What Are Fireplace Accessories?

Many homes have fireplaces that provide warmth and comfort all day and night. They also enhance the beauty and value of the house.

Homeowners can take on many of these projects, whether your fireplace requires facelifts or easy repairs. However, certain tasks that require gas service must be left to skilled professionals.

The Hearth

The hearth is a noncombustible surface that surrounds a fireplace or wood-burning stove. It may be a whole elevated area or simply the foundation where the fireplace is. The word "hearth" is usually used to refer to the entirety of the fireplace including the firebox, the raised floor and mantel and the chimney. It is important to remember that there are specific fire safety rules regarding the construction of the fireplace as well as its accessories. Please consult your local governing authority for further information.

They can be made from stone, bricks or cement. They are a great focal feature for any room. They are designed to protect against accidental fires that may be caused by stray embers or even logs. They also offer a place to store fireplace tools, wood and other supplies.

Archaeological research points to the importance of hearths as central to early human life. Many people believe that hearths supplied food, light, warmth and even protection.

A hearth can cause serious health problems if it's not maintained properly. Smoke inhalation raises the levels of nitrogen in blood which blocks red blood cells from delivering oxygen to the tissues (methemoglobinemia). At high concentrations, it may cause nausea, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.

Hearths were once made of rock, but are now more often made of brick or concrete. They are available in many shapes and sizes. Some cooking fireplaces have hearths that span the entire wall. Others are smaller, purely decorative features that are only covering the area of the fireplace opening. The material used in the construction of the hearth has a significant impact on its appearance, cost, and the resistance to heat.

The Surround

A fireplace surround, also referred to as a "mantel", is the frame above the hearth which enhances the ambience of an area. Apart from its aesthetic value, it also serves as a practical element as it keeps combustible materials away from the hearth and disperses heat away from the space. It can also serve as a shelf for household items like mirrors or paintings.

Depending on the type of fireplace, there are various material options for the surround. Some surrounds are non-combustible, while others must meet federal and local fire codes in regards to clearance distances away from combustible items.

Some popular choices for the surround include concrete, brick and stone. Certain stone surrounds feature decorative features like bevels and bolection moulding. They may also have cornices or plinths. These details can give your home an elegant look that complements the style.

Plaster is another option. It is created by mixing cement and sand, and decorated to match any style of architecture. A plaster surround, for example, can complement the look of a Mission style home.

The last popular choice for the fireplace surround is tile. Tiles are available in a range of colors and designs. It can be used as a decorative element to the surround or extended over the whole wall fireplace for an eye-catching focal point. Tile is an excellent option for homes with modern style.

The surround is among the first things guests notice upon entering a 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 an area behind the fireplace's opening in which a fire can be created and maintained. It's typically surrounded by some sort of chimney for the smoke to escape through. Traditional structures usually burn wood, but they can also burn gas like propane or natural gas.

The firebox is where the combustion takes place and should be maintained in order to ensure safety and efficiency. The firebox is comprised of a number of important parts. This includes the grate and the fire poker and the air damper.

It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace. This includes maintaining the firebox in good shape and the interior lining. Since it's constantly exposed to high temperatures, the inside will be covered in soot and ash, which needs to be cleaned out. To accomplish this, make use of wire brushes or a scraper to get rid of the caked on ash and soot.

To ensure durability and longevity, it's an excellent idea to line the inside of your fireplace with steel slag. These metals are resistant to corrosion and will not rust. They will also provide a more uniform heat distribution and will last longer.

In the end, you can add some visual flair to your fireplace by using decorative fire logs or lava rocks. Some people also choose to make use of modern decorative glass as an alternative. Ensure that the fireplace you choose to use is UL certified. This includes the fireplace as well as any accessories and decorations you put on it.

The Burner

Burners are a popular way to add warmth and style to any room. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and shapes, making it easy to find one that will fit your home. Some even come with remotes so that you can control the flame from anywhere in the room. Fire burners are also quite safe to use, which makes them an ideal choice for indoor and outdoor spaces.

There are a variety of burners. Each one has its own pros and cons. Some are more expensive, however they all offer a range of advantages. Certain types of burners are safer than others, and some work with chimneys or without. No matter which kind of burner you select, always follow the instructions that are in the manual. This will ensure the burner is properly installed and is in compliance with the laws of your state and local authorities.

Wood burning is a classic way to enjoy your fireplace, however it's not always the most convenient. The smoke and soot produced by burning wood could be hazardous to your family and you. Ethanol burners release water vapor, and very little CO2, which is more eco-friendly.

A fireplace can also be helpful in the occasion of an outage. In winter, a lot of snow and ice can build up on trees, which could cause them to fall, and even knock down power lines hanging from the ceiling. If the electricity is not working in your home and you need to find a fireplace to keep warm and cook food. This is a great solution for homeowners who are prepared for the unexpected.

The flu

The flue is a tunnel within a chimney which carries smoke and gases out of the home. It is also an essential component for a safe, efficient fire. A flue is a source of updraft, which draws air through the fire, allowing fuel to fully burn, as well as reducing smoke.

The draft action of the flue prevents the hot gases produced by the fire from flowing into your home. Instead, they are carried out to cool. This controlled venting is what stops carbon monoxide from escaping.

The chimney should be regularly inspected for leaks and blockages. The flue pipe (a steel tube or duct that runs through the middle of the chimney) must be cleaned with special cleaning chemicals and equipment. This includes a metal brush, an electric drill fitted with a masonry bit and masking tape and an utility knife to remove any creosote or sooty residue that is stuck to the walls of the flue pipe.

Keeping the flue closed when you aren't using your fireplace helps keep conditioned indoor air from escaping. It also prevents wind or rain from getting into the chimney and damaging your fireplace 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 is able to be closed or opened with a latch or handle. It is designed to keep the flue open even when there is a fire burning however it should be closed when not in use to help reduce your energy bills and keep animals and precipitation out of your fireplace surrounds (like it).