Are prefab fireplaces dangerous?
If a prefab fireplace is not installed properly, it can create an extremely dangerous and deadly situation for the homeowner. When a prefab fireplace needs to be replaced, the existing chimney chase (the chimney structure) can still be used.
Is a prefabricated fireplace the best choice for your home?
Usually you can tell at a glance whether a fireplace is masonry or prefab. While traditionalists prefer the aged look of a masonry fireplace, not every house is blessed with one. That’s when a prefabricated fireplace may be the best solution.
Can you use duraflames in a prefab fireplace?
Most prefab fireplaces can be used with artificial gas logs, prefabricated logs (such as Duraflames) or well-seasoned wood. Reading the operating instructions is helpful for homeowners to know how to safely operate their fireplace. Also, prefab fireplaces cannot have big fires or very hot fires in them.
Are prefabricated chimneys still a thing?
Although masonry chimneys are still a thing, prefabricated chimneys and fireplaces have become increasingly popular over the years. This option has opened up possibilities for homeowners as they get to either remodel or install the prefab chimney system.
What are the common problems with prefab fireplaces?
What is a prefab fireplace?
What is a U.L. listing and why is that important?
How can I know what the manufacturer and model are of my prefab fireplace?
What is a refractory panel?
What is a chase cover?
Why do I hear water dripping when it rains?
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How long does a prefab fireplace last?
20-30 yearsThe lifespan of a prefabricated fireplace is similar to that of major home appliances such as refrigerators. Even with regular maintenance and upkeep, prefabricated chimney units have a lifespan of 20-30 years.
What is the safest type of fireplace?
Electric models are generally the safest type of fireplace, and are a great option for those who want a safe, low maintenance appliance.
Do prefab fireplaces need to be cleaned?
A prefabricated fireplace is an excellent option in many homes but it must be maintained and used properly. As with a masonry fireplace, it should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that it functions properly.
Can you burn real wood in a prefab fireplace?
For that reason, we recommend that prefab fireplaces should be limited to small fires. Certainly, you can burn wood in most prefabs but never any larger or hotter than what you would get if you're burning just one Duraflame log.
What are the 3 most common dangers of having a fireplace?
They are the source of risks of all kinds, from pollution to fire hazards.Woodsmoke Is Harmful. If you have a wood-burning fireplace in your home, you may want to pause before throwing another log on the fire. ... Polluting Your Home and Environment. ... Fire Hazard. ... Stay Safe and Prevent Hazards.
How do I make sure my fireplace is safe to use?
5 Easy Steps to Make Sure Your Fireplace Is Safe#1 Examine the Firebox. Look for any cracks, gaps, or signs of wear in the lining of the firebox (the interior of the fireplace). ... #2 Look for Telltale Smoke Stains. ... #3 Make Sure Your Grate Is the Right Size. ... #4 Check the Chimney. ... #5 Double-Check Your Fire Extinguisher.
When should I replace my prefab fireplace?
If you keep your chimney maintained and have annual inspections from a CSIA-certified chimney sweep, you might be able to get 20 – 30 years out of your prefab fireplace. However, a more realistic expectancy would be 10 – 15 years.
How much does it cost to replace a prefab fireplace?
In general, the cost of prefabricated fireplaces range from $1,000 on the low end up and up to $4,000 on the high end, although there are a few prefabricated units out there that cost more.
How do you start a fire in a prefab fireplace?
Steps to Starting a Fire in Your FireplaceOpen your damper. ... Clear the area around the fireplace opening. ... The fire grate should be moved as far back in the fireplace as possible. ... Place tinder under the grate. ... Kindling should be placed on top of the grate. ... Arrange small splits of wood on top of the kindling.More items...
Are Fake fireplaces a fire hazard?
They're Not Risk-Free Just like a real fireplace, they can become hot to the touch and cause burns, and you need to keep any flammable materials away from its close vicinity. Unlike wood burning fireplaces, you also have to take electrical precautions: keep all liquids far away and inspect the wiring for damage.
What is a prefab fireplace made of?
Prefabricated fireplaces, or prefabs for short, are manufactured metal fireplaces that are built offsite and installed by a chimney technician or contractor, usually in new homes as they are being constructed.
Do fake fire logs give off heat?
