A fireplace cover is a device or protective barrier that is used to stop sparks, embers, and ashes from coming out of an open fireplace, as well as to prevent cold air from entering the fireplace and home when it is not in use.
Fireplace covers come in various designs, sizes and materials, including glass, steel, copper, and other alloys. The most popular designs are fire grates, fire screens and spark guards. Fire grates are usually made of steel and can be used with wood or coal fires.
Fire screens are often made of mesh and can keep sparks from flying out of the fireplace. Finally, spark guards are similar to fire screens but are heavier-duty and can provide more reliable protection against sparks and embers.
How do you use a fireplace in the summer?
Though fireplaces are generally associated with cold winter days, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a crackling fire even in the summer. With a little effort and preparation, the hearth can be enjoyed in even the hottest months.
To start, you will want to make sure your chimney is cleaned and inspected before use. While regular checks are recommended in any season, it is especially important in the summer as creosote, an oily residue that can build up in your chimney, can ignite if it gets too hot.
Once the chimney is clean and clear, you can work on preparing the fireplace itself. This can start with simply lighting a fire and allowing the flue to open. Then close the glass doors or screen, where applicable, to help trap in the heat produced by the fire.
You may also want to install a damper, which will further regulate the temperature of your home.
Additionally, adding insulation to your fireplace is wise, as it will ensure that the heat generated by the fire stays in your home and doesn’t escape out the chimney. This insulation can be as simple as using fireboard, a refractory stone, or as complex as spray foam and fire clay.
Finally, once the temperature of your home is at the desired level, you can use the fire to create a comfortable atmosphere. Since most summer days are too warm for a roaring blaze, you may want to opt for using faux fire logs, which burn at a lower temperature and don’t require as much maintenance as a natural fire.
This way, you can enjoy the flickering lights and soothing sound of a fire year-round.
What can I cover my fireplace with?
You can cover your fireplace with a variety of materials, depending on your style preference. For a more modern look, glass tiles, metal panels, or even a sleek wall mural can give a neat, contemporary feel.
Alternatively, for a traditional feel, you could opt for white marble slabs, wooden panels, or tile designs. Wallpaper is also an option, particularly if you’d like to make a bold statement. If you’d like to highlight your fireplace as a feature rather than cover it up, you can also try to use a blend of both materials.
For example, consider using a combination of metal panels and wooden fixtures to give the fireplace a unique look. If you’d like to add a pop of color to the fireplace, try using paint to create an ombre effect.
Overall, there are many creative ways to cover your fireplace. Consider your style preference and consider what will look best in your home.
How do you cover up the opening of a fireplace?
Covering up the opening of a fireplace typically requires using a fireplace cover, which is a metal plate that covers the entire opening of the fireplace and is custom made for the size and shape of the doorway.
It is recommended to get a professionally designed and installed fireplace cover that fits the exact measurements of the opening and door frame. Some homeowners opt for a universal custom-made fireplace cover, but these often require additional modifications to fit correctly.
Before covering the fireplace, it is important to inspect the inside and outside of the fireplace for any extra ventilation, cracks, or blockage in the fireplace. Once that has been completed, the fireplace cover can be secured with screws, bolts, or rivets, or with a fast-set adhesive.
Additionally, special attention needs to be taken to ensure that the cover is securely sealed, and any remaining gaps at the corners and edges should be caulked with non-flammable materials. Finally, the cover should be inspected regularly to ensure that it is still providing a secure seal and is properly fitted to the fireplace opening.
How do I stop my fireplace from getting cold air?
If your fireplace is getting cold air, the first step is to ensure the fireplace flue is open. The flue is what allows the smoke and ash to escape and also helps with the circulation of warm air. If the flue is not open, the inside area of the fireplace will become cold.
Next, check to make sure your fireplace damper is closed. The damper is the barrier that prevents cold air from entering your home through the fireplace. If you find that the damper is open, close it and make sure that there are no gaps that can still allow cold air to enter.
In addition, you should also inspect the chimney for any cracks or gaps that could be letting in cold air. If you find a crack or gap, you may need to call a professional for repairs or have the chimney sealed to help minimize the amount of cold air entering the home.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to purchase a glass door or screen to cover the front of the fireplace when it is not in use. This will help to keep cold air out of the home as well as keep critters and debris from entering the fireplace.
