What is the rack inside a fireplace called?
fireplace grateA fireplace rack, also called a fireplace grate, is an instrument placed inside the firebox to keep the wood or coal off the ground.
What is a fireplace grate used for?
If you are wondering what a fireplace grate is and how it helps everything run more efficiently, then you are not alone! These products are placed inside the mouth of the fireplace and hold the wood you intend to burn. Not only does this keep your fuel firmly in place, but it keeps it off the fireplace floor, as well.
What do fireplace andirons do?
Originally andirons were used to elevate firewood to allow air to flow better and also to keep the firewood in the fireplace. Today fireplace andirons are used primarily as a fireplace accessory for decoration and a fireplace grate has replaced the functionality of andirons.
Why are they called fire dogs?
Sometimes called a "dog iron", the firedog gets its name from the four-legged appearance of the andiron on its supports. A feature of the fireplace since Ancient Greek times, the firedog was often used to hold a spit.
Can I use my fireplace without a grate?
Does A Fireplace Insert Need A Grate? A wood burning fireplace insert will not typically need a fireplace grate, but should be confirmed with the manufacturer of the insert prior to doing so. Firewood can burn best when sat on a layer of ash, and a grate can take up important space within a fireplace insert.
How long should a fireplace grate last?
You should expect a solid, heavy fireplace grate to last at least three to five years, even longer for the highest quality grates. Cheaper, lighter fireplace grates will only last about one year. Good maintenance is important to prolong the life of your fireplace grate.
What are the fireplace tools called?
Fireplace tool sets usually include four pieces: a poker (or stoker), tongs, broom and shovel (or pan), and the stand to complete what is typically called a five-piece set.
What is a fire basket called?
Fire baskets (also known as fire grates) are a simple, effective way of making your open fireplace both more efficient and safer. Typically situated within the base of masonry fireplaces, fire baskets should be considered an essential part of any wood burning fireplace.
What is an andiron grate?
An andiron or firedog, fire-dog or fire dog is a bracket support, normally found in pairs, on which logs are laid for burning in an open fireplace, so that air may circulate under the firewood, allowing better burning and less smoke.
Why do fire stations have a pole?
The firemen's pole allows firefighters to move down much more quickly than before, although it is not suitable for climbing up. The pole is attached to the ground floor, goes through a hole in the ceiling, and is attached as well to the ceiling of the floor above.
Why do firefighters have mustaches?
Historically, firefighters had mustaches to help them breathe better in burning buildings before oxygen masks existed. Today, firefighters sport mustaches to harken back to and strengthen those roots as well as to support a sense of brotherhood among fire departments.
Why do firemen have Dalmatians?
Horses are afraid of fire, and the Dalmatians' presence could distract and comfort the horses as they pulled the wagon closer to a blaze. The Dalmatians also stood guard near the wagon to ensure that no one stole the firefighter's belongings, equipment or horses.
How do you start a fire in a fireplace with a grate?
Start by placing two pieces of firewood on the grate in your fireplace. Now crumple newspaper, which is your tinder, and place it between the firewood. Place the kindling on top. Add one or two more pieces of firewood on top of the other logs, and be sure to leave enough room for air to circulate around the logs.
Why do fireplace grates burn out?
What Causes Fireplace Grate Melt Down? Heat will oxidize (rust) any metal made with iron. That includes cast iron and steel. Over time, heating your grate again and again will cause the rusting process to thin the metal to the point that it bends or even severs.
How hot does a fireplace grate get?
A gas-burning fireplace tends to burn at a lower temperature, around 1000 degrees. Gas-burning is more efficient, so the grates and walls of the firebox can reach 1000 degrees as well.
How do you build a fire in a fireplace without a grate?
Starting a Fire without a Grate. Put two large logs — the bigger the better — in parallel about 15 inches (38.1 cm) apart. Make sure they're perpendicular to the pane of the closed glass doors, or fireplace opening. These large logs will be the bed of the fire and contain the embers to feed it.
What is a fireplace poker?
The Basics Of The Fireplace Poker. Andirons Buyer's Guide. Andirons are the metal bracket-shaped pieces that hold logs in a fireplace. Thanks to the wonderfully bizarre English language, they are also called fire dogs. (Though the explanation for this term seems like a bit of a stretch .)
What is the function of andirons in a fireplace?
The functional role of andirons in wood burning fireplaces is to brace the logs and allow air to circulate under them. In gas fireplaces, the andirons, along with the fire logs, are mainly decorative. YouTube. People are drawn to andirons for the same reason they still want logs in their gas fireplaces.
What is an andiron fireplace?
Andirons are a simple fireplace accessory but, in this article we will give you helpful information so you can make the most informed decision when you purchase. Here's an overview of what styles are available, top brands for andirons, how to use them, and how to care for them.
Where to put tinder and kindling in fireplace?
Pile tinder and kindling on the floor of the fireplace between the andirons. Don't stack it too high since you want the logs to rest on the andiron supports.
When did Plow and Hearth start?
Plow and Hearth - Started in 1980 by a husband and wife team, Plow and Hearth has quickly become a well-recognized retailer in the home, hearth, and garden industry. Their andiron selection ranges from traditional to whimsical.
Can you use an andiron grate on a fireplace?
