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Building a Traditional Fireplace by Vicky Smith
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Building a Traditional Fireplace |
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Business
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Nothing is as cozy on a cold, damp evening as a fire, crackling away in an open fireplace. The physics of the nature of heat and its retention were central to the life's work of Sir Benjamin Thompson, also Count Rumford, whose studies produced such inventions as thermal underwear, a coffee percolator, wood stove and a shallow, tall chamber know as the Rumsford fireplace. Rumsford's firebox, with its angled sidewalls and restricted chimney opening, replaced the soot-producers of the late 18th century with an efficient fireplace that did its job and which still serves as a model for today's fireplaces. In addition to the brick and masonry fireplaces, today's homeowner can also choose from numerous "inserts"; pre-fabricated fireboxes that are simply put into a framework. Special fan units and circulators are also available to maximize air flow and heat conservation. Although the engineering of specific installations depends on materials or tools, location, height of roof and other variables and is best left to professionals, homeowners with appropriate experience often install insert units successfully. The Basics The foundation of a fireplace is laid along an exterior wall or against an inner wall between two rooms---if the chimney can be built on an inner wall, more heat is conserved. The hearth consists of cement blocks covered with refractory (heat-resistant) brick or stone sealed with a special mortar. A trap door may be installed that empties into a chamber below called an "ash dump" for easy removal of ashes from the basement or sub granite floor. Once the hearth is laid, the firebox framework can be constructed upon it. Masonry units use cement block; inserts are set into a framework of lumber. Local building codes dictate methods and distances but customarily there must be at least 2 inches separating any wood framing and firebox elements. In masonry units, the box is built in the block framework and narrows at the top and then opens into a larger chamber called the "smoke shelf". This narrowing and jog up into the chimney is the device Rumsford used to improve the "draw" of large working fireplaces. A "damper" or small door at the entrance to the smoke shelf cuts off the firebox from the chimney, stopping the draw of oxygen that feeds a fire; inserts have "firestops" which serve the same purpose. The Finish The chimney, made of refractory materials or metal, rises through the roof and is lined with ceramic tile or a metal sleeve and then set into a masonry or wood framework with enough separation to keep the framework safe. The top of the chimney should rise at least 2 feet above the peak of the roof, again to insure proper draw. It is often topped with a screened cap to keep critters from flying or wandering into the chimney. The "surround" finishes the fireplace by covering the firebox and chimney inside the house with brick, stone or framework faced with stonework or plaster. The "mantel" is cantilevered into the surround as it is constructed. In short, as a global business E-platform of promoting stone industry, we mainly provide professional services of Internet application such as B to B E-commerce and network marketing for stone manufacturers and traders all over the world. If you are interested in sculpture and want to consult us freely, you can also see fence or become a loyal follower of us by @ https://twitter.com/stonebtb.
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