How do you tell if you have a prefabricated 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.
How long do manufactured fireplaces last?
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.
Whats the difference between insert and built in fireplace?
If there are gaps and the existence of a stone/masonry encasing it is an insert. If there are no gaps and the fireplace is built into the wall, it is a fireplace.
What is a factory built all fuel chimney?
WHAT IS ALL-FUEL? A system designed and built to exhaust wood, coal, oil, or gas fired low heat residential appliances. These systems are commonly called a “Class A chimney” or a “Factory built chimney”. These are mainly used on free standing stoves, furnaces, and fireplaces.
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 put a fireplace insert in a manufactured fireplace?
If an insert is unlisted, it should never be placed in a prefab fireplace. In the end, most prefabricated or factory-built fireplaces won't allow inserts to be installed into their systems. And many older models won't even have language regarding inserts in their manuals.
What are the four types of fireplaces?
There are several different types of indoor fireplaces you can purchase, but they basically fall into the broad categories of wood burning, gas burning, ethanol burning or electric....Ethanol Burning FireplacesFireplace Conversion. ... Wall Mounted Fireplaces. ... Tabletop Fireplaces.
Is it worth having a fireplace insert?
Are Fireplace Inserts Worth the Money? Overall, a fireplace insert gives most individuals the value the want including: Time Savings: Less maintenance such as cleaning, removing ash, and adding wood to the fire.
Do fireplace inserts require a chimney?
Do Electric Inserts Need a Chimney? Unlike wood-burning and direct vent systems, electric fireplaces do not need a chimney to vent combustible byproducts. However, they do have other unique needs that wood and gas burning inserts may not require.
What kind of chimney do I need for a wood stove?
A prefabricated metal chimney unit may be the best choice for wood stoves or fireplaces in these homes. Prefabricated chimneys are easier to erect than masonry units, and although materials cost more, total unit cost will be nearly the same.
What are the different types of chimneys?
There are two main types of chimneys: masonry chimneys built from stone and mortar, bricks, or blocks, and prefabricated metal chimneys. While brick chimneys are what come to mind for many people as the most typical installation in a home, metal chimneys can be designed to reflect the homeowner's style.
What is a free standing chimney?
A free standing stove fireplace is exactly as it sounds: a fireplace that can be installed standing free from the wall. There is no need for a mortar chimney or a brick wall. This is an excellent alternative for homes that are not suited to fireplaces built into the wall.
What is the lifespan of an electric fireplace?
20 yearsElectric fireplaces can last up to 20 years. And the light bulbs will need replacing every two years or so Electric fireplaces tend to have longer lifespans than gas and wood-burning fireplaces.
What is the life expectancy of a gas fireplace?
ten to fifteen yearsGenerally speaking, you can get a good ten to fifteen years of use before you need to replace your gas fireplace.
How long should a fireplace insert last?
20-30 yearsHowever, when properly maintained, a fireplace insert can last 20-30 years or more, making them a great investment in the future of your home.
Do ceramic logs need to be replaced?
A: In the average home, a well-maintained vented log set with ceramic logs will last 10 or more years. A well-maintained vent-free log set with ceramic logs can also last a long time, but, if heavily used, will begin to wear in 3-5 years.
What is a factory built fireplace?
Factory built fireplaces are metal and refractory brick fireplaces that are designed to operate in conjunction with a U.L. tested metal chimney system. Unlike fireplace inserts, factory built fireplaces are not retrofitted into existing masonry fireplaces.
How Long Do Factory Built Fireplaces Last & Why Do They Need To Be Replaced?
On average, factory built fireplaces last 20-30 years when well-maintained. Typically these systems are replaced rather than repaired because it can be difficult, if not impossible, to find replacement parts, especially if the manufacturer is no longer in business.
Can a factory built fireplace be used with a prefabricated chimney?
You don't have to worry if you don't have a masonry chimney, because factory built fireplaces are U.L. tested to work with a prefabricated chimney.
What is a Factory-Built Fireplace?
As the name implies, a factory-built fireplace is constructed / pre-fabricated at a factory and then installed in homes. These fireplaces are extremely well-insulated and have an air blanket built in which keeps the outer wall cool. The amount of clearance needed between these fireplaces and combustible materials is only about one-half inch, which is why they are also known as “zero-clearance fireplaces.”
What is zero clearance fireplace?
A zero-clearance fireplace comes complete with the firebox and the entire chimney system. They can be vented through a masonry chimney, though the flue and connecting pipes must be the size required by the manufacturer. One of the most important aspects of a factory-built fireplace is that it should be installed by a professional, such as a trained chimney technician. The following is more about installation:
What is a factory-built chimney?
