Fireplaces
Fireplaces add value and sense of warmth to a house. If you have a room with a fireplace, then that fireplace is probably the focal point of the room. There are two basic types of fireplaces, masonry fireplaces built entirely of bricks and mortar, and factory built fireplaces consisting of a lightweight metal firebox and a metal chimney. Most fireplaces today are no longer brick-and-mortar models, but instead are engineered and built by major manufacturers.
Masonry Fireplaces
Unlike prefabricated fireplaces, masonry fireplaces have been built for hundreds of years. Each fireplace is built on site brick by brick, and is custom-made to fit a designed style and size. The advantages of a real masonry fireplace are the customizing capabilities, durability, and time honored quality and beauty.
Factory-built Fireplaces
Unlike traditional site-built masonry fireplaces, factory-built fireplaces have fireboxes enclosed within steel cabinets. Zero clearance is often synonymously used to describe any factory-built fireplace. Zero clearance fireplaces are so named because they are sufficiently insulated to be installed within close range of combustible materials, such as walls or wood framework, without requiring a masonry foundation. They pass rigorous testing standards established by Underwriters Laboratories and the American Gas Association and have an excellent safely record.
Factory-built fireplaces generally cost less and offer greater construction ease. They use a safe, lightweight chimney and do not need any additional footing or other structural support. Because they have fewer limitations than site-built masonry fireplaces, and are suitable for both gas and wood burning, these units can be installed almost anywhere. Zero clearance fireplaces come in a huge variety of designs and can be made to look like conventional masonry fireplaces by simply enclosing the metal unit in masonry framework. Brick, stone, marble and other facing materials can be combined with your choice of mantels to suit your decor.