Although metal fireplaces may replicate the look of masonry models, metal models, even higher-end ones, often have exposed metal and faux firebrick. Overall, metal fireplaces are less durable than their masonry kit counterparts. Often, size options for metal fireplaces are limited.
Masonry Fireplace Kit
By contrast, you will not encounter the same size limitations with masonry outdoor or indoor fireplace kits. What usually happens is that various replacement parts are no longer available. Some operate with the standard radiant heat method, which isn’t as effective in circulating heat. More costly fireplaces may include more distinctive styles and the use of better quality, durable materials. A masonry contractor can install an open-burning fireplace quickly so that you can utilize it almost immediately. Alternatively, you can ask the contractor to install a chimney for a more traditional look. An insert is a cast iron or steel box that fits inside your existing masonry fireplace opening. Fireplace inserts have clear, heat-proof glass doors. I assume that makes a difference?
Does the chimney truly need to be replaced? Who made the determination that it needed to be replaced? Do not rely on a chimney sweep’s assessment or the opinion of an insert dealer hoping to sell you an insert. If the chimney truly needs to be replaced, do you need to replace it with a masonry fireplace and chimney? However, if it is in a less visible location, you can actually remove the existing masonry fireplace and replace it with a wood-framed chimney and zero-clearance insert.
If needed, stucco can be applied to the exterior. Resealing or replacing the crown can protect the entire chimney. Masonry fireplaces often provide a higher resale value than prefabricated fireplaces because they last longer and deliver the desired aesthetic and ambiance many homeowners love.
Because they are assembled in advance and are easier installation, prefab fireplaces are more affordable than masonry fireplaces that arehandbuilt with brick. Neither brick nor stone is lightweight. In most cases, they are constructed at the same time though one can be added when remodeling. Fireplace options that involve installing a chimney also require the services of a licensed professional. They are also suitable for people who wish to save space. This feature is useful for creating cozy ambiance in a room when the weather is too warm for a fire. Regular chimney cleaning and inspection should be performed on wood-burning and gas-burning fireplace chimneys by a professional. Masonry fireplaces are labor intensive, built brick by brick or stone by stone from the ground up. Seasoned wood has been split and dried for more than six months prior to use. Something to keep in mind though is you will have the added expense of a safety inspection, if you install it yourself. To save money on the cost of the masonry fireplace you can opt for synthetic stone, which is a lot less expensive and it is easier to install.
However, synthetic stone does have its drawbacks, it does not retain heat, nor does it provide any type of insulation.
Demolishing an earthquake damaged brick chimney. Installing rebar for an engineered brick chimney. Laying brick on a …How much should I expect to pay for a masonry – Cost Of Masonry Fireplace And Chimney
Often, metal fireplaces leak heat to the rear and sides of their structure. There are certain building requirements which dictate various aspects of the unit, and fireplaces are inspected to ensure they are up to code. A masonry fireplace is a traditional brick or stone fireplace with a chimney. Almost all the heat generated by an open fire goes right up the chimney — often as much as 90%. A decorative flange fits around the outside edges so that no gaps appear between the unit and the sides of the fireplace.
You’ll cut your other heating costs by 10%-40% with an insert. Most wood-burning inserts also include a fan to circulate the warm air around the firebox back into the room for even more efficiency. Stone can be much more expensive depending on the stone. Once installed they are fireplaces, just actual heating ones. My stove is set up exactly like this. A specialist will need to inspect the chimney before they can give an accurate estimate. Several factors affect the cost of a chimney repair. Firebricks, which are cooked at higher temperatures and are heat-resistant (but not fireproof forever), usually cost more per brick. Tuck-pointing also protects the interior of a fireplace system by preventing leaks that result from gaps in the mortar. When a chimney has lost its structural integrity because of crumbling brick, deteriorated mortar joints or other damage, it may be time for a chimney rebuild.
This is the most costly repair because the pros have to deconstruct the old chimney and rebuild it entirely. The higher the roof, the more labor required to remove the existing chimney. The team constructs a new chimney using mortar and brick and makes the crown using concrete. In many cases, the fireplace was actually fine and only needed minor repairs. Is your chimney 1-story or 2-stories?
