Wood burning fireplace construction details
How is a fireplace constructed?
A masonry fireplace has a firebox built of individual generally yellowish firebrick, a brick chimney above the roof, and if you look up past the damper you will see a roughly pyramid shaped affair also built of brick. And above the roof is more round metal chimney , sometimes surrounded by a simulated brick housing.
How deep should a wood burning fireplace be?
16 inches
Can you add a wood burning fireplace to a house?
Be assured that it is possible to add a fireplace to an existing home . You ‘ll just need to determine which one will work best. Fireplaces generally fall into one of three categories: gas, masonry, and zero-clearance (also known as prefabricated or manufactured fireplaces ).
Can you put a fireplace in a house that doesn’t have one?
If your home doesn’t have a fireplace , that’s OK: With careful planning, you can add one . As you begin your research, the first thing to know is that fireplaces generally fall into one of three categories: masonry, zero-clearance (also known as pre-fabricated or manufactured), and gas.
Can you have a fireplace without a chimney?
A Fireplace Without a Chimney . Ventless fireplaces are exactly what their name makes them out to be: natural gas or propane fireplaces that don’t require a chimney in order to run. For many homeowners this is exactly the product they’ve been looking before.
Does a fireplace add value to a house?
The National Association of Home Builders notes that an outdoor fireplace can also increase a home’s value ! Nearly 80% of real estate agents in the poll conducted by Angie’s List say both indoor and outdoor fireplaces increase a home’s value by anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
What is the purpose of a smoke shelf in a fireplace?
Located between the firebox and smoke chamber (see below), the smoke shelf’s job is to collect any rainwater or debris that may have entered the chimney . The smoke shelf also helps to prevent downdrafts from sending smoke and toxins into your home.
What are the vents on my fireplace for?
A fire crackling in the fireplace adds to the ambiance while the heat it generates helps to warm the area. A closed vent can cause smoke to billow into the room, but using the fireplace vents properly ensures enough air feeds the fire and the smoke escapes up the chimney .
Can a fire be too big in a fireplace?
Don’t build a fire too big for the fireplace . Don’t use fire starters such as charcoal lighter, kerosene or gasoline to start the fire . Fireplaces radiate heat just like space heaters so furniture and other combustibles should be kept a safe distance from the fire . Be sure the chimney is clean and in good condition.
Do you need a hearth for a wood burning fireplace?
Safety codes regarding hearths , mantels and surrounds for wood – burning fireplaces are clear. And there is a good reason for that clarity; embers and sparks flying from an open flame can easily burn flooring laid too close to the firebox. “Zero-clearance” units will not need a hearth , but other types will.
How big should a fire be in a fireplace?
Firebox Dimensions and Chimney Heights
| Fireplace Opening Width | 24″ | 36″ |
|---|---|---|
| Firebox Depth | 16″ | 16″ |
| Rear Firebox Width | 11″ | 23″ |
| Rear Firebox Wall Vertical Height | 14″ | 14″ |
| Nominal Flue Size | 8×12 | 12×12 |
How hard is it to add a wood burning fireplace?
Modern fireplaces – both wood – burning and gas-fueled – are much easier to install than building a traditional masonry unit. Fireplace inserts are even easier, because they’re pre-built from the factory and require only an opening to fit in to.
How much does it cost to build a wood burning fireplace?
The average cost to build a fireplace is $2,415 with most homeowners spending $1,050 to $3,780 depending on if it’s gas, wood – burning , or electric. A new fireplace unit costs $1,600 to $2,000 on average , while installation and finishing adds $2,100, or about 25% to 50% of total cost .
How hard is it to put in a fireplace?
The cost of adding a fireplace to an existing home can be as low a few hundred bucks, and as high as around twenty-thousand dollars. Most projects of this type run around two thousand dollars for the pre-built unit, plus around five thousand more for the construction work it takes to install and build out the unit.
