Do It Yourself and Other Educational Chimney and Fire Safety Articles

There are many options when it comes to types of fireplaces and types of chimneys you can have in your home.  This article discusses the differences and pro's and con's of prefabricated verses masonry.

Fireplaces:  There are two types of fireplaces that are likely installed in your home.  If you are considering installing a fireplace and chimney, there are pro’s and con’s to both options which are laid out below.  A traditional home has a masonry fireplace which is constructed of brick, blocks, or stone and mortar.  These are the optimal choice for someone who chooses to build fires often and wants to have minimal issues year after year.  If you are less interested in the functional use and longevity of the fireplace and more interested in having an aesthetic accompaniment to your living room, a prefabricated (factory-built) fireplace and adjoining chimney are a less expensive option.  A third option for heating your house is a wood-burning stove.

Masonry Fireplaces and Masonry Chimneys:  This is the traditional fireplace.  It is constructed of brick, blocks, or stone and mortar and the accompanying chimney is usually made of the same materials.  The fireplace is extremely durable and will last the lifetime of your home as long as you give it the annual maintenance and cleaning that all active fireplaces require.  Masonry fireplaces are the more costly option; however, they will also increase the value of your home.  If the masonry fireplace is made of stone, it will improve the heating efficiency of your house because the stone will radiate heat throughout the adjoining rooms.  The sheer size of a masonry fireplace can be considered a con; because it will need a concrete foundation that can withstand six or seven tons and it also limits space in the room because the combustible materials need a clearance zone.  Fireplace walls need to be at least 12” thick and any outside trim must be at least 12” from the interior lining surface.  The masonry chimney is built in a frame that can be as thin as a single brick, or for increased safety, multiple layers.  Adding a chimney liner to support and protect your chimney is another safety precaution we recommend and all building codes require.

Prefabricated (factory-built) Fireplaces: This type of fireplace is found in relatively modern homes and can be a cheaper, easier to install option to the traditional masonry fireplace.  Houses with prefab fireplaces also typically have prefabricated chimneys that match the exact specifications of the fireplace to ensure the safety of the full system.  The heat that prefab systems provide is often minimal effort and clean-up for the owner and the customized look takes up less space in your house than the traditional masonry.  However, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, over half of prefabricated fireplaces are in violation to clearance codes set up for combustible materials.  Also, there is no lifetime guarantee with this type of unit due to aging parts like any other appliance within your home so make sure you understand the warranty upon purchase and installation.

Wood-burning Stoves:  A wood-burning stove contains a stovepipe that rises from the base and ends through a proper chimney.  The picture on this page represents a modern wood-burning stove.  This type of stove was popular in the 1800’s and is recently making a trendy comeback.  They are very efficient at heating your house and much cheaper than a masonry or prefab fireplace.    On the flipside, the stove will warp and buckle if there is not proper airflow through the damper.  The stovepipe must also be connected to an outside air supply to promote airflow and prevent fires in your house.