Fireplaces do not have to be built in pure stone or brick alone. You don’t have to spend a huge chunk out of your life savings just to have a bit of warmth and elegance in your homes. The solution is here: Prefabricated metal fireplaces. They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. You can choose your own preferred design. Another good news is that they light. Mainly, these range between 200-500 pounds only and can be well supported by most types of flooring. They’re also designed for easy installation.
The first type is an insulated metal firebox. It can be positioned inside a wall in order to imitate the traditional fireplace. Freestanding fireplaces have more elaborate designs on the outer part. It’s usually made from baked enamel, hearth and damper. An example is the Franklin stove which is a hybrid freestanding fireplace.
Each freestanding fireplace has a different requirement for clearances. Be sure to put the recommended distance from combustible materials. You might also need an efficient chimney that runs upward, well above the roof and attic. Some people prefer to put it on the outside wall of the house to the roof. This method is more convenient but less efficient.
Chimneys are connected by insulated pipes. An eight foot flue allowance is the standard. This is usually decorative and can reach the ceiling in most cases. If you do not have enough pipes, plan how to continue where you left of. Again, put a clearance of at least two inches when there are combustible materials, use Ts or elbows to shift pipe positions, collars to conceal the openings, and bands to secure the chimney to the sides. Consider how to protect your chimney from insects, animals and rain – storm caps are fine to use. Extend your chimney for at least three feet above the roof, for best results.
There are suggested materials for the foot or base of your fireplace. A requirement should be that do not catch heat, fire, even sparks. Ideally, at least a 3/8 inch thick of stone, brick, sand or gravel will work just fine. This is enough to protect the floors and people walking nearby the designated area for the fireplace. This prevents unaware individuals from accidentally coming in contact with hot metal.
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