easy way to add warmth and beauty to any space. They are available in various sizes and shapes that make it easy to locate the ideal burner for your home. Some come with remotes so you can control the flames from any location in the home. Fire burners are also quite safe to use, which makes them a great option for indoor and outdoor spaces.
There are a variety of burners, each having distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some are more expensive, however they all have a myriad of benefits. Some are safer than other, and some work with chimneys or without. Regardless of which kind of burner you pick ensure that you follow the directions provided in the manual for the product. This will ensure that the burner is properly installed and is in compliance with all local and state laws.
While burning wood is the traditional method of enjoying an open flame, it's not always the most practical. Apart from the fact that it's messy and inconvenient as well as the smoke and soot it creates can be harmful to you and your family. Ethanol burners create water vapor, and very little CO2, making them more eco-friendly.
A fireplace can also be beneficial in the occasion of an outage. In winter, trees get weighed down by heavy snow and ice, causing them to fall and power lines below. Fireplaces can be used to cook and keep warm in the event that the power goes out in your home. This is a great option for homeowners who are prepared for the unexpected.
The Flu
The flue is an internal tunnel of a chimney that brings gases and smoke from your fireplace to your house. It is also an important component for a safe, efficient fire. A flue generates a wind that pulls air into the fire. This allows the fuel to burn completely and reduces smoke.
The drafting of the flue prevents the hot gases emitted by the fire from billowing back down into your home and instead, they go out, where they will cool. This regulated venting is what stops carbon monoxide from escaping.
Your chimney must be inspected regularly for leaks and blockages. The flue pipe is a steel tube or duct that runs through the middle of the chimney, needs to be cleaned using specific cleaning equipment and chemicals. The metal brush, a drill equipped with a brick bit and masking tape are all required to remove any tarnish or soot that has been stuck on the walls of the chimney flue pipe.
Close the flue when not using your fireplace in order to prevent the conditioned air from escape. This can also stop rain or wind gusts entering the fireplace and causing damage to 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, can be shut or opened by a handle or latch. The damper is designed to keep a fireplace's flue clear when there is a fire burning. However it should be closed when the fireplace is not in use. This will save you energy costs.