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A new fireplace can add thousands of dollars of value to your property. Even an outdoor fireplace can add as much as $1,000. Although electric ones aren’t as profitable, they’re much easier to install.
You might have a lot of fireplace ideas that will serve to improve your home’s overall design and enhance its aesthetic. However, not every house is compatible with fireplace installation.
So how do you find out if you can install a fireplace in your house, and why would you want to do so?
Building Codes
First of all, you’ll need to look up the building codes for your specific home and city.
The floor and walls of your hearth must be over a certain thickness, and the hearth must be reinforced to carry its own weight. There must be a chimney with flue lining depending on the type you install. You’ll also find regulations on the type of material the fireplace should be constructed out of.
Needless to say, it’s a lot of confusing jargon that most homeowners won’t understand. However, it is essential that whatever professional installer you hire understands the building codes and what is allowed on your property.
In addition, your insurance company may require a safety check by a home inspector of their own choosing after the new fireplace is installed.
Placement
Once you’re aware of whether or not you can install a fireplace in your home, you’ll need to find the right location. Modern gas fireplaces can be installed anywhere in your home. The same goes for newer wood-burning ones.
However, installing a fireplace on your outside wall will be much easier. You can treat it as an addition to your house. It won’t require navigating around the constraints of an interior wall.
Ideally, you’ll place your fireplace in a central area such as your living room. You want the space to be large enough so that the heat can distribute evenly throughout your home.
Budget and Resale
How much it costs to install a new fireplace will depend on a variety of different factors. It may cost you as little as a few hundred dollars or as much as ten thousand.
For example, an electric fireplace only requires an insert space. It doesn’t need ventilation or a chimney. As such, you won’t need to do much remodeling or construction to install one.
However, something like a wood-burning fireplace does require a chimney. They can produce a lot of smoke and noxious fumes that need to be vented outside of your home. This may require tearing up your wall, ceiling, and roof.
The upside is that what you invest in your fireplace also goes into your property value.
Installing Different Types of Fireplaces
If you’re wondering if you can install a certain fireplace into your home, you’ll first need to consider your options. The three main types are wood-burning, gas, and electric fireplaces. However, there are also freestanding fireplaces available that don’t require a lengthy installation.
Wood-Burning
A wood-burning fireplace requires space above it for a chimney. What that means is installing one of these in a two-story building can get complicated. There’s always the possibility that the spot you’ve decided is perfect would bisect the room above it with the chimney.
As such, it’s often recommended that wood fireplaces are installed on the outer walls of your home. That way, you know the chimney won’t go through a second-floor room or cause issues with the building’s structural integrity.
Gas Fueled
While gas fireplaces also require some kind of ventilation, it’s a different kind. They don’t need a huge chimney to vent out excess smoke and fumes. Instead, they use a flue system.
These flue systems often vent outdoors horizontally, which means they can work on whatever floor you want them. You can also find gas fireplaces that don’t require a venting system at all.
They’ll function well as long as you can attach them to your natural gas line. However, the price of gas may be a factor in whether or not you want to install one.
Electric Fireplace
An electric fireplace is one of the easiest kinds to install and works with pretty much any house layout. You can install them into a fireplace insert or even incorporate them into a piece of furniture.
All they need to function is a power supply. You won’t have to worry about a chimney or ventilation of any kind. Like a space heater, it takes in air from the surroundings, heats it, and releases it back into the room.
There are two main concerns to keep in mind.
First of all, you need a secure enough outlet that can handle however much power the fireplace requires. You don’t want it shorting out your power or tripping your breaker.
Secondly, an electric fireplace will need some kind of clearance like any other kind of space heater. Even though it doesn’t work with an active flame or give off fumes, it can still produce a lot of heat.
Freestanding Fireplaces
If your building is limited in terms of creating fireplace inserts, then there’s always the option of utilizing a freestanding fireplace.
Freestanding fireplaces are available in all kinds of varieties, such as wood, gas, pellet, and electric. These are mostly installed next to a wall, where any fumes can be vented outside using a flue. They’re also much easier to relocate or remove if needed, as they only make a single hole in the wall.
Install a Fireplace Today
Many homeowners these days consider a fireplace to be an essential part of a house, especially in the colder states. However, not many come with them pre-installed. If you want to install a fireplace in your home, you’ll first need a professional to see what they can do.
Dreifuss Fireplaces offers a variety of options for your home, from linear fireplaces to custom fits. Contact us to learn more about your options and to get a free estimate on your job.
