The right wood-burning fireplace:
Proper width of the chimney you are building?
Most fireplace designs call for 54 or 60 inches. Flat walls are not a problem, but if your chimney is less than the standard sizes it will limit the type and style you can install. For people with smaller chimney bases some of the wooden or stone surrounds can be altered to size. There is also a exact range of brick fireplaces or cast iron wood stoved which go as small as 30 inches in some cases.
Chimney opening size planning...
You will generally only find this to be a problem in much older houses with only 12 â 14 inch openings. Today a 21 inch opening is a required with an estimated 26 inches of height. If your current opening is not the correct size, it may require the help of a certified contractor to make the proper corrections for your new fireplace.
Coal, Wood or Pellets, what kind of fuel?
The base the fireplace sits on is very important. Choices like concrete, brick or even granite slabs are suggested. So if you are choosing a wood stove or fireplace insert, this is a must have to prevent fires and to keep the new installed unit on a sturdy and safe base that will not crack with the intense heat generated. Colored hearths and designer back panels are not suggested for solid fuel types like wood, pellets and coal.
Ever consider a gas insert fireplace?
First you must select which fuel type is best for your home. Choices include natural gas and LP liquid propane gas. With these very different fuel types the fireplace insert must be ordered with the correct valves and regulators to match the fuel pressure. Propane has a much high pressure than natural gas. This is also an important fact to control the proper flame size and color. Other factors to consider would be the gas logs selected and coal products for visual effects.
Find the right spot in your home.
Making sure the fireplace is installed in the right location is key to ensure proper heat flow and safety. Here are some examples to consider:
- Is the chimney installed and working properly?
- Will it be too close to household items like furniture or people?
- Will the generated heat flow properly through the home saving on energy bills?
Do you have the correct flue installed?
There are so many kinds of chimneys out there. If you already have a flue installed on your chimney you need to check and see if it is a class 1 or 2 flue. A class 1 flue is found on most standard chimneys and a class 2 flue is intended for gas insert fireplaces.
Was your fireplace opening centered properly on the fireplace?
Sometimes, like in semi detached homes, the fireplace opening is off centered. This is not a major problem, but you must make sure of the distance of the current fireplace opening to the closest wall. This will help you know the max size fireplace that can be installed. If it limits your ability to install a larger model you may want to contact a contractor to enlarge it.
Is it possible to change out a cast iron insert?
Most cast iron inserts can be switched out. It is suggested you try to match up the wood stove you already have to a similar new model to save time on installation and major fireplace adjustments.
I have a large fireplace that I would like to switch out to a smaller one...
Again, not a major problem. A smaller insert can be used or even the brick built up around the older surround if needed. It is much easier to make a fireplace opening smaller than to increase it later on.