Do I need a cover for my fireplace?
Whether or not you need a cover for your fireplace will depend on the type of fireplace that you have and the type of fuel that you use to heat your home. If you have a gas fireplace, then it should already have a cover on it that helps keep the flames contained.
However, if you have a wood burning fireplace, you will want to get a metal fireplace cover, or spark guard, to help keep sparks from flying out of the fireplace and onto your floor or carpet. The fireplace cover also helps to protect your walls and furniture, as well as creating a safety barrier for children and pets.
This metal cover can also help to keep some warmth in the room, as well as containing the smoke and ash and preventing it from getting into the rest of the house. Ultimately, the decision on whether or not you need a cover for your particular fireplace is up to you.
How much does it cost to cap a fireplace?
The cost of capping a fireplace varies depending on the size and complexity of the job. Generally speaking, it will cost between $500 and $5,000. Factors that will affect the cost include the type of material used, the complexity of the work, and the size of the project.
Additionally, the amount of time needed to complete the job and any additional services needed, such as chimney repair or installation of ventilation systems, will also contribute to the overall cost.
For a standard job, it typically costs approximately $1,200.
What are the parts of a fireplace surround called?
The parts of a fireplace surround are typically referred to as the mantel, lintel, and hearth. The mantel is the horizontal surface that rests above the fireplace, and is often used to display items such as artwork, candles, or plants.
The lintel is the structural beam that lies horizontally across the top of the fireplace, and helps to support the weight of the mantel. The hearth is the area of the floor directly in front of the fireplace, and often houses the firebox and gas controls.
The hearth is usually covered with tile, granite, or stone, but can also be left unfinished, depending on the overall aesthetic. Some fireplace surrounds may also include additional design elements such as corbels, moldings, and stone carvings.
What can I put around a brick fireplace?
There are a variety of things that can be used to surround a brick fireplace, including tile, stone, wood, and even wallpaper.
Tile is a popular choice for surrounding a brick fireplace, as it comes in a variety of beautiful colors and styles. You can use tile to create a classic look or go bold with a modern or artistic option.
Tiles are also incredibly durable and easy to keep clean.
Stone is another great choice for surrounding a brick fireplace. With many natural and man-made options available, you can find something to fit any style or budget. Stone offers a more traditional and rustic look, but can still be dressed up for a modern feel.
Wood is another popular option for surrounding a brick fireplace. It comes in a variety of grains, colors, and styles, allowing you to create a unique look. It is also easy to work with, making it a great choice for DIYers.
If you’re looking for a more traditional look, you can opt for a classic mantel. If you prefer something more modern, you can choose a sleek, contemporary design.
Wallpaper is a great way to add a touch of color to a brick fireplace. Contemporary, and traditional options available, so you can find something to match any style. Wallpaper adds instant wow-factor to your fireplace and is also easy to clean.
No matter what type of material you choose, make sure it is installed properly to ensure the safety of your family and home.
How can I make my brick fireplace look better?
First, you can consider painting the brick. This will allow you to change the color and make the fireplace look brighter and more modern. You could also choose to whitewash the brick, which will give it a weathered look and lighten the appearance of the brick.
If you are looking to maintain the original color but make the area look cleaner, you can consider using a power washer or cleaning the bricks with a wire brush. You could also use sealers and mortars to fill any cracks and gaps in the brick.
Additionally, you can make the fireplace look more attractive by replacing the mantel and adding a variety of accents, such as candles, framed photos, or houseplants. If you have a dark room, hanging a large mirror above the fireplace will help to make the room appear more spacious and bright.
Finally, consider accenting the fireplace with a few pieces of art or a contemporary fireplace screen.
Do fireplaces make your house colder?
No, fireplaces do not make your house colder. A fireplace can actually help to regulate the temperature in your home, as the warm air from the fireplace rises, it helps to heat the air in the upper levels of your house.
The heat from a fireplace can also help to reduce cold drafts from entering the home, by creating a warm zone of air at the base of your house. Fireplaces can also be a great way to increase the aesthetic value of your home and create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere.
Does a fireplace actually warm the house?
