Search results
These prefab fireplaces became popular in the 1970's as an inexpensive alternative to building a masonry fireplace. Of great concern is the fact that they're now approaching 30 to 40 years old and causing a tremendous number of house fires.
Aug 8, 2011 · We cover the chase pan cover with a product called RustOleum to protect it from the elements. From the inside, we secure the new unit in place. We connect the fireplace to an outside air source...
- 5 min
- 75.7K
- AsktheChimneySweep
Leaky problems? ChimneySaver is extremely effective in repelling water off the chimney: http://amzn.to/2ETJjndAre there visible cracks in the wall panels of ...
- 4 min
- 196K
- AsktheChimneySweep
Sep 7, 2023 · Replace Prefab Fireplace: A Comprehensive Guide Replacing a prefabricated fireplace can enhance the ambiance and functionality of your living space. Whether you're upgrading for aesthetic reasons or addressing performance concerns, it's crucial to approach the project with careful consideration.
- What Is A Prefab fireplace?
- What Is A U.L. Listing and Why Is That Important?
- What Is The Difference Between A Prefab Fireplace and A Masonry fireplace?
- How Can I Tell If I Have A Prefab fireplace?
- How Can I Know What The Manufacturer and Model Are of My Prefab fireplace?
- How Do I Use My Prefab fireplace?
- What Is A Refractory Panel?
- What Is A Chase Cover?
- Why Do I Hear Water Dripping When It rains?
- What Are The Common Problems with Prefab Fireplaces?
A prefabricated fireplace goes by several names–a “prefab” or “factory-built fireplace.” Another term would be “decorative heating appliance.” These fireplace systems are manufactured in a factory, assembled at the customer’s home and installed into the wood framing of the chimney structure. This type of fireplace is tested to the U.L. 127 Standard...
The manufacturer goes through expensive and extensive testing through the Underwriters Laboratory or other approved agency. The approval, or “listing,” involves testing the system with the specific components of the system. This is important to know because if any of the components are changed out with a component not tested with the system, it voi...
There’s a big difference between these two types of fireplace systems. A masonry systemis built on-site, brick by brick. These are well-built systems made with bricks and mortar. Masonry fireplace systems built after the 1940s also have a pipe known as a flue lining. Here in San Diego, the pipe in masonry chimneys is typically made from terra cotta...
The exterior chimney structure is typically made of stucco or siding. A masonry chimney will usually have bricks and mortar. The flue pipe in a prefab is made from metal, either a double wall or triple wall pipe. Looking from the prefab firebox up into the flue, the smooth metal pipe can be seen. The average homeowner cannot tell if they have a mas...
Prefab fireplaces will have what we refer to as a “tag.” This is a metal plate, sometimes the size of a business card, and it will be placed somewhere inside the firebox. The tag will list the name of the manufacturer and the model number. In new homes, the contractor may have left the operating/installation instructions for the new homeowner that ...
Most prefab fireplaces can be used with artificial gas logs, prefabricated logs (such as Duraflames) or well-seasoned wood. Reading the operating instructions is helpful for homeowners to know how to safely operate their fireplace. Also, prefab fireplaces cannot have big fires or very hot fires in them. If you do, you can crack the fragile refracto...
In most prefab fireboxes, the systems will have four refractory panels–two sides, a back, and the floor–inside the firebox where you make the fire. These panels stand up about two feet tall. They are made from refractory cement, stamped to look like bricks but they’re not really bricks. These panels protect the metal firebox by lowering the tempera...
The chase cover sits on top of the chase (chimney structure). It is a flat, horizontal piece of sheet metal that sits on top of the chimney structure. The chase cover has a large hole in it where the pipe comes through the cover and attaches to the chimney cap. It’s not uncommon for chase covers to rust when rainwater pools on top of the cover. The...
When you hear water dripping on metal, call a chimney professional immediately. That sound is likely where water is coming through a rusted-out chase cover. If you wait too long, the water landing on the firebox inside the chase will rust out the system, creating a very expensive replacement of the entire prefab system. Having the prefab fireplace ...
The most common problems we see with prefab fireplaces are cracked refractory panels, leaking chase covers, rusted out fireboxes and rusted out caps. Preventing these issues is easy by having smaller fires and having your chimney inspected on an annual basis by a qualified chimney professional to prevent problems before they happen.
Nov 1, 2003 · A prefab fireplace is more like a kitchen range or other household appliance than a masonry chimney or fireplace, which can last for generations if it's maintained and repaired as needed. Prefab fireplaces have a definite and limited service life and are designed to be used up and periodically replaced.
People also ask
Should I convert or alter my prefab fireplace?
How often do you replace a prefab fireplace?
What is a prefab fireplace?
How do I know if my fireplace is masonry or Prefab?
Oct 25, 2017 · If you need to replace an old factory built fireplace you have the option of a masonry type, or a more modern prefab, or a gas fireplace. Modern wood burning prefabs are more efficient, and are made with stronger materials.
