Homeowners
have many options for gas or wood-burning fireplaces, but the choices can be
somewhat confusing if all the facts aren’t readily available. The internet can
be a good source for research, but there are a lot of sites that don’t provide
accurate or thorough information so making a choice can be difficult. The
following should help to assist homeowners in making the important decision
about what type of fireplace to install in their home.
 |
Open masonry fireplace
Courtesy clipart.com
|
Masonry Chimneys and Fireplaces:
Cons about chimneys: Masonry
chimneys need regular maintenance, like any other appliance in the home. A
professional chimney sweep should inspect the chimney and flues annually and
sweep as necessary to remove flammable creosote. All gas and wood-burning flues
serving furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces have annual wear and tear. The
inspector will check for clogs, gaps, cracks, and correct sizing to be sure
there is no Carbon Monoxide leakage or backup.
If the mason
did not use the correct mortar between the tile flue liner sections, it will
eventually wash out and need to be replaced. This can be expensive, and is
unfortunately very common.
If soft
bricks are used rather than hard bricks, the chimney will deteriorate over a
short period of time, spall, and eventually need to be rebuilt.
Pros about chimneys: Masonry chimneys and fireplaces are very
long-lasting, beautiful, and with the right choice of brick or stone and design
of the structure, complement the home’s exterior and interior. The home builder
should take a cue from the neighborhood and can’t go wrong with the choice of a
masonry chimney if other nearby chimneys are also masonry.
Cons about fireplaces: If the fireplace is constructed in a
standard squared box-style as most masons are used to building, the fireplace
will be 0% efficient. Most of the heat will go up the chimney and only the area
in front of the fireplace will feel warm. The fireplace takes a lot of
combustion air from the house, making rooms further away feeling cold. The
longer the fireplace is used, the colder the house will get.
Gas logs may
be installed in a masonry fireplace, however, high-efficiency non-venting gas
logs often have issues that prevent us from recommending them at all.
Non-venting gas logs create moisture and sometimes mold, often create a bad
odor that won’t go away, and must be installed in a fully functioning masonry
fireplace and chimney. They are not a cure for a damaged chimney. Standard gas
logs are also 0% efficient and require a clip on the damper to keep it open a
bit so Carbon Monoxide will not overcome the occupants if the damper is
accidentally left closed. With the clip, warmed house air escapes through the
flue during winter.
Pros about fireplaces: If the fireplace is constructed in a
Rumford style, with angled sidewalls, shallow depth to specifications, smooth
curved throat and smaller flue, the fireplace will be about 40% efficient. The
warmth generated is quite noticeable compared to a standard fireplace design.
Only a few masons know how to properly build Rumford fireplaces so homework
will be necessary to find the right mason.
High-efficiency
gas or wood-burning fireplace inserts may be installed in a masonry fireplace. These
units are very popular and will increase fireplace efficiency by 75%. There are
different levels of quality, so choose a reputable brand rather than a cheap
model that won’t perform well or last long.
Manufactured Chimneys and Fireplaces:
 |
Direct vent gas fireplace
Courtesy of HearthMasters, Inc.
|
Cons: The manufactured gas or wood-burning
fireplace is commonly used because of the low price compared to a masonry
fireplace and chimney. However, these are temporary fireplaces and must be
replaced after about 15 years. There are many different levels of quality with
“Builders” grade being the cheapest and least durable. Unless the homeowner
asks for choices, Builders grade is what they will get. The chimney chase is
constructed out of wood and covered in stucco, siding or man-made stone. Wood
chases eventually rot, and maintenance is needed on a regular basis. Annual
inspection and sweeping as necessary is required.
High-efficiency
wood-burning fireplace inserts should never be installed in a manufactured
fireplace. To do so is against code.
Pros: Manufactured gas and wood-burning
fireplaces are less expensive than masonry and can be installed quickly. If a
high-efficiency model is chosen it will provide heat. Efficient models are
closed systems and must be operated with the door closed, but a large viewing area
is provided. A Class-A stainless steel chimney must be used with efficient
fireplaces which raises the price, but the trade-off is lower energy bills and
a warmer home.
Direct-vent Gas Fireplaces:
Cons: Not for the person who enjoys a real
crackling fire. Gas line must be installed.
Pros: Direct-vent gas fireplaces do not
require a chimney – just a vent through the wall. Today’s DV fireplaces come in
many styles to fit any décor from traditional to modern. These units are very
efficient and produce heat – and will work even if the power goes out.
Masonry Heaters:
 |
Soapstone masonry heater from Finland
Courtesy of HearthMasters, Inc. |
Cons: The most expensive type of fireplace
due to the expertise needed and time required to build. There are only about 28
Certified Heater Masons in North America. This is old-world technology that
came to the U.S. about 35 years ago. The owner must purchase wood or cut wood.
A central location is needed for the heater to work to its maximum potential,
therefore, it is best used in new home construction. A larger footprint is
needed for the masonry mass than a standard masonry fireplace.
Pros: Masonry heaters are the most
efficient type of wood-burning heater available. While they look like a regular
fireplace with a door, they are far from it. The appliance is site-built out of
masonry with channels that trap heat and radiate it to the home. No gas,
electricity, fans, or ductwork are needed to distribute heat.
Green home
builders like masonry heaters because they use the renewable resource of wood
and use less wood to produce heat than high-efficiency wood-burning stoves.
The chimney
may be brick or Class A, depending on the look desired. A masonry heater
requires little maintenance and produces only fly ash rather than creosote. An
inspection and cleaning should be completed every three years by a professional
heater mason/chimney sweep.
----------------------------------------------------
By Marge Padgitt
President, Midwest Chimney Safety Council
President, HearthMasters, Inc.
Independence, MO
.jpeg)
.jpg)