A cast iron fireback is still the best way to protect a fire box’s back wall from decay. Despite advances in technology, the harsh rays of the fire render even modern refractory material vulnerable to damage and the likelihood of expensive repairs. A fireback will effectively prevent any damage to the back wall.
Do you need a cast iron fireback for your fireplace?
In earlier times, the well-appointed fireplace was never considered complete unless it included a cast iron fireback. Today, the fireback’s usefulness and charm have been rediscovered and they are again at the center of the hearth and home. A good cast iron fireback can improve the heating efficiency of a fireplace by up to 50%.
What are the benefits of iron firebacks?
The iron plates absorb a portion of the heat that may otherwise have been lost and reflects it back into the room, increasing efficiency by up to 50%! A bonus that is often overlooked is that firebacks decorate your fireplace.
What is a fireback in a fireplace?
Positioned against the back wall of a fireplace, a fireback protects the masonry of the back wall and radiates the heat of the fire forward. Cast iron firebacks, usually about 5/8″ thick, store heat while the fireplace is burning and radiate it back into the room even after the fire goes out.
What is the difference between cast iron and stainless steel firebacks?
Stainless steel firebacks typically have a matte finish or a highly polished finish. These stainless steel firebacks with either finish work by reflecting heat into the room. Stainless steel ones do not store as much heat as the cast iron ones.
How effective is a fireback?
Radiator effect: how efficient is a fireback? The efficiency of a wood-burning fireplace to heat air is typically 10%, but with a fireback this may increase to 15%. This is less efficient than a stove or fireplace insert in heating air, but efficiency is a complicated concept with open hearth fireplaces.
What type of fireback is best?
Choosing the Right Fireback For gas fireplaces, iron firebacks are the best choice while for wood fireplaces, both steel and iron are available options. After figuring out the metal to use, the rest is all about style.
How thick should fireback be?
A fireback is usually an optional component in correctly built masonry fireplaces however, firebacks are required in all pre-fabricated, condominium style, and metal units when using a Wall of Fire grate. All economy firebacks are made from 3/8" thick shatter-proof steel and are 10" tall.
What is the purpose of a fireplace fireback?
The primary functions of a fireback are to protect the wall at the back of the fireplace and radiate heat from the fire into the room.
How do you clean a cast iron fireback?
How to clean a cast-iron fireplace grateSweep away any ashes with a dustpan and brush. Sweep out any ashes with a dustpan and brush. ... Vacuum remaining dust. ... Wipe with methylated spirit and a cloth. ... Use commercial iron paste to restore blackness.
Do I need fire back?
You really need a fireback if the back wall of the fireplace is damaged by the fire. The fireback protects the back wall. In addition, a fireback has the additional advantage that the cast iron of the fireback is warmed by the fire and the fireback therefore radiates extra heat.
How do you fit a fireback?
Place non-combustible rope along the top edge of the lower section of fireback. Place the upper section on top of the lower, preferably set back by 1.5 to 2 mm. Point up the joint with fire cement. Infill the gap with insulating concrete behind the upper section (no expansion gap required).
What do you put on the wall behind a wood burning stove?
Common fireproof wall ideas for behind a stove include stone, brick and tiles. The look of a wood burning stove can be enhanced by using a faux panel (such as a stone veneer look) or using a fireback.
How do you measure for a fireback?
In choosing a fireback for your hearth, the first thing to do is measure the width of the back wall, and height of the back wall from the floor to the damper or flue. A fireback does not have to cover the entire width of the back wall, only the area directly behind the grate or burning fire.
Can you make your own fireback?
Construct a fireback support by placing four to six standard fireplace bricks in pairs along the back wall floor of your fireplace. Stand them on their sides, parallel to the back wall. Place the steel sheet between the pairs of bricks so it stands vertical to the floor of the fireplace, held in place by the bricks.
Do fireplace heat deflectors work?
This is where a fireplace hood becomes very useful. A fireplace hood heat deflector prevents immense temperature build-up that can potentially seriously damage your hearth surround, mantel, or TV. Without installing a fireplace hood, all of that heat is hitting your fireplace mantel or TV.
Why isn't my fireplace heating my house?
Use the Damper to Turn Up the Heat Make sure to fully open the damper when starting the fire. When you have a great fire going, slightly close the damper to prevent excess heat from escaping. If the room still isn't warm enough, close the damper a little bit more. This will enhance your heating output.
What do you put on the wall behind a wood burning stove?
Common fireproof wall ideas for behind a stove include stone, brick and tiles. The look of a wood burning stove can be enhanced by using a faux panel (such as a stone veneer look) or using a fireback.
How can I make my wood-burning fireplace more efficient?
To avoid letting all the heat evaporate, here are five tips to make your fireplace more efficient this winter.Burn seasoned firewood. ... Close the dampers. ... Reverse the circulation of ceiling fans to spread the warmth. ... Use glass fireplace doors to reduce heat loss. ... Install a fireplace insert to increase heating efficiency.
Do heat exchanger fireplaces work?
Heat exchangers are an efficient way to deliver greater warmth to your home. They are designed to draw in cool air from the home, heat it up, and then disperse this warmed air into your living space. There are many different styles available that can help maximize your masonry fireplace.
Can you use stainless steel in a fireplace?
Stainless steel is very fire-resistant, so they are very safe and easy to maintain. The surface is resistant to corrosion and stains. This makes it ideal for use in the open air where it will regularly be exposed to the elements.
Why do stainless steel firebacks reflect less heat than cast iron firebacks?
Since stainless steel firebacks radiate less heat than cast iron firebacks due to their smaller size , but reflect more light. You can either lean the fireback against the back wall of the firebox or stand it in metal brackets that sit on the floor.
What is the purpose of a fireback?
Stainless steel firebacks have been used for centuries. Their purpose is to reflect heat back into the room and protect the actual firebox from damage. Firebacks have been used since colonial times here in America. Originally they were used to protect the back wall of the firebox,. This because the backwall has often been ...
How much does a radiant fireback increase efficiency?
Experts say that the installation of a radiant fireback increases the efficiency of your fireplace by almost 50% . This fireback is half the cost of cast iron firebacks and increases the fireplace’s efficiency as well.
Is cast iron fireback bigger than stainless steel?
Cast iron firebacks usually come in a wider range of sizes than stainless steel firebacks. The cast iron firebacks get warmth from the heat of the fire which then spits back into the room by the process of radiation. Since stainless steel firebacks radiate less heat than cast iron firebacks due to their smaller size, but reflect more light.
Does a fireback absorb heat?
With this aside, firebacks absorb a lot of the heat. This is so it safely dissipates and does not catch other materials in the construction of the chimney on fire. A stainless steel fireback will allow heat it absorbs by the back wall to reflect into the room. Experts say that the installation of a radiant fireback increases the efficiency ...
