What’s a Fireplace Insert and Do I Need It?
Go ahead and admit it: your fireplace room is the coziest in your home. It’s a gathering spot for good conversation and making memories. But your fireplace is more than an aesthetic feature of your home. You take the time to care for it with regular maintenance and upkeep. There’s a lot that goes into building and maintaining a fireplace. From hearth to firebox, this integral element has fascinating components that contribute to the surrounding comfort.
The Mechanics
Behind every good fireplace are working elements that make it all happen! What’s the first thing you notice about a fireplace? The firebox, of course! This is where the fuel is combusted that is housed inside of the wall unit. The firebox is always in contact with the fire and will take the majority of the heat. Next, you have the corbel, a block protruding from the wall. This block is the physical support pillar for the fireplace, and has recently caught the eye of designers and home decor experts as a popular motif. The plinth is a square base that supports the lower legs of the fireplace, and the hearth is just above that and directly in front of the fire box opening. Traditionally, cooking food and storing utensils was what the hearth was used for. Today, it is more like a decorative feature. The surround is the whole fireplace, excluding the firebox. It will consist of side supports that are usually made of granite, stone, wood or marble. It consists of the mantelpiece as well. And lastly, the mantle shelf or mantle is that shelf piece that sits just above the fireplace. Nowadays we use it as a decorative place to put pictures or hang holiday decorations. The mantle that you see now can be designed any number of ways to suit your home decor. These are some of the mechanics that make up your lovely, fully-functional fireplace.
So What is a Fireplace Insert Anyway?
For non-functioning fireplaces, a fireplace insert is simply a gas or wood stove without legs. These inserts fit directly inside existing fireplaces. They are metal boxes that fit in your fireplace opening and have a beautiful decorative surround. Unlike traditional fireplaces at your fireplace store Cherry Creek location, inserts use a closed system of combustion that seals unwanted gas in an airtight enclosure. A fireplace insert produces more heat, improving heat output and efficiency while reducing emissions. Inserts come in many fuel options, such as gas, wood, or electric. It’s a much smaller, vet-free, safe, and versatile option for your home.
Do I Need a Fireplace or a Fireplace Insert?
If you’re considering installing a new fireplace for the first time, stick with a traditional fireplace. However, when you’re planning on updating and keeping the original structure, an insert is an excellent option. Fireplace inserts add style and function to already-existing fireplaces. They replace the wood burning system that makes up a traditional fireplace. They reduce outdoor air pollution and carbon footprint. Inserts are also energy-efficient, as they keep out unwanted cool air. They easily add to the functionality and design of your home.
Looking to dress up your current fireplace with an exquisite and efficient fireplace insert? The fireplace and mantle experts at Distinctive Mantle, your fireplace store Cherry Creek location, will have the exact design you want and need for your home. With our many high-quality brands and models, choose from a variety of styles that are affordable for your budget. Contact us today for evening and weekend appointments!
