What Are Fireplace Accessories?

Fireplaces are central to many homes that provide warmth and comfort throughout the day and night. They also add value and beauty to the house.

If your fireplace requires an overhaul or simple repairs, these projects can often be completed by homeowners. However, certain tasks that require gas service must be left to professionals with the proper training.

The Hearth

The hearth is a noncombustible surface that covers a fireplace or wood-burning stove. It may be a whole raised area or simply the foundation on which the fireplace sits. The word “hearth”, which is used to describe all the fireplace’s components, including the firebox, the floor that is raised, the mantel and the chimney, is commonly used. It is important to remember that there are specific fire safety rules regarding the construction of the fireplace as well as its accessories. Check with your local authority for more details.

Hearths are typically constructed from brick, stone or cement and can be a focal point of any room. They are designed to protect against accidental fires that may be caused by stray embers, logs or embers. They can also be used to store fireplace tools wood, tools, and other items.

Archaeological studies have revealed that hearths played a significant role in the early human era. Many people believe that hearths were the source of food, light, warmth, and protection.

Although a hearth offers many benefits, it can also trigger serious health issues when it is not maintained properly. Smoke exposure increases nitrogen levels in blood which hinders red blood cells (methemoglobinemia) from transporting oxygen into tissues. It can cause nausea, dizziness and loss of consciousness at high concentrations.

Hearths were originally made of rock but they are now often made of brick or concrete. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some cooking fireplaces have hearths that span the whole wall while others are smaller, more decorative features that are only covering the area of the fireplace opening. The material used to make the hearth can have a huge impact on its appearance and cost as well as the resistance to heat.

The Surround

A fireplace surround (also known as a mantel) is the frame that is placed above the hearth and adds to the ambience of the room. Apart from its aesthetic value, it also serves as a practical element as it keeps combustible substances away from the hearth and disperses heat away from the space. It can also be used as a shelf to display household items such as mirrors or paintings.

Depending on the kind of fireplace, there are various material options for the surround. Certain materials are non-combustible, while others must meet national and local fire codes for clearance distances from the combustible object.

The most popular options for surrounds are brick, stone or concrete. Some stone surrounds have decorative features, such as bevels or bolection moulding. They may also have plinths or cornices. These elements can give a house an elegant appearance that is in harmony with its style.

Plaster is another option. It is a mixture of sand, cement, and water. It can be finished to match any architectural style. A plaster surround, for example, can complement a Mission style home.

Tile is the best option for a wall. It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. It can be used as an accent to the surround or extended over the whole wall for an impressive focal feature. It is a fantastic choice for homes in modern style.

The surround is the first thing people notice when they enter a room. It is important to select a piece to set the tone for your home and to enhance the value of your home.

The Firebox

The firebox is an area behind the fireplace opening, in which a fire can be created and maintained. It is usually surrounded by some type of chimney that allows the smoke to escape through. These traditional structures usually use wood, however some may also utilize gas, such as propane or natural gas.

Regardless of what type of fuel you are using the firebox is where the combustion takes place and must be properly maintained for safety and effectiveness. The hearth’s grate as well as a fire poker and an air damper are the most important components of the firebox to ensure proper operation.

It is important to clean your fireplace regularly. This includes maintaining the firebox in good order and its lining. Since it’s always exposed to extreme temperatures, the interior will be matted with soot and ash, which needs to be cleared. To accomplish this, make use of a wire brush or a scraper to take off the caked on soot and ash.

It’s also a good idea to make use of steel slag or stainless steel to line the inside of the firebox to ensure long-term durability and longevity. These types of metals can resist corrosion and won’t corrosion. They also offer more uniform heat distribution and last for longer.

In the end you can add a bit of visual flair to your fireplace by adding decorative fire logs or lava rocks. Some homeowners also opt to make use of modern decorative glass as an alternative. Make sure the fireplace you select is UL certified. This includes the fireplace, as well as any other accessories and decorations you put on it.

The Burner

Burners are a common way to add warmth and style to any room. These fireplace accessories are available in various sizes and shapes, making it easy to find the ideal one for your home. Some are equipped with remotes so that you can control flames from any place in the house. Fire burners are also quite safe to use, which makes them an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor spaces.

There are a variety of burners. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks. Some are more expensive, but they all offer a range of benefits. Certain types of burners are safer than others models, and some can be used with chimneys or without. No matter which kind of burner you select ensure that you follow the directions included in the manual. This will ensure that the burner is installed correctly and is in compliance to all local and state laws.

The burning of wood is a traditional method of enjoying your fireplace, however it’s not always convenient. The smoke and soot generated by burning wood can be dangerous to you and your family. Ethanol fires, on the other hand produce just water vapor and minimal CO2 – which is much more eco-friendly.

Another benefit of having a fireplace is that it can be useful in the event of an outage. In winter, trees may get weighed down by heavy snow and ice, causing them to fall, and power lines below. fireplaces wood can be used to cook and keep warm if the electricity is cut off in your home. This is a huge benefit for homeowners who want to be prepared for the unexpected.

The Flu

The flue is an inside tunnel in a chimney that brings gases and smoke from your fireplace to your home. It is also an important element for a safe, efficient fire. A flue creates an updraft that draws air through the fire, allowing the fuel to fully burn, as well as reduces smoke.

The drafting mechanism of the flue keeps the hot gases produced by the fire from blowing back down into your home and instead, they are carried outside, where they can cool. This controlled venting that stops carbon monoxide poisoning.

Check your chimney regularly for blockages and leaks. The flue pipe (a steel tube or duct that runs through the middle of the chimney) is to be cleaned with special cleaning chemicals and equipment. This includes a metal brush and a drill using a masonry tool 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 can help keep the air conditioned inside from getting out. It also helps prevent wind or rain from getting into the chimney and damaging your fireplace, 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 even when the fire is burning however it should be closed when not in use to help lower your energy bills and keep precipitation and animals from your fireplace.