You can indeed use both andirons and a grate together. Authentic andirons had large shanks that stood several inches from the hearth floor, allowing wood to be piled on the shanks and combustion air to be drawn from below to fuel the fire. Because fireplace grates do a superior job of supporting partially burned logs, the andirons faded from use. They are predominantly made for appearance, rather than function now. A grate should be used as the primary mechanism for a wood fire.
Is an Andiron fireplace a classic?
They are classic, pleasing to the eye and their tradition goes back so far that a fireplace seems incomplete without them. Andirons are a simple fireplace accessory but, in this article we will give you helpful information so you can make the most informed decision when you purchase.
What is the purpose of a chimney?
Chimney. A chimney provides a safe passageway for waste smoke and gases from a fire to leave the fireplace and be removed from a home. The chimney starts at the top of the firebox and extends vertically through the roof of the house. The chimney must protrude a certain distance above the roofline of the house to ensure sufficient draw on ...
What is a firebox?
The firebox is the main part of the fireplace where the fire is built. It’s usually rectangular or square in shape, and is surround by fireproof materials such as firebricks.
What is the mantel in the living room made of?
The mantel in our living room is made from concrete, while the mantel of the fireplace surround I removed from our kitchen is made of wood.
What is the purpose of glass doors in a fireplace?
Much like a damper, glass doors can help to prevent heat loss from a home when the fireplace isn’t in use .
What is a fireplace surround?
Surround. A fireplace surround is similar to the face of a fireplace, but is usually more of a decorative feature. It can be found around the opening of a fireplace, but isn’t always found as a non-combustible material like the face of a fireplace. Before redecorating our kitchen, there was a gas insert in the kitchen fireplace with ...
Why do you put a screen on a fireplace?
A fireplace screen is placed onto the hearth to help prevent any hot embers from getting into the room. Read more about fireplace screens here. You can also read my complete guide to fireplace hearths, including examples of materials used as hearths, and regulations for sizes and depths.
What materials are used in a fireplace?
Common materials used as a hearth include granite, marble, stone, concrete, brick, ceramic and quarry tiles. All solid fuel burning fireplaces are required to have a hearth, and the size and depth of a hearth must comply with your local building regulations and code.
What is the firebox in a fireplace?
When most people first look at a fireplace, their eyes naturally gravitate toward the box that houses the flames. This cavernous area is called the firebox. Yet, the firebox works in tandem with an important base made from fireproof material called a hearth. Gas fireplaces, like traditional wood burning fireplaces, are constructed with a protective hearth.
What is a gas fireplace?
Gas fireplaces are exceptional heating appliances. They run on propane or natural gas, rather than wood. We know all too well that wood burning fireplaces require a lot of work: sourcing or gathering wood, seasoning the wood, and storing it! With gas, all you have to do is turn a valve and press a button.
How Well Do You Know Your Gas Fireplace Parts?
Now that you know some of the most important parts of a gas fireplace, you're ready to explore the wide variety of gas fireplaces out there with new knowledge to guide you. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call one of our NFI certified technicians at 1-800-203-1642.
Why do vent free fireplaces have a screen?
Because vent-free fireplaces rely on room air for combustion, they are open to the room. They will often include a screen for safety. If you're looking for ways to extend the heating capability of your fireplace, it's always a wise decision to look for compatible fireplace blowers.
What is a fireplace overlay?
This overlay can be a cement fireplace liner with a brick pattern, a porcelain-coated liner, or another decorative material. For masonry fireplaces, the hearth is typically built from bricks and extends outward from the firebox with two configuration options — raised or flat.
How does a direct ignition system work?
Direct Ignition System: Direct ignition systems, though rare to find in more modern gas fireplaces, use a spark ignitor instead of a standing pilot. The spark ignitor is a simple electrode that generates a strong spark via voltage supplied by a control module. The spark lights the gas being released from the burner and once lit, the flames from the burner heat a flame rectifier that is part of the ignitor. The flame rectifier sends a signal back to the control module to tell it that flame is present. If the flame is lost, the signal will cease and the control module will close the gas valve.
How does a spark ignitor work?
The spark ignitor is a simple electrode that generates a strong spark via voltage supplied by a control module. The spark lights the gas being released from the burner and once lit, the flames from the burner heat a flame rectifier that is part of the ignitor.
Things to Know Before Choosing a Log Alternative
Before you start shopping, you should know the answer to two questions:
What You Can Put in Your Gas Fireplace Besides Logs
Many gas fireplace owners unhappy with their fireplace don’t realize there are two different types of gas logs – vented and ventless. Vented logs look nicer but don’t heat as well, and ventless logs look less natural but put out more heat.
Make Sure to Focus on Safety When Choosing a Log Replacement
There’s a great deal of fun to be had in playing around with different replacements for gas logs in your fireplace. However, you should always make sure that your choices are safe. Even if you’ve been using gas logs for years without any issues, replacing them with different materials or shapes could introduce new safety factors.
Final Thoughts
Gas fireplaces offer a dazzling array of possibilities for anyone who wants to add a little flair to their fire. Whether you’re after a rough-hewn country feel or a sleek contemporary sheen, there’s a solution for you. The selection is so vast, in fact, that it can be overwhelming.
Fireplace Lifestyle
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