FIREPLACE
Factory built, or prefabricated
fireplaces, are relative newcomers to
the fireplace scene, commonly available
only for the last 25 years or so. Unlike
traditional site-built masonry
fireplaces, most factory built
fireplaces are made of metal, and come
from the factory as complete units with
a firebox, a specific chimney system,
and all miscellaneous parts. With proper
installation and maintenance, they can
give years of service, but there are
some special considerations owners of
these systems should be aware of:
1)
The factory-built fireplace and chimney
are a complete system, engineered to
work safely and efficiently together.
Both units (fireplace and chimney),
undergo testing together, then are
listed specifically for use with each
other. To insure a safe system, you MUST
use the exact chimney specified, along
with the specified rain cap, flashing
package, and all other system
components.
2) Most factory built fireplaces are
tested and listed as decorative heating
appliances and will not withstand the
abuse often heaped on their masonry
counterparts. Although they are tested
to U.L. standards, severe overfiring and
chimney fires will often badly damage
these units. Regular yearly maintenance,
cleaning at generally 1/8" buildup, and
careful monitoring can assure a safe
enjoyable system.
3) Many prefab chimneys, especially
older units with an imitation brick
housing above the roof, seem to be a
preferred nesting site for birds in many
areas. It is not unusual for chimney
sweeps to take literally buckets of
nesting material from these chimneys.
This nesting can catch fire directly, or
it can block critical air passageways
between layers of metal chimney pipe,
allowing the chimney to overheat. Both
scenarios routinely cause house fires.
Most after market chimney covers do not
correctly address the problem, and can
often make the situations worse. A
careful screening of all potential
nesting areas with the proper sized
screening may be in order.
4) Finally, prefab fireplace systems
eventually just plain wear out. Models
go out of production and manufacturers
go out of business. A factory-built unit
will reach the end of is useful life
when repair of the unit is no longer
possible, particularly if the components
that are necessary to maintain the
listing are no longer available. Keep a
close eye on an aging unit, and be
prepared to Fend ole faithful to the
great recycling plant in the sky
before she fails completely.
KNOW YOUR CHIMNEY
Chimney
Spark arrestor cage and rain
protection cap. Also keeps
out birds, bees, and rodents.
CROWN
The concrete top surface of a chimney
designed to direct water away from the
structure.
FLUE
A passage in the chimney for
smoke and gases to escape.
SMOKE SHELF
A horizontal shell located In back of
the damper to prevent down drafts from
blowing smoke into the room and to
collect debris failing down the chimney.
DAMPER
A device to control the draft
of a fire.