A factory-built chimney is a chimney that is constructed entirely in a factory and installed in your home, instead of the traditional way of building them brick by brick in your home. Because they are built in a factory, they are cheap and easy to install, making them a more desirable option for many homeowners. One of the major benefits of a factory-built chimney is that they are UL tested for quality assurance. In addition to that, we here at The Chimney Guy inspect every factory-built chimney that we install, so you know that if you get a factory-built chimney from us, you know that it is going to be of the highest quality standards. The factory-built chimneys that we sell are made of durable stainless steel, so you know that they are going to be working properly years down the road and will always look nice.
Why do people want a fireplace?
Many homeowners desire the ambiance, warmth, and added value that a fireplace or stove can bring to their home. In fact, a fireplace is such a desirable option for homebuyers that nearly 99 percent of realtors surveyed by Angie’s List said that a fireplace adds value to a home, with 15 percent of those realtors saying that it adds more than $5,000 dollars of value to a home. With so many perks associated with owning a fireplace, it’s no wonder why they are desired so much. However, some homeowners are reluctant to add a fireplace to their homes because they believe that there is a lot of hassle and cost associated with installing a chimney. However, there are many different types of fireplaces and chimneys. Although it is true that installing a brand new masonry fireplace out of brick or stone can cost a lot in materials, construction costs, and time, there are other options that are a lot more convenient to install and won’t bust your budget. A factory-built chimney is a great option for a homeowner that is looking for a cheap and effective way to add ventilation for their prefabricated fireplace, stove, or any other heating appliance that needs heat and gas ventilation. At The Chimney Guy, our technicians are trained to assess your ventilation needs and design a chimney system that will be durable, efficient, and as cost-effective as possible.
What is Duratech chimney made of?
DuraTech class A Chimneys are also made from stainless steel, so you know they are designed to last. Ventis Class A Chimneys – Ventis class A chimneys are also stainless steel, but are constructed with the intention of reducing the risk of heat transfer, making them safe and efficient.
What is Duratech Class A chimney?
DuraTech Class A Chimneys – DuraTech class A chimney piping is double-walled and is versatile meaning it can be used on a wide variety of appliances including water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, stoves, boilers and factory-built fireplaces. It is approved for use with all fuel types which makes it a popular choice for many homeowners. DuraTech class A Chimneys are also made from stainless steel, so you know they are designed to last.
Why are chimneys built in a factory?
Because they are built in a factory, they are cheap and easy to install, making them a more desirable option for many homeowners. One of the major benefits of a factory-built chimney is that they are UL tested for quality assurance.
What is the warranty on a 316L chimney?
The 316L version carries a Forever Warranty for use with all fuel types and the 304L version carries a Forever Warranty for all fuel types except coal. A Forever Warranty means that you know your chimney will be operating properly for the life of your home, guaranteed.
Can you install a fireplace out of brick?
Although it is true that installing a brand new masonry fireplace out of brick or stone can cost a lot in materials, construction costs, and time, there are other options that are a lot more convenient to install and won’t bust your budget . A factory-built chimney is ...
What is a Fireplace?
A fireplace can be an existing masonry space where wood is burnt and vented outside via a chimney. These are usually built with brick, stone, or tile and they connect seamlessly to the chimney and flue. A fireplace can also be a factory-built unit that is framed into a home using non-combustible materials. This type is also exhausted outside although, a chimney won’t necessarily be required depending on the fuel. For example, a gas fireplace can be vented using a flexible venting system and a smaller port on the outside of the house. Wood burning fireplaces look and feel just like the traditional wood-burning options, however, we’ve updated them to be more energy efficient with better burning efficiencies. And finally, don’t discount the electric fireplace options, allowing for versatile, vent free, installation just about anywhere you can imagine.
How to shop for a fireplace?
When shopping for your new fireplace, be as open and upfront with the fireplace specialist as you can. Let them know if you have existing fireplace openings and venting or are doing a complete renovation. Knowing whether or not you need a fireplace versus a fireplace insert will make a huge difference to what options you look at.
Why install a fireplace insert?
Inserts replace the inefficient wood-burning system of an open masonry fireplace and vent through an existing chimney. This is great for reducing outdoor air invasion and drafts inside the home and for reducing carbon footprint with a more energy-efficient heating option. Another huge benefit is the near-instant update to your décor, providing a modern update and a cozy space at once.
Why are inserts smaller than fireplaces?
They are much smaller than a fireplace, this includes their glass fronts and viewing ports, because they are designed to fit into an existing opening. Like fireplaces, an insert is available in many fuel options, including efficient wood burning, glorious gas burning, and enchanting electric.
Should I Install a Fireplace?
Installing a new fireplace in your home is ideal when the house is being built, if you already have a fireplace and are replacing it or are doing a renovation. Installation options depend on the fuel type, where wood-burning would require the most work, gas is a bit in-between, and electric being the easiest as there is no venting required. Any fireplace chosen is framed into a wall and venting added as needed. The upside to a fireplace is that you do not sacrifice viewing area and the styles are endless.
