Stone Fireplace Designs Is A Representaion Of Elegance And Attractiveness
Whether or not all-natural or solid stone the layout of the stone fireplace is really a representation of elegance and elegance that can last permanently. Stone fireplaces are excellent by the mere reality that there’ll by no means be two stones that appear the same, even when they were made of the exact same all-natural stone and the exact same layout, they will usually differ, largely in texture and coloration.
Provided these facts, it goes without stating that with stone fireplace designs, you can opt for a fundamental standard style or even a modern intricate one, the option is all yours and what is lots extra, any design and style of a stone fireplace location will match in almost all environments.
Stone fireplace designs are recognized to supply not just these but additionally a feeling of refuge.
That mentioned, like fixing any other sort of fireplace, any stone fireplace mantel design and style that you opt for ought to adhere to your area’s neighborhood building codes, be suggested that the regional constructing codes greatly differ from one area to an additional. The key factor is to get a stone fireplace layout that fits underneath your area’s code therefore wouldn’t need any modifications simply because modifications tend to be pricey and can throw one off stability, to not mention that it may take you loads of time to be approved.
Make certain you get the right equipment to complement your stone fireplace style that will make a perfect mix into your new fireplace. Provided the immeasurable choices to customize a stone fireplace location into what ever layout, be it one that befits the normal surroundings around your house location, a rural design and style, a modern layout or possibly a classical style, you can produce an very bucolic location which will provide you with a actual sanctuary of peace and contentment.
Andre writes articles from various kinds of niches from home improvements, business and finance, as well as science and education.
Bob Strosin demonstrates how to put cultured stone on a home. Golden Eagle Log Homes supplies all the necessary material for fireplaces and rimboards in its log home packages. www.goldeneagleloghomes.com Log Homes and Log Home Floor Plans Cabins by Golden Eagle Log Homes Log Homes, building, construction, for sale, restoration, kit, tours, stone, cultured, fireplace Video Rating: 5 / 5
Cast Stone Fireplace Mantel- Do You Know Why You Should Buy It
Were you enamoured by the presence of some lovely traditional fireplace mantels at a place that you had to visit recently? Do you feel you should have known about the spectacular ambience that these spectacular fireplace designs and a corresponding fireplace mantel design jointly bring to your home? Ask yourself to know How prepared you are to manage the expenses that fitting these mantels would cost you? I know you would be a touch apprehensive about your original idea as I bring in the effect of a factor called price. But you need not bother much. Cast stone fireplace mantels are lovely substitutes of all those expensive fireplace mantels such as limestone fireplace mantels, Rustic fireplace mantels, decorative fireplace mantel, antique fireplace mantel, so on and so forth.
Before you choose a supplier to buy these cast stone fireplace mantels, you need to know a few elementary things about cast stone and what it brings along in these fireplace mantels. Only when you know it, you would be able to compare and contrast the factors that determine your purchase. So, without any further delay we shall dive into it straight.
Cast stone is generally made use of in buildings which need a polished look on its outer surface so they look like they were made of a costly stone. A lot of interesting elements surround its production. In general, this is made by forming a proportionate blend out of a number of materials such as sand, limestone, a bonding agent and a few other additives to form a liquid paste with extreme thickness. This liquid mixture is then poured into a mold that is designed earlier. This pre-formed mold is structured as per customer requirements.
Now that you know how this is made, you should spend a while knowing its advantages as well. The cost factor is very heartening in this case. Unlike the expensive mantels, cast stone fireplace mantel doesn’t necessarily burn a hole in your pocket. This bears on the fact that the flexibility of the cast stone mold to take any shape or size doesn’t contribute much to the wastages involved as in the case of limestone and other costly materials. In addition, the speed in which the process happens also cuts down the costs even more.
Do you think you should not compromise between the lack of a particular style of pre-designed cast stone fireplace mantels to befit your preference and the soaring cost of a limestone fireplace mantel? If you think so, you should go for a custom made piece. You can find great designs and go for one that you hanker after. At an affordable cost. If you think you can afford more than what it generally costs, you can ask the supplier to let you choose a piece that is one of its kinds.
So why do you think you have to wait more? Don’t delay your purchase and make your mind to go for a fantastic cast stone fireplace mantel. You will never repent for it when you start using it.
The author has worked on many interior design projects in or near Los Angeles metro area. Author has designed specificaly several dozens of fireplace mantels to fit the overall design of the house.
