Purpose of a Fireback
- Reflection of heat. The bricks in your fireplace are able to withstand extreme temperatures. ...
- Lots of Options. Although there are plain, stainless steel firebacks that are most widely available, there are also some truly beautiful decorative firebacks to add to the ambiance of your ...
- Cast Iron and Stainless Steel. ...
What is the purpose of a fireback on a wood fire?
The thick iron keeps the heat which would otherwise be lost and gives back this heat to the room. A fireback thus may increase the efficiency of the fire. Wood fires have low efficiency, and for those that prefer the atmosphere of an open wood fire the fireback helps to minimise this problem.
Do firebacks make a difference?
Although some people like the looks of them better than the unpainted stainless steel firebacks, they will reflect less heat. By sending light and heat out into the room, a fireback is a noticeable improvement to the hearth. A cast iron fireback is still the best way to protect a fire box’s back wall from decay.
What is the history of firebacks?
The oldest firebacks date from the 15th century AD, the early days of iron casting. Early firebacks were decorated with simple designs derived from everyday objects such as rope, moulds used in the making of certain types of foods (such as butter, biscuits or wafers), furniture fragments and other domestic and personal items.
What are the benefits of a thick fireback?
Wood fires have low efficiency, and for those that prefer the atmosphere of an open wood fire the fireback helps to minimise this problem. The thicker the fireback, the longer (and softer) this radiative effect.
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.
Why do you need a fireback?
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.
Do firebacks increase heat?
''They are decorative cast-iron plates that you install in the back of the firebox to increase radiant heat transfer,'' Mr. Crouch said. ''Firebacks look nice and they produce a moderate increase in efficiency.
Where does a fireback go?
0:131:08Utilize Your Fireback and Fireback Feet Correctly - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAbout fire backs and how they should be used. Now even though you can use your fire back alone justMoreAbout fire backs and how they should be used. Now even though you can use your fire back alone just leaning it up against the back wall of your fireplace. That's not the best way to use it to get the
How should a fireback fit?
The fireback should be wide enough to cover the hearth wall but leave just enough space, about 3 to 10 inches of rear wall visible. It should also not be high enough to reach the flue of the opening as it would hinder the drawing of the furnace.
How thick should fireback be?
The 3/4" firebacks are good all-purpose reflectors suitable for more frequent use. The greater mass of these units will throw back more heat while offering increased durability.
What type of fireback is best?
Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Cast iron firebacks are the most sure protection for the back wall of your fireplace.
How do I get the most heat out of my fireplace?
Turn Up the Heat: Tips to FollowInstall a Fireplace Insert. ... Use Glass Doors. ... Use a Chimney Damper. ... Get Chimney Fans. ... Only Burn Dried Firewood. ... Use Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. ... Keep Combustible Materials Away from the Fireplace. ... Clean Your Fireplace Regularly.More items...
How do you install a fireback?
0:009:45How to Install a Open Fire Fire Back - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLine here so this is where it's designed or implemented where you should cut because you need to cutMoreLine here so this is where it's designed or implemented where you should cut because you need to cut it off the bottom half of the fire receives a lot more heat than the top throat.
Do you need feet for a fireback?
You don't absolutely have to have the legs, but they will help to hold it at a forward angle, which makes the fireback work most effectively.
How do you clean a fireback?
To clean your fireback, we recommend using a wire brush. You can polish your fireback with stove polish to prolong its life and enhance its appearance.
What is a fireback in a home?
A fireback is a sculptural accent in the natural focal point of a home. It, therefore, lends visual warmth and interest to a hearth. This is true whether it’s alight with a roaring fire or lit by soft candlelight. Even when the fire is not lit, firebacks fill in the “empty black hole.”
What is the best way to protect a fire box back wall?
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.
Is a fireplace complete without a fireback?
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.
What is the function of a 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. The protection was especially important where the wall was constructed of insubstantial material such as daub (a mud and straw mixture coating interwoven wooden wattles), brick or soft stone.
What is a fireback used for?
Moreover, they are used as beautiful pieces of decorative art and are sometimes displayed apart from the fireplace.
What is a fireback in a fireplace?
A fireplace fireback is a piece of heavy cast iron, sized in proportion to the fireplace and the fire, which is placed against the back wall of the fireplace .
Where are firebacks made?
Recastings of historic fireback designs are still made in England and the United States.
