What Are Fireplace Accessories?
Many homes have fireplaces that offer warmth and comfort all day and all night long. They also provide beauty and value to the home.
If your fireplace requires to be repainted or just minor repairs, these tasks can often be completed by homeowners. However, certain jobs requiring gas service must be left to professionals with the proper training.
The Hearth
The hearth is the noncombustible flooring for a wood stove or fireplace. It could be an elevated area or the foundation of the fireplace. The word "hearth" is often used to describe the entire area of the fireplace including the firebox, the floor and mantel and the chimney. It is important to remember that there are specific fire safety regulations regarding the construction of the fireplace as well as its accessories. Check with your local authority for more details.
Hearths are generally made of stone, brick or cement, and are a focal point of any room. They are designed to create a barrier between the fireplace and the flooring, and to guard against accidental fires caused by stray embers or logs. They can also be used to store fireplace tools wood, tools, and other items.
Archaeological research has revealed the importance of hearths as central to early human life. Many people believe that hearths were the source of warmth, light, food and even protection.
A hearth could cause serious health problems if it is not maintained properly. Smoke exposure increases nitrogen levels in blood which hinders red blood cells (methemoglobinemia) from delivering oxygen into the tissues. At high levels it can cause dizziness, nausea, and loss of consciousness.
Hearths used to be made of stone but they are now commonly made from brick or concrete. They can come in many shapes and sizes. Some cooking fireplaces 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 used to make a hearth has a great impact on its appearance, cost, and the resistance to heat.
The Surround
A fireplace surround (also called a mantel) is the frame that is placed above the hearth and enhances the ambiance of a room. Besides its aesthetic value, it is also a functional element since it keeps combustible substances away from the fireplace and deflects heat from the room. It also serves as an area to store household items such as mirrors or paintings.
Depending on the type of fireplace, there are several materials that can be used for the surround. Some are not combustible and others must meet local and national fire codes for clearance distances from the combustible object.
Popular choices for the surround are brick, stone or concrete. Some stone surrounds are carved with decorative features like bevels or bolection moulding. They can also feature plinths or cornices. These details can create a more refined appearance that is in keeping with the style of the house.
Plaster is a different option. It is a mixture of sand, cement and water. It can be crafted to match any style of architecture. For instance, a textured surround can go well with a Mission style home.
Tile is the last choice for a surround. It comes in a myriad of colors and patterns. It can be used as an accent to the surround or extended across the entire wall for an impressive focal feature. It is also a good option for homes with modern or contemporary styles.
The surround is among the first things that guests see when entering a living space. It is crucial to choose a piece to set the mood for your space and also to increase the value of your home.
The Firebox
The firebox is a space behind the fireplace 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 such as natural gas or propane.
The firebox is where the combustion takes place and should be maintained in order to ensure safety and efficiency. The firebox is made up of several important components. These include the grate, the fire poker, and the air damper.
In addition to maintaining the firebox and its liner in good shape It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly. The inside of the fireplace will be matted by dust and soot because of its constant exposure to high temperatures. You can use a scraper or a wirebrush to remove the soot and ash that have been clogged on.
It's also a good idea to make use of steel slag or stainless steel to line the inside of the firebox to ensure durability and long-term use. These metals are resistant to corrosion and won't get rusty. They also offer an even heat distribution, which will last longer.
You can also make your fireplace by adding decorative fire logs and lava stones. Some people opt for modern-looking decorative glass instead. Make sure that the fireplace you choose to use is UL approved. This is not just the fireplace, but any decorations and accessories you're adding to it.
The Burner
Burners are a common way to add heat and aesthetics to any room. They are available in various shapes and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect burner for your home. Some are equipped with remotes so that you can control the flames from anywhere in the house. Fire-burners can be used indoors and outdoors, since they are safe.
There are many kinds of burners, each having distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some are more expensive, however they all offer a range of benefits. Some are more secure than others, and some work with or without chimneys. No matter what kind of burner you pick be sure to adhere to the directions in the product's manual. This will ensure the burner is installed correctly and is in compliance to the laws of your state and local authorities.
The burning of Stoves wood is a traditional method of enjoying your fireplace, but it's not always efficient. The smoke and soot generated from burning wood can be hazardous to you and your family. Ethanol burners release water vapor, and very low levels of CO2, which is more eco-friendly.
Another benefit of having a fireplace is that it can be beneficial in the event of an outage. In winter, trees may be weighed down by the weight of snow and ice, causing them to fall and power lines to drop below. Fireplaces can be used to cook and keep warm if the power goes out in your home. This is a major plus for those who want to be prepared for the unexpected.
The Flu
The flue is a tunnel within a chimney which carries gases and smoke out of the home. It is an essential element to ensure a safe and efficient fire. A flue creates an updraft that pulls air through the fire, allowing the fuel to fully burn, as well as reduce smoke.
The flue's draft keeps the hot gases emitted from the fire from escaping into your home. Instead they are taken outside to cool. It is this regulated venting that helps prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Your chimney must be regularly inspected to check for leaks and blockages. The flue pipe is a stainless steel tube or duct that runs through the middle of the chimney, must be cleaned using specific cleaning equipment and chemicals. The metal brush, a drill equipped with brick bits and masking tape are all required to get rid of any tarnish or soot that has been stuck on the chimney's walls. flue pipe.
Keep the flue shut when you aren't using your fireplace helps keep the air conditioned inside from getting out. This also stops rain or wind gusts entering the fireplace and causing damage to your wood stove or gas furnace.
The damper, which is located at the bottom of the flue pipe, or flue tiles and on the top of the fireplace is able to be closed or opened with a latch or handle. It is designed to keep the flue open even when the fire is burning however, it should be closed when not in use to reduce your energy bills and keep animals and precipitation out of your fireplace.