Yes, a fireplace can actually warm a house. Fireplaces are designed to efficiently generate heat and send it into the living space. When a fire is burning in a fireplace, the heat it generates increases the temperature of the surrounding air, which in turn warms up the living space of the home.
Fireplaces are also able to reduce drafts, helping to further warm up the room. Additionally, fireplaces can draw in cooler air from outside and use the heat from the fire to warm it before it is dispersed into the home.
Overall, fireplaces provide a cozy and inviting atmosphere, as well as a source of warmth.
Is it cheaper to run heater or fireplace?
Overall, the answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, such as the fuel source of the heater or fireplace, the cost of fuel, the size of your home and electricity or gas rates in your area.
Generally speaking, fireplaces require more fuel (such as wood, coal or pellets) than most space heaters. It also requires extra energy to get a fire going and keep it going, while a space heater just needs to be plugged in or turned on.
As such, space heaters are typically the more economical option when it comes to heating a single room or area in the home.
When it comes to cost, electric space heaters are usually your cheapest option. Electric space heaters cost less to operate than their gas counterparts, and they are also easy to install, move from room to room, and maintain.
Gas-powered space heaters may, however, be more economical for homes where gas rates are lower than electricity rates. In this case, the energy cost to heat the home with a gas space heater over the same period of time would be lower than for electric space heaters.
However, gas-powered space heaters do require regular maintenance because of their burners and flue systems, so this should also be a consideration when deciding which option is the more economical choice.
Fireplaces, whether wood-burning, natural gas, or pellet-burning, tend to be costlier to operate than space heaters if you are using them as your primary heating source. Wood-burning fireplaces are particularly costly, as they require logs and kindling that you must purchase and transport.
Gas and pellet-burning fireplaces will require a steady supply of fuel and professional maintenance when needed. However, when used in moderation, fireplaces can provide much-needed ambiance to a room.
Plus, costs for wood and other fuel are likely to be cheaper than electricity or gas, so this could be another factor to consider when making your decision.
How do I get the most heat out of my fireplace?
To get the most heat out of your fireplace, there are several things that you can do. Firstly, make sure that the flue and chimney are clean and in good working order. Dirty flues and chimneys can cause the fire to burn inefficiently and reduce the amount of heat that gets into the room.
Second, install a glass fire screen in front of the fireplace. This will reflect the heat back into the room and also reduce drafts and potentially dangerous sparks from shooting out of the fireplace.
Third, use good quality fuel and make sure that the fire is burning correctly. You should use seasoned hardwood, as this will provide the most heat output. Additionally, the fire should be placed in the centre of the fireplace and in an orderly manner.
This will maximize the air flow and subsequently the heat output.
Finally, temperature control can also be an effective way to maximize the heat output of your fireplace. Closing the damper and using a heat-activated fan can help to redirect warm air around the room, thereby increasing the overall heat output.
In summary, if you follow the steps above, you should be able to get the most out of your fireplace and maximize the heat output.
When should you not use a fireplace?
You should not use a fireplace if your home is not equipped to handle one safely, as it can be a serious fire hazard. It is also important to ensure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that are in good condition.
Before using the fireplace, you should also create a fire safety plan and ensure the area is free from combustible materials. A qualified contractor should inspect your fireplace before use and annually thereafter to ensure it is in proper working order.
Additionally, you should never use a fireplace if you smell gas, as this can be a sign of a gas leak. It is also important to keep the area that is near the fireplace clear of any items that could potentially ignite, and avoid using it when the air quality is poor due to smoke from wildfires or other sources.
Lastly, never leave a fire unattended and put out all flames before leaving the area or going to sleep.
Does a fireplace put off heat?
Yes, a fireplace does put off heat. The heat from a fireplace comes from burning wood, which emits gases, heat and flames. As the wood is burned, hot air is released which warms the room. This heat is also radiated off of the firebox and chimney, further warming the area.
Fireplaces are an efficient way to heat a room or even a whole house. The key is to choose the right type of wood, burn it properly, and ensure the fire is contained within the fireplace structure. Additionally, creating a tight seal between the flue and the fireplace can help prevent heated air from escaping, boosting the efficiency of heating your home.