Does the entire structure need to be replaced, or just the upper portion of the chimney?
If there is a large crack near the top of your chimney, it may be possible to correct the problem by repairing only the top and then adding a roof brace.
You should decide on the size and type of the fireplace, its exact location in relation to the house and duration of the project.
For a more polished look that blends in with the exterior decor, the contractor can embellish the front of the fireplace with a variety of materials, including cedar, marble or natural stone.
Indy fireplace experts offer advice on keeping fireplaces in tip-top shape. Although outdoor fireplaces that operate on gas are more costly, they are very convenient to maintain. While a traditional fireplace hardly produces enough heat to warmup one room, a prefabricated fireplace can produce enough heat to zone-heat an entire floor depending on the model that you choose.
These four areas of distinction are the primary deciding factors for most homeowners when debating which type of fireplace to invest in. We can show you a selection of factory-built fireplaces that illustrate the wide variety available. Regardless of the thickness of the frame, consider adding a chimney liner to support and protect your chimney. All local building codes require the use of chimney liners for the safe and proper venting of a fireplace. The type of metal chimney liner you need depends on your fireplace. Various factors affec the total cost of fireplace installation. Masonry fireplaces are more expensive than other kinds because of the higher cost of materials and skilled labor required. Talk to your builder about the merits of an air-circulating system, which forces the fireplace to draw in cooler air from the room.
Without such a system, masonry fireplaces can steal warm air and send it up the chimney, resulting in higher monthly heating bills. You can determine the ideal size for a zero-clearance fireplace with some simple math. Some models, however, contain an external air-venting feature, one that draws air from the outdoors. A wood-burning fireplace pollutes; a gas fireplace pollutes less. Deal with the first requirement by positioning your fireplace near the propane or natural gas line, or in a room to which it would be both feasible and cost-effective to run an extension.
Wood is a renewable resource, and is carbon-neutral…making it an environmentally-friendly fuel choice, too. To improve efficiency, circulating fireplaces have heat ducts built into the masonry which pull cool air from the room and return warm. A cord measures about 4′ high, 4′ wide and 8′ long. As the cheapest among all the fireplaces, electric units may cost only a few hundred dollars. People who wish to buy an electrical unit should ensure that the fireplace they purchase does not emit harmful gases and that it includes safety features, including an exterior that remains cool to the touch even during operation and automatic shutoff in the event of overheating.
Here is a look at some of the options that can change the overall cost of the masonry fireplace. Masonry fireplaces are known for their stone hearths, which are stunning, if done right. With the variety of fireplace options available today, from traditional wood-burning masonry to wall-mounted ventless units, it would be difficult to imagine a situation in which it would be entirely impossible to add a fireplace of some sort.
One perk available: sound effects that mimic the crackle and pop of a real fire. Gel-fuel and electric fireplaces don’t need regular maintenance.
I also let the estimator do most of the talking and learn from what he has to say. This is the most costly repair because the pros have to deconstruct the old chimney and rebuild it entirely. The higher the roof, the more labor required to remove the existing chimney. The team constructs a new chimney using mortar and brick and makes the crown using concrete. These areas are then covered with waterproof caulking to further prevent water entry. Firebricks, which are cooked at higher temperatures and are heat-resistant (but not fireproof forever), usually cost more per brick. Resealing or replacing the crown can protect the entire chimney. Tuck-pointing prevents the eventual collapse of a brick fireplace by renewing its structural integrity. It also has aesthetic benefits, providing a more uniform front to the chimney. Flashing is the metal protective layers that stop up the small cracks and gaps where the chimney and roofline meet. Because they are assembled in advance and are easier installation, prefab fireplaces are more affordable than masonry fireplaces that arehandbuilt with brick. In addition, existing fireplaces can be upgraded for better efficiency or to improve the look. It can be framed into a house without the need for masonry and is still fire safe.
How To Build A Chimney
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbihBoXSPFc
Bob Vila discusses concrete-block chimney construction with the masonry contractor on a job site in Malibu, California. For more …
