Nothing really compares to the warmth and comfort of a fireplace. While furnaces and boilers can heat up the entire home, a fireplace brings a family together, providing a place for everyone to gather and discuss the day’s events. Traditionally, fireplaces were made entirely of durable materials like stone and mortar, but today you can also choose a prefabricated, mostly assembled fireplace instead. Here are a few things you should know about this relatively new type of fireplace.
A Prefabricated Fireplace Differs from a Traditional Masonry Fireplace
A masonry fireplace may be composed of bricks or stone and mortar, among other materials, while prefabricated fireplaces are made of a lightweight metal. A traditional masonry fireplace is designed and built to fit your home, while a metal fireplace comes pre-assembled to be set up by a technician. While a masonry fireplace may have a traditional look and feel, installation is time-consuming and costly. A prefabricated fireplace chimney may be more efficient than a masonry fireplace and chimney, while a masonry fireplace may last for longer.
The Fireplace and the Chimney Belong Together in a Set
In a prefabricated chimney, the fireplace and the chimney are designed to go together as a set. They are tested together for safety and often sold and packaged together as well. It is always recommended that you install them as a set for efficiency and safety.
A Prefabricated Chimney Will Last Long with Proper Care
Like any heating system, a prefabricated chimney deserves a certain level of maintenance so that it can continue to work safely and efficiently. This includes regular cleaning and inspections, preferably once each year. It’s also vital to have a professional install a new prefabricated fireplace to make sure there is enough air clearance and that the unit is carefully inspected before use.
Call the chimney and fireplace experts at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for fireplace installation, maintenance, cleaning, and repairs in Minneapolis. Our professional technicians are certified nationally for chimney relining, sweeping, inspection, and more.