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For you fireplace at your home, a lot of products can be used and fire surrounds are one of them. Fireplace surrounds is covering placed on the outer side of fireplaces. There is no dearth of fireplace surrounds that come in different sizes and forms. There are online dealers specializing in the fireplace equipments and accessories. You can pick the fireplace surrounds according to your needs and budget. Location and size of the fireplace should be considered while buying the fireplace surround.
Decide the type of material that you want your fire surround to be made of. Personalized fireplace surround can be used for decorating the place in accordance with your taste. Many companies provide you with customized fireplace surround designs. People prefer marble fireplaces as they are graceful. There is no comparison of the marble fireplaces if you are ready to spend extra bucks on your fireplace. These marble fireplaces add spark to place as soon as they are installed.
A wide range of options in marble fireplaces is available with different patterns and colors. Marble fire surround has been preferred by people from ages. The price of marble is fallen but luxury remains same. It embodies sophistication and can instantly make your fireplace look stylish. Unique characteristics of this stone give soothing effect to your place.
Marble is ideal for your fireplace as it is tolerant to the high temperatures. An attractive fireplace can be great backdrop for any house. By using the marble fireplace, you can give a makeover to your place. You should pick these fireplaces carefully. Decide your budget before you go for any kind of fireplace. If you are going for marble fireplaces, you need to have good budget because it is an expensive stone. By some investing, you can make your fireplace lively and beautiful. Decorate your fireplace according to your choice now.
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You can easily find information about many types of decorative fireplace screens designed to make your home that special welcoming place. With a wide variety of choices and manufacturers, fireplace screens will not only provide you with the safety that you need with an open fireplace but also add to the beauty and aesthetics of your home.
Having a quality custom fireplace screen or mesh curtain is especially important when you have children or guests in your home. Made of the best quality materials and with a design that suits you and your home, your new fireplace screen will provide you with the necessary safety and decorative feature to add that special inviting homeliness to your home.
Fireplace screens have been created mainly to assist with the even distribution of heat throughout an entire room as well as control any flying sparks or embers thereby protecting both your home and your family.
They can also be beautiful. Fireplace screens add that special touch to elaborate fireplaces and also bring the more basic fireplaces to life. When a fireplace screen or fireplace glass doors are combined with other sorts of fireplace accessories, they really have the ability to turn your hearth or open fire into a beautiful showpiece. The fireplace should be the focal point of the room and it deserves an appropriate level of attention to its accessories.
Decorative Fireplace Screens A fireplace should add romance and class to any room it occupies. It is therefore important that the fireplace screen should be of the finest quality to give you the exact aesthetic look that you are after. The right one will be individual to you and with your custom fireplace screen in place, it will display your taste for elegance and practicality, attributes which will be seen by all your guests.
Contemporary Fireplace Screens A contemporary fireplace screen will add a classic and distinguished look to any fireplace. When shopping around, make sure that the one you choose is heavy and well constructed, built using heavy gauge mesh screen with strong support legs. These screens are generally made for interior fireplaces and will weigh around 24 lbs. Heights do range but generally you will find standard sizes as follows:
Medium Screen dimensions: 33W x 39H inches Large Screen dimensions: 44W x 34H inches
Folding Fireplace Screens The traditional folding fireplace screen is often seen as the classic screen design. Several design options are available including three panel and four panel ones. Usually they weigh around 10 lbs and are normally a bit wider than non-panel fireplace screens due to the hinges. They are generally around 52 inches wide by about 31.5 inches high. Each of the panels are usually around 13 inches wide by 31.5 inches high. Always make sure that you buy ones of quality construction as safety is most important with folding screens. You should always ensure that your fire screen is at least ten to twelve inches wider than the width of your fireplace but also allowing enough fold in the screen so that it cannot risk falling over. The height of your screen should be at least one to three inches taller than your opening.
Ornate Fireplace Screens Ornate fireplace screens often have beautiful designs built into them with some classics becoming collector’s items worth large amounts of money. One of the popular classic designs is the single panel fan design constructed of durable iron with a sleek pewter finish. Often made of a single panel, they generally weigh around 11 lbs. These ones are normally around 38 inches wide by 25 inches high.
Single panel fireplace screens should be large enough to overlap the opening of your fireplace by a minimum of on to two inches on both sides to ensure adequate spark protection.
Fireplace Grates Having a fireplace grate is one of the most important fireplace accessories second only to the fireplace screen itself. Fireplace grates are available in many shapes and sizes to fit just about all types of fire places.
Your fireplace grates is crucial to ensuring that your fireplace is burning at its peak efficiency. It does this by elevating the logs off the firebox floor thereby allowing for greater airflow around the whole fireplace. This assists in providing less smoke and creosote as well as causing less pollution but more heat.