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Simplify Your Propane Tank Installation For A New Fireplace
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This guide is designed to assist you through the essential steps and considerations necessary for a successful installation. The initial step involves determining whether the fireplace is designated for indoor or outdoor use. This decision will dictate the type of propane tank and installation method needed. Indoor fireplaces generally require a more complex installation procedure to facilitate proper ventilation and safe gas flow. Adherence to manufacturer guidelines regarding gas connections is crucial. This ensures the stability of all fittings to prevent potential leaks. Additionally, safety precautions, such as installing carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers nearby, should be factored in for enhanced safety measures. Choosing the Right Propane Tank Selecting the appropriate propane tank for heating purposes entails understanding the distinctions between portable and permanent tanks. Each serves as a fuel source for gas fireplaces. 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Preparing for Installation The preparation for the installation of a propane tank entails essential steps, such as acquiring the required permits, implementing safety measures, and liaising with a certified propane supplier. Important Steps to Take Ahead of commencing the installation process, assemble the required tools and materials. Prepare the installation site and ensure that all necessary permits are obtained in collaboration with your propane supplier to prioritize safety protocols. The propane supplier plays a pivotal role in the setup procedure. They offer guidance on the appropriate positioning of the propane tank, confirm the accuracy of fittings and connections, and ensure strict adherence to all safety regulations. A thorough assessment of the installation site is crucial. Identify potential hazards such as underground utilities or uneven surfaces that could impact the installation process. 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How To Choose The Perfect Indoor Fireplace For Your Back Porch
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Protecting Your Home: The Critical Role Of The Chimney Crown
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Chimney crowns are essential for protecting the masonry below by serving as a barrier against harsh weather conditions. A well-designed crown is crucial in preventing water penetration. This can cause deterioration of the chimney’s internal components. Apart from concrete and metal, specialized crown sealer materials can also be used to construct chimney crowns. These materials enhance durability and resistance to weather elements. By maintaining a properly constructed chimney crown, homeowners can safeguard their chimney structures. This ensures the efficient operation of their fireplace. The Importance of a Properly Functioning Chimney Crown Maintaining a properly functioning chimney crown is essential for safeguarding the chimney against water damage, leaks, and structural deterioration. A well-maintained chimney crown ensures the overall safety and efficiency of the chimney. This helps prevent costly repairs and potential hazards. Not only does a chimney crown act as a crucial barrier against moisture intrusion, but it also plays a key role in preserving the structural integrity of the chimney. By effectively diverting water away from the chimney’s masonry and flue, the crown prevents water from seeping into the chimney system. This can lead to deterioration over time. A sound chimney crown helps maintain the stability of the chimney structure. This reduces the risk of crumbling brickwork or mortar joints. Regular inspections and timely repairs of the chimney crown are vital. This ensures its optimal functioning and helps extend the lifespan of the chimney. Preventing Water Damage Preventing water damage is a key function of a chimney crown. By redirecting water away from the chimney structure and flue, the crown helps prevent leaks and potential water-related issues. Proper maintenance and waterproofing of the chimney crown are essential for its functionality. Regular inspections to detect cracks or deterioration in the crown’s surface can help identify problems early on. Applying a waterproof sealant can further improve the crown’s ability to resist water. This protects the chimney structure from moisture infiltration. Ensuring proper grading of the surrounding area to divert water away from the chimney can also help prevent water damage. This extends the chimney’s lifespan. Protecting Against Animal Intrusion A well-maintained chimney crown not only prevents water damage but also acts as a barrier against animal intrusion. By covering the chimney stack and flue opening, the crown helps keep animals, debris, and nesting materials out of the chimney. This ensures a safe and functional structure. This protective function is important because animals like birds, squirrels, and raccoons are attracted to chimneys. They seek sheltered and warm environments. These animals can bring nesting materials such as twigs and leaves into the chimney. This increases the risk of fire and blockages that could lead to poor ventilation or toxic fume buildup. Regular maintenance of the chimney crown is vital in preventing animal entry. This protects both the home and the chimney’s operational efficiency. Signs of a Damaged Chimney Crown It is important to recognize the signs of a damaged chimney crown. This allows you to address issues before they worsen. Common indicators of a damaged crown include visible cracks, water leaks, deteriorated chimney flashing, and structural compromises. These signs are crucial warning signals for homeowners. They suggest underlying problems that, if ignored, could lead to more serious issues. These issues may include moisture penetration, chimney fires, or even structural instability. Promptly addressing these early warning signs through professional inspection and repair preserves the integrity of the chimney. It also ensures safe and efficient functioning of the fireplace or heating system. 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