There are two main types of fireplace construction: masonry and manufactured. Masonry is traditional and made of brick or stone, while manufactured is made in a factory and usually made of metal. It’s important to choose the right type of flue and consult a professional to avoid mistakes.
While there are different types of fireplace construction, the two most common types are masonry fireplaces and manufactured fireplaces. All fireplaces must perform the main functions of carrying smoke from the house and feeding the fire with air. These two basic tasks are performed by both major types of flue, but having an idea of the benefits of each and what makes them different is helpful when selecting a new fireplace.
Masonry construction is one of the most common types. The resulting chimney is typically part of the structure. The materials range from brick to stone, with a clay tile facing to hold the materials together. This type of chimney construction requires a fired clay flue lining for easy cleaning and safety.
The other major type of fireplace construction is the manufactured fireplace, which is built in a factory and then transported to the home or building to be assembled. This type is usually made of metal and should be used with a solid fuel heater instead of natural gas. There are several specific types of manufactured fireplaces, none of which require a surround.
The mass-insulated, double-walled chimney consists of two metal layers, with insulation between them. The insulation absorbs the heat inside the flue, and the two stainless steel sheets can contain the heat not absorbed by it. This is in contrast to air-cooled fireplaces, which simply have air between the two layers of metal. The fact that the air is circulating helps the heat eventually dissipate.
Air-insulated fireplaces are similar to the air-cooled type, except that air movement is restricted in this fireplace construction. This means that instead of the air drawing heat away, it simply insulates it. There are also some fireplace models that combine parts of all these manufactured fireplace types.
Masonry fireplace construction is the type most people probably think of when they picture a fireplace. This type looks traditional, but is expensive compared to manufactured fireplaces. The latter is easy to install, but also often requires a factory-built chimney.
Homeowners having trouble selecting the right fireplace should look at their fireplace instruction booklet first. Many fireplaces only work with a specific type of flue. If the instruction manual has been lost, it can usually be found online or at stores that sell fireplaces. If in doubt, it is best to consult a fireplace or chimney professional. Mistakes in choosing or installing a fireplace can lead to chimney failure or even a house fire.
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