Log Racks and Log Carriers Log racks are one of those fireplace accessories that you really to make sure that you have as they are functional and decorative as well as completing your fireplace set.
When choosing a log rack, there are many styles, colors and types from which to choose. Log carriers and racks will keep your firewood neatly contained and stacked in a handy position by the fireplace or wood stove ready to be thrown on the fire as and when needed.
Log carriers make carrying logs much easier as you simply load it up and carry the logs in by the handles eliminating a lot of mess both on you and across the floor.
Wood Stove Steamers and Kettles Many people buy all sorts of accessories fro their fireplace including hearth rugs, match holders, ash buckets, fireplace bellows and wood stove steamers.
Within the range of wood stove steamers, you will find fireplace accessories such as: wood stove kettles, fireplace cranes ( bracket on a swing arm mounted on the firebox to support wood stove kettles and Dutch Ovens over the fire in the fireplace), trivets, wall hooks, Dutch Ovens and a range of cookware.
Stuart has been collecting and writing articles online for around 5 years. You can check out his latest website on fireplace maintenance tips and Decorative Fireplace Screens at decorativefireplacescreen.net/Fireplace-Screens.
Fireplaces are the great way to warm your house and share a beautiful moment with family members in a stormy night. There are many companies in market to provide fireplace, but napoleon gas fireplace is the best among other types of fireplaces available in market. Due the unique feature of napoleon gas fireplace, there is a huge demand for this brand. People most often like to share their beautiful moments while sitting around the fireplace. Choosing a napoleon gas fireplace is the best option to keep your home warm during winter or cold days. With the new range of napoleon gas fireplace, there is no need of chopping the wood pieces and creating a mess around your home. The traditional fireplaces have lost the craze as it is difficult to handle. So now it is the time to get a modern fireplace with better design which should be heat efficient. The gas fireplace demand in market has seen to be increasing day by day, because it is the one which can provide more heat from less fuel.
Many people like to have a fireplace with traditional look and which is having low maintenance cost. This is the reason why people are selecting “napoleon gas fireplaces” for their home. With the help of this fireplace, you can keep your home warm without any tension. The best part of the napoleon gas fireplaces is that, there is no chimney attached to it and thus there is no heat loss from the fireplace. As a result of this, the efficiency of these fireplaces increases. Gas fireplaces are eco-friendly, as they do not emit any sort of harmful gases into the atmosphere. By using this kind of fireplace, trees are saved indirectly. There are many ways to get a napoleon gas fireplace for your home.
You can choose online as well as offline store for purchasing a napoleon fireplace. Once you are with napoleon gas fireplace website, you will get large collections of models available for you and you can pick the right one for your home. You will also get discounts on your every purchase through online. If you want to get best discount then you must buy these kind of thing on off-season, because during off-season, the demand of fireplace will be less.
If you are planning to upgrade your house, then it is not too late to have a napoleon gas fireplace and create a warm environment at your home. It is sure that from a large collection of fireplace, you will get many models which will well suit your home. It has now become very easy to make your winter nights pretty romantic with a warm feeling from gas fireplace. You don’t need to do regular window cleaning at your home as gas fireplace is free from dust. From napoleon gas fireplaces, you will get satisfaction as well as safety. The napoleon company also provides guarantee and service on their products. Check out the latest information on the new released product from Napoleon Company. There are different types of fireplace available from napoleon, but the gas fireplace is the most demanded one in recent market.
More and more people in America are buying vent free gas fireplaces. In fact, there are over eight million who prefer vent free gas fireplaces to any other supplemental gas-heating device. This is because of the ease and convenience provided by a vent free gas fireplace.
The modern vent free gas fireplace is inexpensive and has low operating costs. Because it doesn’t need a chimney, there is no heat loss so the efficiency of the vent free gas fireplace is almost 100 percent. Plus, hand-held remote controls make the fireplace handy and easy to use. Moreover, a vent free gas fireplace has the capability to supply heat and warmth during power outages.
When it comes to appearances, one of the most attractive vent free gas fireplace motifs is the peninsula design. It offers three viewing surfaces and releases heat in three directions. This particular vent free gas fireplace model is most often used in a short divider wall positioned between two rooms. This design is also suitable in a large room since it provides a bigger area where folks can gather around. As for see-through models, they can give off heat and ambience for two rooms. The most excellent features of the vent free gas fireplace are the fireplace surround and mantel.
