Fireplaces

Published : 02/05/2008 | Author: HOMEMAKERSonline

Building a fire has gone from a necessity to a luxury and over the years fire has proved to have an enduring quality that most people can’t explain. There is something relaxing and soothing about sitting in front of warm, blazing flames.

Since the Victorian era fireplaces have been used to add a hint of class and sophistication to the home, but ambience is not the only thing that fire can lend a home, it’s also an incredibly cost effective method of heating, especially in places that experience cold winters.

Because the fireplace has become such a popular item, homes that contain this elegant accent often have considerably better resale value than homes that are without. In fact, more than three quarters of prospective homebuyers look for a fireplace when the time comes to invest in a new home.

Types of Fireplaces:

There are many different types of fireplaces available to suit every living space.

Brick
Gas
Electric
Pre-fabricated
Custom

Brick fireplaces are often found in large, older houses and traditionally boast large mantels and elaborate stone work that act as a stunning focal point in the home. In this type of fireplace natural wood is burned while the chimney damper remains wide open to let air in and smoke out. The brick used is usually designed to absorb the heat of the fire and then radiate it back into the room.

Gas fireplaces are undoubtedly the most common these days, mostly because they are convenient, easy to use and they can be installed just about anywhere. There is no need for a chimney, wood or even matches with this type of fireplace and there is no mess to clean up either. The best part about this sort of fireplace is that turning it on and off can be as easy as flipping a switch. Gas fireplaces are typically enclosed in a metal casing inside which ceramic logs appear to burn using a propane or natural gas-powered flame. These fireplaces come in several varieties including top-vent, direct vent and vent-free models.

Like gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces can give people who live in smaller spaces the opportunity to conveniently warm and brighten their home’s without the chimney or the mess. Electric fireplaces have always been a popular option for people who live in townhouses and flats because they are convenient, easy to use and they can cut down heating costs significantly. Most electric fireplaces just need to be plugged in and they are ready to go so there is no fussing with logs, newspaper, matches and smoke.

If you live in a home without a fireplace and are thinking of adding one to improve resale value, the electric fireplace can be a good option because this type of fireplace is often the least expensive to purchase and install. People with small children often appreciate the electric fireplace because it is a safe way to add ambience to the home. This type of fireplace doesn’t get hot on the outside so if a curious child happens to touch it they will not be scalded, which might be the case with other types of fireplaces.

Many newer fireplaces are pre-fabricated from metal and installed in wood-frame walls. They generally have a metal shell and a brick-lined firebox. Pre-fabricated fireplaces are highly insulated, so they can be installed within an inch of combustible materials, such as ceiling insulation products. They are preferred because they're much lighter in weight, are faster and easier to install than standard brick units, and are energy efficient.

Just as when you buy a car, fireplaces can be customised with a variety of options. For instance, gas fireplaces feature three different kinds of logs: vented logs that provide a realistic burning wood look with less heat; ventless logs, which produce a yellow flame with a high degree of efficiency; and partially vented logs which provide a middle ground option in warmth, appearance and efficiency. Other options for fireplaces can include a matching tile fireside, a gleaming brass tool set, etched glass face or even a remote control for couch potato fire starters.