Where was the first fireback cast?
Fireback embossed with royal coat-of-arms of Great Britain, cast at Oxford Furnace, New Jersey during the reign of George II. The oldest firebacks date from the 15th century AD, the early days of iron casting.
Adding Aesthetic Beauty
When you look at most firebacks, it’s easy to see that they’ve been designed to enhance the look and feel of your fireplace. This is seen in the variety of designs embossed on their surfaces.
Protection for Fireplace Masonry
It’s clearly evident how a fireback works to protect the rear masonry of fireplaces.
Multiple Options to Choose From
In terms of design, you have the freedom to choose from tons of designs. Different customers will have their preferred designs and there’s no limit to available designs.
What are firebacks used for?
Firebacks with cracks are often older than firebacks without cracks and can be particularly beautiful. In addition, a fireback with a (large) crack is cheaper than a fireback without a crack. A fireback with a large crack is very suitable for the following purposes: 1 In a gas fireplace to give the fireplace the appearance of a real wood fireplace. 2 Behind a wood stove to protect the wall from the heat of the stove. 3 As a splash screen above the stove, which gives the kitchen the same character. 4 To decorate an unused fireplace.
How are firebacks made?
If this mold consisted of planks, the joints between the planks can sometimes be seen as a line on the fireback. That line may look like a crack, but it isn't. Some more recent firebacks may also be cast from much older molds. These firebacks can therefore also have lines. We always look carefully at this and indicate whether there is actually a crack in the condition of the fireback.
Why do you need a fireback?
Firebacks are an essential part your fireplace. While they have the potential of adding to the elegance and beauty of your fireplace, they more importantly protect your fireplace; this long-term protection will save you money by reducing the need for repairs and increasing energy efficiency.
What is a fire back?
1 Answer. A fire back is designed to stand against the back wall of a fireplace and radiate heat into the room when a fire is burning. It also provides protection for the back wall from logs that may be tossed into the fireplace. The fireback will not provide any added benefit for keeping cold air out of the room.
What is a fireback plate?
Firebacks are an essential part of your fireplace that have stood the test of time. These solid metal fireplace fireback plates protect the masonry of your fireplace as well as reflect heat back into your home to increase energy efficiency.
How high should a fireback be?
Firebacks are perfectly safe to use without the optional feet. Depending on the fireback feet chosen, you might add between 1 and 3 inches of height to the entire fireback. Submitted by: Kevin E. on August 9, 2015.
Which fireback absorbs more heat?
1 Answer. Generally speaking, cast iron firebacks will absorb and radiate heat more efficiently when compared to stainless firebacks, but stainless firebacks push more heat into the room. There are other factors to consider with regards to the thickness of the fireback itself.
Why use a closed combustion wood stove?
1 Answer. It is used to help radiate heat outward into the room. With a closed combustion wood stove, you would not feel the benefit as much as you would with an open hearth fireplace, which combines with the product to benefit you much more. Submitted by: Owen on August 30, 2017.
Do stainless firebacks absorb heat?
Obviously, a more dense fireback will absorb more heat than thinner, stainless firebacks. It is also very important to note that, while there are stainless firebacks made specifically for use with gas log sets, there are some safety concerns when using a fireback with a gas log set.
Efficiency
Masonry Protection
- 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.
Aesthetics
- A fireback is a sculptural accent in the natural focal point of a home. It, therefore, lends visual warmth and interest to a hearth. This is true whether it’s alight with a roaring fire or lit by soft candlelight.Even when the fire is not lit, firebacks fill in the “empty black hole.” Early fireplace firebacks (15th Century) were made in sand forms with decorations like coats of arms, religious …
Fireback Stands Or Feet
- While firebacks can simply be leaned against the back wall of your fireplace, their stands serve three purposes: 1. They secure the firebackin position. If you use firebacks where there is frequent vibration or there is exposure to earthquakes, we highly recommended the use of stands. Vibrations may be an issue, for example, in homes near railroad ...
Care and Maintenance
- Cast iron fireplace firebacksneed little care as long as they are not exposed to moisture. If you ever feel the need to freshen them up, use a black spray paint specifically designed to withstand high temperatures. The cleaning of a stainless steel firebackis as convenient as it is easy. Simply use a bit of cold ash from the bottom of your fireplace and a paper towel to shine them.