A vent free gas fireplace is easy to set up and can be installed by the average do-it-yourself person. These fireplaces can be operated without a chimney, flue or vent so they can be installed anywhere desired. Installing the standard one-sided vent free gas fireplace model with an ornate wood surround is simple and can be finished in an hour or two. This one-sided vent free gas fireplace can be positioned to rest against any wall. On the other hand, see-through models call for more carpentry work.
Most vent free fireplaces do not require electricity and can be operated using propane or natural gas, which fuels the flame through a line attached to a burner in the heating appliance. Although the vent free gas fireplace does not use an exhaust vent, it is equipped with an oxygen-depletion sensor. This device switches off the gas automatically if there is a critical lack of oxygen inside the house. Some vent free gas fireplaces come with catalytic converters that create complete odor-free combustion, while others are equipped with carbon monoxide detectors.
The vent free gas fireplace has open flames so it’s unlikely that carbon monoxide is formed when vent free gas logs burn for a short period. However, when oxygen levels in the room decreases, there is a possibility that carbon monoxide may begin to form. And although there are long-term effects of vent free gas fireplace emissions on the quality of indoor air, a study has proven that vent free gas heating products are able to meet or surpass the most up to date and relevant nationally recognized standards and guidelines for inside air quality. For safe operation, it is recommended that actual burning in the vent free gas fireplace be minimized.
It must be noted that although some vent free fireplace manufacturers assert that these fireplaces are safe, energy-efficient and don’t affect the quality of indoor air, there are some states that do not allow homeowners to install a vent free gas fireplace.
Are you looking for more stuff for your home? Try looking at some nice wall mounted fans.
Stone Fireplace Surrounds – Naturally Durable Type That Requires Less Maintenance
A fireplace surround is a covering put on the outside walls of fireplace. A stone fireplace surround can be carved into any form of you choose. It can vary from modern to traditional designs and is available in different shapes. Some are ready made, while others are custom made. In some cases, stone fireplace surrounds function very much like traditional fireplace mantels.
Stone is a viable material for constructing an outdoor as well as indoor fireplace; as it is long-lasting and non-combustible. This resourceful material can be well-shaped and designed to suit any setting. Stone is a popular material as it works well with underfloor heating, retaining the heat and thereby making it a very cost-effective choice. It is a naturally durable type of floor covering that requires little maintenance and looks extremely elegant almost forever. Stone fireplace surrounds are an inexpensive way to add elegance and style to your room. The ideal place to find it is in stores that deal with fireplace equipment.
What Should You Consider Before Buying a Stone Fireplace Surround?
The most vital factor to consider before you buy one is size and position of your fireplace. Each fireplace surround is compatible with specific shapes/sizes/types of fireplaces, so identify what shapes/sizes/types those are before you buy.
Choose a company that has been in the business for making this fireplace surrounds for a while. Also, find a manufacturer that offers a wide variety of surrounds so that you can get some ideas if you don’t know the exact type of stone fireplace surround you want.
Find as much information about the different types of materials available. If you want stone, find out what types of stones are used. If you want wood, check out what types of wood are available.
If you opt for customized piece, keep in mind that the more customization necessary, the longer it will take to get your fireplace surround built and completed.
When choosing a stone fireplace surround, pay close attention to the details. You want to make sure the surround you select will complement your mantel and fireplace.
So as you can see, stone fireplace surrounds have a lot to offer; but there are some details you need to consider before you buy. Consult this guide and you’ll have a better chance finding a surround that will compliment and accentuate the style and elegance of your fireplace.
What is a Wood Fireplace Surround?
Technically, a fireplace surround is an architectural element which surrounds a fireplace, providing aesthetic and safety benefits. A fireplace with a fireplace surround can add a bit of romance to any room.
Types of Wood
Usually wooden surrounds can be supplied in Pine, Oak, Mahogany, Cherry, Maple, Beech, Butternut, Choi, Poplar, Basswood…in fact, pretty much any wood you specify. Natural wood is the best choice whether you want an ornate carved fireplace surround or something simple and colonial in style.
Benefits of a Wood Fireplace Surround
Apart from its other benefits, a fireplace surround is also important for the safety it provides. The surround can provide additional layers of fire protection, making the fireplace less dangerous and more enjoyable.
Lisa Becker is an avid home decorator and writes for Fireplace Mantels 123: Shop For Your Perfect Fireplace Mantel and Surround. Her expertise regarding fireplace mantels and surrounds provides insight into the world of interior design and home decorating. Check out more useful articles at Fireplace Mantels 123.
