Blog entry by Valentina Kimbrell
The Advantages of a Free Standing Fireplace
When people think of fireplaces they typically imagine a traditional model built-in. However, free-standing fireplaces can be equally beautiful and easy to set up.
As you construct your firebox, ensure it's flush, level, and plumb. Use a four-foot level regularly. Be careful with glue - the blocks are strong enough to hold their own however, any glue added is merely insurance.
Easy to Install
A free standing fireplace is an excellent alternative to a built in chimney. Installation is quick and easy, as there is no need for additional work. This is due to the fact that they only require running the flue pipe between your ceiling and roof. It typically takes a couple of hours when it is done by a professional. This means that you can have the fireplace up and running on the same day as it is put in.
If you're thinking of purchasing a free standing fireplace there are a few aspects to think about before you make your purchase. Included in this are the size and style of your home, as well as the ease of installing. It is essential to read the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer of your fireplace to make sure that you follow all steps correctly.
Free standing fireplaces are also cheaper than built-in fireplaces. However, this does not mean that they're not as beautiful or of a high-end. In fact there are a wide variety of free standing fireplaces that are designed to meet your needs and budget. If you're seeking a low-cost model or a luxurious designer fireplace, there is sure to be a perfect choice for you.
You can also save space with the free-standing stove fireplace. Because they do not have to be built into the wall, you can install them in rooms that would not normally be capable of accommodating an ordinary fireplace. This includes smaller rooms such as bedrooms and bathrooms. You can also move fireplaces around your home to change its appearance.
Think about using wood logs for fuel for an open-air fire place. Burning wood reduces the amount CO2 released into the air. You can also make use of an electric fire that is more eco green and requires less energy. It also heats up your home more efficiently than a gas fireplace.
No Ventilation is Required
Burning fuels such as wood or other creates moisture and byproducts that need to be vented outdoors. These byproducts can cause issues in the home, such as peeling wall paper and warped wood surfaces. Free standing ventless fireplaces do produce these byproducts and thus do not have to be vented outside. This allows them to fit into rooms where traditional fireplaces cannot.
These types of fireplaces are available from brick and mortar tabletop fireplace stores as well as big-box stores for home improvements, and online. On the internet, you'll find the most extensive selection and the cheapest prices. If you're able to visit a brick-and-mortar store in your local area, it is a good idea. A professional can assist you in determining the style and size that will best suit your space and offer suggestions for accessories such as mantels fireplace screens, and more.
If you decide to purchase a fireplace on the internet, it is important to ensure that the fireplace is UL approved. It is also important to check the model's technical specifications for safety features like oxygen depletion sensors, as well as an automatic shut-off system. Some models have blowers that circulate air and make it feel warmer in the room.
Ventless gas fireplaces run on propane or natural gas, fire and do not require a chimney flue, as traditional combustion fireplaces. The fireplaces utilize special burners that burn the gas quickly and generate heat without producing smoke or carbon dioxide.
While some models can be positioned against the wall, other models may require a recess into the floor of your living area for a more decorative look. If you choose a recessed model, make sure that it isn't placed directly in front of an heating or air conditioning system. Otherwise, it may be difficult for the unit to keep the room warm.
Some models of gas fires offer venting options like direct vent or B-vent technology. Direct vent systems use a sealed combustion area and vent pipes to move combustion byproducts to the roof. In contrast the B-vent system does not have vent pipes and instead relies on a higher combustion temperature to remove byproducts.
Easy to Clean
Free standing fireplaces are a great alternative to traditional wood burning ones. Wood stoves can be difficult to maintain and operate. You have to clean out the ashes, stack logs and kindling to make your bioethanol fire and then wait for it to ignite to generate heat. You must also be cautious not to over-feed your fire and keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't go out of control. These things can be difficult to accomplish for those who live in a house or are extremely busy.
But, many do not have the time or motivation to do all of these tasks. They decide to purchase a free-standing gas fireplace. They can also be put in rooms with no chimneys or structures within the walls. They are available in different styles to fit any aesthetic or design.
In general gas fireplaces are easy to maintain clean. The glass display can be cleaned with an abrasive cloth or a damp towel (preferably free of dust) and warm soapy tap water. It is crucial not to use any cleaners that contain abrasives because they can harm the glass partition. It is also recommended not to use any cleaning products that contain flammable chemicals as they can reduce the lifespan of your fireplace.
Electric fireplaces can be cleaned with ease. Read the owner's guide or the website of the manufacturer for more detailed instructions. In general, you'll not be able to open the unit because of the electrical components within, however it is possible to dust out the heater blower and flame effect components.
This is why it is essential to ensure that your fireplace is connected and shut off before you begin to clean it. It is also important to unplug the fireplace from the electrical outlet, or isolate the source of power in the case of a hard-wired fireplace. Once you've done this, you can begin cleaning your fireplace.
Decorative
Free standing fireplaces can be added to any room. They may not be as sleek as built-in fireplaces, but they can nevertheless add a touch of style. They come in a wide range of sizes and styles, so you can find one that matches the decor of your home. They can be used in any room in the house and are a great option for homes that aren't able to support a traditional chimney made of masonry or brick wall.
Some freestanding fireplaces resemble wood-burning stoves, while others have a more modern appearance. The models that look like wood-burning fireplaces have flames which flicker as if they were real logs. They can be set up to emit a soft glow or to create a dramatic display. Some freestanding fireplaces are made from metal or iron, and they can be finished with a coat of paint that matches your home's color scheme.
A lot of freestanding fireplaces feature glass doors that can be opened and closed quickly. This is a great safety feature for children and pets. Certain models have handles that can help close the doors, and they can be secured to the fireplace by hook and loop adhesive strips. There are models with mesh screens, which should always be anchored to the fireplace with these strips to prevent children from getting into the fire. The screen should cover at least one inch each side. Three inches is the best.
A freestanding fireplace can be heated with either an infrared heater or a fan, depending on the type of fireplace. The first uses the blower to blast hot air and can heat up 400 square feet. The second one uses infrared energy that is used to warm objects directly inside the room. It can be used to heat the area to 1,000 square foot.
1stDibs offers a range of freestanding fireplaces that are electric that include Victorian, Arts and Crafts and mid-century designs. You can also find antique free-standing fireplaces that were manufactured from the beginning of the 19th Century. There are also more recent designs from manufacturers such as Preway and Condon-king.