When firelogs first became available, they were usually always made of sawdust and wax; and they produced a substantial amount of heat. Today, you can get faux firelogs made with coffee grounds, and they give off more than 25% the amount of heat sawdust firelogs gives off.
Which is safer gas or wood fireplace?
Gas fireplaces have fewer safety risks than wood burning fireplaces. While wood fireplaces, provide a pleasing aroma and other aesthetically pleasing characteristics for your home, they do pose significant safety risks. Gas fireplaces have surpassed their wood counterparts and make the better case for our safety.
Which is healthier gas or wood burning fireplace?
That's because gas fireplaces burn more cleanly and produce fewer polluting emissions. Wood-burning fireplaces typically emit 28 pounds of particulate emissions per MMBtus (one million British thermal units), Project Greenify reports, compared to natural gas, which produces up to 99 percent less emissions.
What is safer gas or electric fireplace?
Electric fireplaces are the safest option because you can monitor heat output, and you do not have an open flame. Gas fireplaces are more difficult to install because you need to run and hook up a gas line. Electric fireplaces are easier to install. Gas fireplaces last between 15 and 25 years.
What is the best option for fireplace?
Best Overall: Gas Burning While each type of fireplace has its own advantages that may work better for your needs, if you just want something that's simple to use, not too expensive or tricky to maintain and provides a good amount of heat output, a gas-burning fireplace is your winner.
Replacing prefab fireplace with a woodstove - Hearth.com Forums Home
I have a prefab fire place that is about 4 years old. It has been used every winter and use a lot. I really want to install a wood stove for better efficiency and safety. Im not buying a new woodstove, im looking for a old style woodstove. My prefab has a intake vent (not sure of the fancy...
Replacing a Prefab Fireplace - YouTube
Prevent creosote buildup, a lead causation of chimney fires, using ACS (anti-creo-soot): http://amzn.to/2HIFZs3Follow along as we replace an outdated prefabr...
Who Installs A Prefabricated Chimney?
The performance of prefab chimneys and fireplaces is hinged on proper installation.
Will Prefab Chimneys and Fireplaces Be a Perfect Fit for my Home?
It’s difficult to say what can or cannot serve a particular structure. All questions about suitability are best answered by professional chimney services.
What is a factory built fireplace?
Factory-built/prefab fireplaces are lightweight engineered products designed to work as a system with the metal fireplace box and chimney. Typically installed in a framed chase. The manufacturer will specify how the installation is to be performed and what chimney to use.
Can a warped fireplace be used in a fireplace?
In this condition the fireplace is a danger for fire. The damaged firebox and/or chimney will need to be replaced prior to use. You should not use a warped or cracked factory fireplace.
Is a prefab fireplace a wood fireplace?
These prefab fireplaces are not your traditional site-built masonry fireplaces that most people think of when they are thinking a wood fireplace. Traditional fireplaces are heavy masonry structures with a lot of mass that can handle a lot of heat energy. They are built on a foundation to carry the weight of that structure.
Should a door be opened when adding more wood?
is functional, the door should only be opened when adding more wood. “
What is a Prefabricated Fireplace?
A prefabricated fireplace is an affordable, contemporary fireplace option for newer homes. Is your home newer and not designed for a masonry fireplace? If you don’t want to deal with a pricey construction project, consider a factory-built fireplace.
Types of Prefabricated Fireplaces
All prefabricated fireplaces share similar characteristics. They consist of well-insulated fireboxes with interior solid metal sheets. The interior is sometimes lined with refractory panels. Factories build and safety test them off-site. Then professionals install them in your home as a complete system.
Prefabricated Fireplaces vs. Masonry Fireplaces
Most people are familiar with the traditional masonry fireplace. These are elegant, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind fixtures in a home. But prefabricated fireplaces are rising in popularity for newer homes. They are affordable and quick to install. Discover the main differences between a prefabricated and masonry fireplace.
Related Questions
Prefabricated fireplaces, like other major appliances, should last between 20-30 years. But some continue to function for upwards of 40 years. Consider replacing your prefab fireplace around the 30-year mark. After that, the risk of a house fire greatly increases.
How long does a prefab fireplace last?
Parts eventually wear out. Sometimes an exact replacement part can’t be found, rendering the fireplace obsolete. Expect your prefab fireplace to last for up to 15 years.