Marbletech fireplaces, hand crafted Solid Marble Fireplaces and Fire surrounds, A slideshow of some of our most popular Fireplaces, we can customise any fireplace to your own requirements, our fireplaces are made from high quality Marfil or roman stone marble. We offer a personal service and treat our customers as individuals and not a number. We have excellent feeback and reviews which can be seen at our website www.fireplace2u.co.uk
Seal Fireplace Dampers With Weatherstripping to Conserve Energy
Introduction
When fireplaces are not being used, they should be sealed with weatherstrip to air seal the damper and prevent wasted energy. The common perception should be that just like doors and windows, fireplaces require weatherstripping to prevent energy loss.
Leaking Fireplace Dampers Waste Energy
Fireplaces are the largest intentional opening in the home, costing U.S. families over ,100,000,000 (based on figures as of March 2005) each year in wasted energy costs.
Like a door or window, fireplaces are openings to the outdoors and should be weatherstripped to prevent the loss of heated and/or cooled air. By weatherstripping the fireplace, several benefits are achieved including improved comfort, energy conservation, reduced energy costs, reduced noise, and improved indoor air quality.
Fireplace dampers are not effective at sealing the fireplace. When dampers are closed they do not provide an air tight seal and are quite ineffective at controlling undesired air leakage. Most fireplace dampers are left open. A study showed that 80% of fireplace dampers are inadvertently left in the open position1. Many fireplaces have broken and/or missing dampers.
In a 1990 study designed to measure the leakage area of fireplace with and without the damper closed, Energy Options Northwest had this impressive finding; the effective leakage area (ELA) of the fireplace dampers averaged about 30 square inches when closed. As a frame of reference, the total ELA of typical houses built to moderately tight standards is between 70 and 120 square inches. These results demonstrate that by weatherstripping the fireplace, the total effective leakage area (ELA) of the house can be reduced by 25 – 43%.
Another research study performed in Europeshowed similar results. The study showed that an open damper on an unused fireplace in a well-insulated house can raise overall heating and cooling energy consumption by 30%2.
The majority of energy loss in the home is due to air leakage. Air leakage, or infiltration, occurs when outside air enters a house uncontrollably through cracks and openings. Properly air sealing such cracks and openings in your home can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs, improve building durability, and create a healthier indoor environment.
Building scientists and other experts agree that a significant amount of energy costs are wasted due to air leakage. Warm air leaking into the home during the summer and out of the home during the winter waste a substantial amount of energy dollars. See the collection of web references at the end of this paper.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the typical U.S. family spends approximately ,300 a year on home utility bills, of which 44% goes for heating and cooling (as of March 2005). In fact, the average American household’s annual utility bill expected to rise to about 00 by 20153.
Inadequately sealed fireplaces are noted as being one of the worst air leakage sources in the home. According to the D.O.E.4, by weatherstripping the fireplace, the typical U.S. home can reduce air leaks by 14% or more.
According to 2004 US Census Data5, there are 76,217,000 family households in the U.S. By multiplying the number of family households by the typical savings possible by weatherstripping the fireplace, the total annual energy cost savings that can be achieved by weatherstripping fireplaces is ,100,000,000. This incredible amount can be expected to rise to ,400,000,000 annually by the year 2015.
Of course not every home in the U.S. has a fireplace. However this only serves to increase the energy cost burden for the homes that do have fireplaces.
According to estimates there are 33,000,000 fireplaces in the U.S. By dividing the total annual energy cost savings that can be achieved by weatherstripping fireplaces by the number of homes with fireplaces, the average annual savings that can be achieved by weatherstripping the fireplace would conservatively be about 0 – 0 per fireplace.
Not Just Heating Losses Occur – Consider Air Conditioning Losses
Energy loss through fireplaces is not just heat loss. Fireplaces can also cost wasted air conditioning.
Consider a typical home that is provided with central air conditioning, and a fireplace. Air leaks in and out of ducts at all the connections within a system (e.g. at plenums and behind registers)6.
Of course this leakage means that air that occupants have paid to have heated or cooled escapes from the heating or cooling system and does not heat or cool the house. Air leaks into the heating or cooling system increase the amount of outside air that must be heated or cooled. Outside air is usually cooler (for heating) or warmer and more humid (for cooling) than air inside the house and the heating or cooling capacity of the system is then used to heat or cool this outside air instead of the air in the house. These issues are well documented and well understood.
But these air leaks also force air through the fireplace. How? By the pressure differential created by the duct leakage. Depending on where the duct leak is, it can cause a slight reduction or increase in the pressure inside of the home. Because the fireplace is a wide open hole to the outdoors, this will cause your air conditioning to either push air out of the fireplace, or worse, suck air in through the fireplace bringing odors and toxins in with it.
