Increasing the Heat from Your Fireplace with a FIREBACK
Fireplace owners interested in getting more heat from their fireplace should consider using a simple fireplace accessory known as a fireback. A fireback is a metal panel placed in the back of the fireplace and typically is just leaned against the back wall, although some are actually mounted to the back wall or stand on "legs". Firebacks serve a dual purpose, protecting the back wall of the fireplace from extreme heat (which can cause deterioration of the brick) and radiating or reflecting heat back into the room to help minimize heat that may otherwise be lost up the chimney.
Firebacks have been prized for centuries for their decorative and practical appeal. Early firebacks appeared in the colonial era, depicting a variety of scenery and design to suit the home's decor. Historic designs based on the antique originals, parts recovered from old furnaces and logos from fire marks issued by fire insurers
The use of Fire Marks began in the 1700's. Fire Marks were signs, usually made of cast iron, that were attached to the front of a home or business. The metal fire mark, usually made of cast iron and therefore able to survive a house fire, identified to the fire brigade that the home was insured. The insurance company's name on the plaque also provided a record to the fire brigade that their company would pay them for putting out the fire. Fire Marks notably reduced instances of arson, as setting a fire to another's home or business having insurance meant less the victim would not suffer great financial loss, as the building and its contents were insured for replacement due to fire damage. Fire Marks have become cherished collectibles depicting artwork and insurance company logos of their time.
Firebacks are equally beneficial whether you're burning firewood or gas logs. If you're using a fireplace grate that raises the fire from the floor of the firebox, consider using special cast iron legs that raise the fireback so it is more visible and so it provides greater protection to the fireplace wall. Firebacks come in a range of sizes; measure the flat back wall and purchase the size that most closely matches its dimension. Be mindful that a rear wall that slopes forward will determine size limitiations, although a deeper fireplace floor can allow use of a fireback that is slightly spaced out from the rear wall if desired.
Firebacks Come in Two Types; Cast Iron and Stainless Steel.
The advantage of each:
Cast iron
- Store and radiate more heat than stainless steel due to more mass.
- Plain or molded with many types of decorative designs
- Wider range of sizes than stainless steel
- Black painted finish doesn't easily show soot and smoke stains
- Cast iron cannot warp
- Cast iron firebacks are highly collectible items used to decorate period style homes
- Traditional look with an "old world" charm that's perfectly suited to colonial style, historic or Victorian fireplaces
Stainless steel
- Reflects more of the fire's light than cast iron
- Shiny finish with a more contemporary style
- Lighter weight - easier to install
- Costs less - typically about 1/3 to 1/2 the price of cast iron
Both types will make your fireplace more energy efficient and offer greater protection to the brick walls and mortar. When deciding on which type is best for you, the choice should be simple once you understand the differences. Either way, you'll be pleased with the added heat and the enhanced appearance of your fireplace.
*Article contributed by Karen Duke, Victorian Fireplace Shop
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