What is a masonry fireplace?
Masonry fireplaces and chimneys are part of the house’s original plan, built on-site by masons, usually when the house is constructed. The interior of the fireplace is made of brick or stone, and the chimney is also brick. Generally, masonry fireplaces are found in older homes.
What is a prefab fireplace?
Prefab fireplaces are made in a factory and are most common in newer homes. They first became popular in the 1960s. The inside of a factory-built fireplace is usually made from solid sheets of metal. They can also have refractory panels inside, which look like bricks, and serves to prevent the fire’s heat from penetrating and damaging the firebox.
What is a factory built fireplace?
Factory-built fireplaces have chimneys extending through the roof. Sometimes these are encased by a housing of siding or simulated brick. A chase cover, which resembles a shoe box lid, may perch atop the chimney. Prefab fireplaces are extensively factory-tested for safety.
Which is better for heating: a factory built fireplace or a masonry fireplace?
For heating a room, factory-built fireplaces are usually more efficient. Prefab units have better insulation than masonry fireplaces. In fact, factory-built fireplaces are so well insulated that usually they can be installed very close to combustible materials. Their combination of insulated walls, metal, blowers, glass doors and air-cooled pipes efficiently move the fire’s heat into the room.
Can a prefab fireplace burn gas?
Some prefab fireplaces burn wood, some gas, some both. Be sure to only burn the correct fuel in your prefab fireplace box.
Is a prefab fireplace safe?
Prefab fireplaces are extensively factory-tested for safety. However, they must be installed correctly to be safe in your home. You must be sure that replacement parts are made for your specific fireplace, or risk a house fire.
What is the phone number for Tilton NH?
We serve Tilton NH, Gilmanton NH, Belmont NH, Loudon NH and all other Lakes Region communities. Call us today at (603) 293-4040.
How much heat does a masonry fireplace hold?
Traditional masonry fireplaces, because of their “open system,” don’t hold onto their heat very well. In fact, only 10% or 20% of the heat actually ever makes it into your room.
Do manufactured wood fireplaces have vents?
Manufactured wood fireplaces come with their own venting system, which means you won’t be building a chimney or making major modifications to your home.
Is wood a good fuel for a fire?
For some folks, nothing beats a real wood fire with its leaping flames, subtle crackling of the wood and gentle aroma. People have been heating with wood for thousands of years; today’s homeowners appreciate the nostalgia and ambiance of a wood fire as well as the fact that wood is an eco-friendly fuel.
Can you have a standard looking fireplace?
You can choose a “standard-looking” fireplace, but you also can bring home a design that’s truly unique and ultra-fashionable. Today’s prefab wood appliances come in many exciting styles such as corner fireplaces, two-sided fireplaces, linear fireplaces and more.
What are the common problems with prefab fireplaces?
The most common problems we see with prefab fireplaces are cracked refractory panels, leaking chase covers, rusted out fireboxes and rusted out caps.
What is a prefab fireplace?
A prefabricated fireplace goes by several names–a “prefab” or “factory-built fireplace.” Another term would be “decorative heating appliance.”
What is a U.L. listing and why is that important?
The approval, or “listing,” involves testing the system with the specific components of the system.
How can I know what the manufacturer and model are of my prefab fireplace?
Prefab fireplaces will have what we refer to as a “tag.” This is a metal plate, sometimes the size of a business card, and it will be placed somewhere inside the firebox. The tag will list the name of the manufacturer and the model number.
What is a refractory panel?
In most prefab fireboxes, the systems will have four refractory panels–two sides, a back, and the floor–inside the firebox where you make the fire. These panels stand up about two feet tall. They are made from refractory cement, stamped to look like bricks but they’re not really bricks.
What is a chase cover?
The chase cover sits on top of the chase (chimney structure). It is a flat, horizontal piece of sheet metal that sits on top of the chimney structure. The chase cover has a large hole in it where the pipe comes through the cover and attaches to the chimney cap.
Why do I hear water dripping when it rains?
When you hear water dripping on metal, call a chimney professional immediately. That sound is likely where water is coming through a rusted-out chase cover. If you wait too long, the water landing on the firebox inside the chase will rust out the system , creating a very expensive replacement of the entire prefab system.