Other Benefits of Sealing the Fireplace
By weatherstripping the fireplace, several benefits are achieved, including improved comfort, energy conservation, reduced energy costs, reduced noise, and improved indoor air quality.
Un-weatherstripped fireplaces allow annoying and uncomfortable downdrafts. Back drafting brings cold air in winter that must be heated, and warm air in summer that must be cooled. Smoke particles and soot from a fireplace can enter into the living space, contributing to odors, poor indoor air quality, asthma, and other undesired problems.
When the fireplace is not weatherstripped, windows and doors can seem to have a cold breeze coming through them. This is caused by a condition known as the stack effect. Between the higher and lower pressure zones of the home lies a neutral pressure zone. The neutral pressure zone tends to move toward the largest air leak. The chimney’s neutral pressure zone is above the neutral pressure zone of the house. This creates a flow of air out the chimney even when no fire is burning. As the large volume of air is drawn up the chimney, warm air from other areas of your house goes up the chimney, too. This robs heat from the other rooms and pulls cold air into the home through cracks around windows and doors that have not been completely sealed. Sealing the fireplace helps stop the ‘breeze’ coming from your doors and windows.
Energy Codes Require All Openings Be Sealed
Energy Codes in force across North America require that all openings in the building envelope (doors, windows, attic access, etc) be caulked, gasketed, weatherstripped, or otherwise sealed to limit air infiltration and exfiltration. This is because air leakage through cracks can result in higher energy use for home heating and cooling than necessary.
The 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC™) – is the latest version of the Model Energy Codes. All 50 states (as well as our territories) have adopted an Energy Code either the same as or based on the IECC Model Energy Code. The Code specifies that all penetrations in the building envelope between conditioned and unconditioned space that are sources of air leakage must be sealed with durable caulking materials, closed with gasketing systems, weatherstripping or otherwise sealed to limit uncontrolled air movement.
According to the “Plan Check & Field Inspection Guide for 1992 MEC, 1993 MEC, and 1995 MEC”, as well as the “Plan Check & Field Inspection Guide for 1998 IECC and 2000 IECC”, inspectors are instructed to verify that all doors between conditioned and unconditioned spaces have door boots and weatherstripping.
When inspecting for the Residential Provisions of the IECC/MEC, Building Inspectors are taught that proper air sealing will not only decrease the energy use of the building, but it will also increase the comfort of the homeowner and the durability of the home.
Building Inspectors are also taught that all penetrations in the building envelope between conditioned and unconditioned space must be sealed with durable caulking materials or closed with gasketing materials.
Like a door or window, fireplaces are openings to the outdoors and should be weatherstripped to prevent the loss of heated and/or cooled air. By weatherstripping the fireplace several benefits are achieved, including improved comfort, energy conservation, reduced energy costs, reduced noise, and improved indoor air quality.
Mechanical Codes Require Dampers to Be Permanently Blocked Open With Gas Log Sets
In an apparent violation of the Model Energy Codes, there currently exists a requirement in the 2003 International Residential Code (IRC) that the fireplace damper must be permanently blocked open when a vented gas log set is installed. This is intended to sufficiently prevent the spillage of combustion products into the room when the fireplace is used, and to prevent build up of gas should the pilot flame be inadvertently extinguished.
The unintended consequence of blocking the damper open is, of course, significant energy loss when the fireplace is not being used. This requirement is not in agreement with the Model Energy Codes that require all openings to be caulked, gasketed, weatherstripped, or otherwise sealed to limit air infiltration and exfiltration.
An alternative would be to simply instruct the homeowner to open the damper when using the fireplace. Instead of the IRC requirement that encourages energy loss, a reasonable solution would be to require a CO detector to notify the occupants of a build-up of combustion products into the room if the fireplace is used when the damper is accidentally left closed. At least one state (Massachusetts) currently requires homes to be provided with CO detectors7.
The Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) requires all gas logs be equipped with a safety pilot control. The safety pilot maintains a pilot light and prevents gas flow to the main burner if the pilot is not lit.
Solutions Exist Today To Weatherstrip Fireplaces
There are several devices available today that are used to seal the fireplace. For example, top mounted chimney dampers. These are relatively expensive and have a poor return on investment (ROI). In addition they do not seal the fireplace at the bottom damper, leaving the chimney with all of its odors, toxins, and pollutants exposed to the home. In addition they do not address the wasted energy required to condition the chimney space.
