Fireplace Design Details to Remember

A good fireplace design will not only incorporate creative ideas but should also include the essential safety factors. Below are some important details to keep in mind when you are designing and creating a fireplace in your home.

Pick a Favorable Location

In a good fireplace design, one of the important factors is the location of your fireplace. Most are located along the middle of a wall for a great focal point and to give the room an anchor point. Some, however, are jammed into a corner which can be a hazard if the two adjacent walls come in direct contact with the heat given off by the blower. Your fireplace should be designed be placed in area will be the most favorable in receiving the heat it creates.

Include a Hearth

At times, homeowner may want a sleek design that doesn't include a hearth because it may be too large or not attractive. However, the hearth is a very important safety feature of a fireplace. This is especially true for wood burning fireplaces. They catch small embers that fly out when poking the fire, putting in more wood, or cleaning out the ashes. Without a hearth, those embers can fly onto the floor or furniture and smolder until they begin to burn.

Find a Good Chimney Liner

The most important, but often neglected, part of your entire fireplace design is the chimney liner. Most homeowners may not put much thought to this step because it is hidden from view, but a chimney without a liner is a fire waiting to happen. Gas and wood fireplaces create high levels of heat, and even toxic fumes, that can leak out into your home as it travels up the chimney. A chimney liner prevents this type of leak and allows the heat as well as the fumes to travel up the chimney. Chimney liners can be comprised of metal, clay, or ceramic inserts. They are best installed by a professional, but you can install a stainless steel liner fairly easily by yourself.

Place Your Vents Correctly

One last design mistake is the placement of the vents. Careful attention should be taken when placing vents in your fireplace. They are needed to not only bring in air, but to also keep the air flowing. When placed in the wrong areas, they can be hard to reach and obstruct air flow from or away from the fireplace.