Although the majority of fireplaces are similarly constructed and share common features, the standard fireplace is consists of a central foundation of cement, along with a hearth, a firebox and a distinct facing, ash dump and cleanout doors, a lintel and lintel bar, a breast, a damper, a smoke chamber, a throat, a flue, a chimney chase, a crown, a cap or shroud, and a spark arrestor Go to their website . The structure of the fireplace was integrated into the designs of houses for years, even centuries. Today however, since the fireplace has been replaced by central heating, the presence of fireplaces, where they still exist, seems to be to carrying on tradition.
Fireplace Fuel.
Traditionally, fireplaces were fueled by coal, wood, or peat. Today, these burning products have actually been replaced by natural gas and electrical power due to the fact that these are cleaner, safer, and frequently less expensive than the older types of fuel. Gas fireplaces typically need small doses of fuel to allow flames to burn for long periods of time. Modern fireplaces are better and more affordable that way.
Types of Fireplaces.
Manufactured/Prefab Fireplaces are built with a sheet metal fire box, a double or triple walled metal pipe running up inside a wood framed chase, a chase cover, and a cap/spark arrestor at the top. Seawater in close proximity causes this kind of chimney to rust, however, its more affordable than the more costly masonry chimney.
Masonry fireplaces feature tiles that use the flue to avoid rust in the chimney flue lining. These are not earthquake-resistant!
Reinforced Concrete Chimneys.
They had their heyday during the 1970s and 80s, however, are now outdated. Inherent flaws include confliction of thermal expansion rates between the steel rebar and concrete, which will cause cracking in the flue when heated up. The chimney is loaded with vertical fractures which end up being more severe as the internal rebar rusts.
Fireplaces are appealing, as they add style to ones home. The fire is mesmerizing and calming, and mantels are very popular in boasting family photos. Fireplaces hold a value that go beyond their originally intended function, and the obvious flaws in their structure. It goes deeper than that, as fireplaces represent all the securities and conveniences of the home.