It is often assumed that glass doors are a solution for sealing leaking dampers. This is not true, as glass doors do not air seal the fireplace opening. They do have decorative benefits, however.
There are other products available at hardware stores, etc. to temporarily seal off the flue and stop air from escaping up the chimney. One type of weatherstripping product is an inflatable plug that you insert into the fireplace beneath the damper. This type of weatherstripping is made of heavy plastic with an attached tube for inflating the device. The tube hangs down into the fireplace to remind you that the stopper is there. It can be removed to use the fireplace, and reinstalled again after. These devices have a very high return on investment (ROI), and can pay for themselves in one mid-winter heating bill.
Conclusions
There are 33,000,000 fireplaces in the U.S. As of March 2005, the total energy cost savings that can be achieved by weatherstripping fireplaces in the U.S. is ,100,000,000, or conservatively about 0 – 0 per fireplace, annually. This incredible amount can be expected to rise to ,400,000,000 annually by the year 2015, or in excess of 0 per fireplace, annually.
There are devices available today to weatherstrip the fireplace that can provide a very high return on investment (ROI), and can pay for themselves in as little as one mid-winter heating bill.
Public awareness through education, training, and other methods are required to alert consumers of the amount of wasted energy from fireplaces, and to provide solutions.
The following action items are urged:
Educate the general public about the enormous cost of energy loss through fireplaces, and of the various ways to seal these openings between uses of the fireplace. Add the requirement to weatherstrip fireplace dampers to the Model Energy Codes. Allow an alternative to the energy wasteful requirement in the Codes that require the fireplace damper to be blocked open when vented gas logs are installed. As an alternative, the Code should allow the option to not block the fireplace damper in the open position when homes are provided with CO detectors and a safety pilot control. Conduct further study of energy loss through the fireplace in both heating and cooling climates.
References:
1 Study documented by Joe Pate, Enviro Energy International Inc.
2 Ventilation perturbations due to an open fireplace in a house – P. Dalicieux and C. Nicolas.
About the author: Mark D. Tyrol is a Professional Engineer specializing in cause and origin of construction defects. He developed several residential energy conservation products including an attic stair cover, and is the U.S. Distributor of the Fireplace Plug. To learn more visit www.batticdoor. com
Mark D. Tyrol is a Professional Engineer specializing in cause and origin of construction defects. He developed several residential energy conservation products including an attic stair cover and an attic access door. Battic Door is the US distributor of the fireplace plug.
A Virtual Fireplace on YouTube! Enjoy this 10 minute very cozy virtual fireplace video in High Quality right now — or — Download the 30 minute digital HD version of this for only .99! Now Available as an iPhone and iPad app! Download to your iPad or iPod Touch or iPhone with this link: itunes.apple.com This Yule Log fire video is great for creating a relaxing environment at family gatherings, in offices, on laptops and more. Download the HD version and play it on your PC or Mac, or stream it to connected devices such as Plasma and LCD screens or Projectors. HD Windows Media Player Version: store.payloadz.com (750Mb) HD QuickTime, iTunes & AppleTV version: store.payloadz.com (860Mb) For those with portable media players and streaming devices like the WDTV Media player from Western Digital, save to a USB hard drive or thumbdrive and stream it directly to your big screen over HDMI. Shot in high definition 1080p. Be sure to watch this in “High Quality” mode! Make yourself some hot cocoa then kick back, relax and enjoy a virtual hearth in this widescreen high quality version of a very cozy fireplace. This special youtube fire is just a 10 minute version of a 30 minute looping version available on standard DVD and 720p HD direct download. This is not an animation, it’s an ambient fireplace experience, with real burning wood, directly from the Pacific Northwest. For those without fireplaces, what could be better during the holidays than some cozy virtual flames at your PC or … Video Rating: 4 / 5
With fuel costs rapidly increasing, it’s only practical that you use fireplaces that are more effective in providing heat. Traditional fireplaces are known for being inefficient in providing warmth in a home. In addition to that, they also require hauling firewood and cleaning ashes, tasks that most people would rather do without. Plus, traditional fireplaces are fire hazards. These are well-founded grounds that cause homeowners to look for other alternatives, like the gas fireplace insert.
Compared to wood-burning fireplace, a gas fireplace insert is a superior choice since it is cleaner, safer and easier to use. It offers the maximum level of convenience without burden. A gas fireplace insert does not only improve your environment aesthetically, it also provides home energy savings and can improve the efficiency of the fireplace by up to 85 percent. A gas fireplace insert also works well if you use your fireplace as a zone heater.
A gas fireplace insert, which can be operated at a flip of a switch, can be fitted easily into your existing fireplace and turn it into an efficient heat provider. A gas fireplace insert is made up of a gas log set fitted in a firebox that’s made of either steel or ceramic. A gas fireplace insert has a co-linear aluminum intake and exhaust liners that stretch out to the chimney top, where a converter box enables attachment of a co-axial cap. A gas fireplace insert is equipped with an external shell that delivers heated air into a room and cut down heat loss to the masonry. A gas fireplace insert also comes with panels that shield the fireplace opening. To facilitate heat movement in a room, most units are equipped with fans and are supplemented with wall-mounted thermostats or remote control devices to allow for automatic operation. A gas fireplace insert is also an environment-friendly device that produces cleaner flames, thus producing less pollution.
If you’re planning to install a gas fireplace insert, consider a direct vent gas fireplace insert. This type has been tested to have similar standards as with furnaces. A direct vent gas fireplace insert features a sealed combustion system that provides more heating efficiency. This system ensures that the combustion air that creates flames originated entirely from outside the home through a direct vent pipe. This procedure reduces heat loss, which is common in conventional chimneys. With a direct vent gas fireplace, 85 percent of generated heat remains in the house. Plus, the direct vent pipe also protects the quality of the air indoors by pushing out 100 percent of the fire’s combustion exhaust outside the house. Because of this, a direct vent gas fireplace insert is a healthier alternative to other heat-providing devices.
The modern gas fireplace insert of today looks similar to traditional fireplace inserts wherein the gas tube is mounted on the opposite side of the wall. This is to conceal it from plain view and allow easy reloading. Fireplaces that are equipped with inserts afford a simpler means of cleaning compared to open fireplaces given that the floors of inserts are flat and even allowing people to effortlessly clean ashes or dust.
A unit of gas fireplace insert can go from a low of a couple of hundred dollars to as high as several thousands of dollars. They come in different styles like the traditional masonry and contemporary looks.
JB Anthony is the webmaster of Fireplace-Ideas.Info. Get more of his FREE safety tips, fireplace designs and information on gas fireplace insert . Looking for more stuff for your house? Check out some nice cheap sofa beds here.
A gas fireplace is mostly a firebox with a glass face to see the fire. Most of the designs of gas fireplaces are made per specifications provided by the customer. These fireplaces have ducts that help with even distribution of the heat to different corners of the room. This allows for your fireplace to not only work more efficiently, but it leads to maximum utilization of heat and less waste of gas.
Whether it is a gas or a direct vent fireplace, both have a sealed combustion chamber for the release of emissions through the chimney or vent. A gas fireplace in Atlanta has many advantages being that itâs convenient and ignites at the press of the switch. A new range of natural gas fireplaces is getting increasingly popular amongst buyers in the market.
These fireplaces keep the house clean and produce less pollution in comparison to the wood-burning fires. A high quality natural gas fireplace in Atlanta heats up to 1,000 square feet of living space efficiently and turns out to be the most cost-effective fireplace option.
Most of us think that revamping the whole hearth is the only option left after picking out the fireplace mantel. But, you can also give your fireplace a new look by installing a gas electric fireplace that has following pros and cons:
Positives of a Gas Fireplace
Gas Fireplace has many benefits like:
⢠It is reliable and easy to control. Nowadays, gas fireplaces with a remote and a single button allow for easy, hassle-free operation. There are also fireplaces fitted with timers, so that one can control the total time for which the fire should burn.
⢠Most of the gas fireplaces can be easily inserted and fitted into the old firebox. If you are going for an un-vented gas fireplace, it won’t require a chimney. A vented gas fireplace needs a chimney so that waste product is immediately expelled out.
⢠With a gas fireplace, 70% of the heat remains in house instead of being lost in the atmosphere.
⢠When you are using gas fireplace, no time is wasted in building a fire or cleaning the ash later.
Negatives of a Gas Fireplace
Undoubtedly, a gas fireplace is a great addition to your home, but there area few things to consider:
⢠If you are buying an un-vented gas fireplace, you should know that it has oxygen depletion sensors for turning the gas off if the carbon monoxide level increases. You might be required to install additional carbon monoxide detectors in your home as an extra precaution.
⢠You can not get the authentic crackle and smell of the burning wood in the fireplace.
⢠Because the un-vented gas fireplace is hot as the natural gas burning inside it, you have to take extra precautions if there are children or pets in your home.
⢠A gas fireplace creates extra moisture because water is a byproduct of combustion of a gas fireplace.
