Fireplace Construction
The fireplace construction procedures require special knowledge and expertise. It is not like collecting a few pieces of wood or coal at a place and setting them afire. The smoke emanating from the fire will send the whole family out coughing red, choking and shedding burning tears.
Fireplaces can be made of bricks or stones. They can be built inside the room or in the patios. Besides wood or coal, the fireplace may also work on gas or even electricity. Each type of fireplace requires special technique for its design and construction.
Though most fireplaces work on the same basic principles, they require different method of construction.
Before launching upon the project of constructing a fireplace, it is essential to understand some basics about its functioning. When the fire burns in the fireplace, it draws the cool air within the room across the burning fuel where the air gets heated. Once the air is heated, it expands and becomes lighter than the cool air in the chimney. Being lighter, it rises up along the chimney. This creates a draft of air that sucks in the smoke and gasses from the fire and drawing fresh air and supplying oxygen to the fire at the same time. Some of the heat so generated is reflected into the room.
The dimensions of the fireplace must be carefully designed and computed so as to attract the natural draft of air and also to reflect the heat in the room. The size of the fireplace should, therefore, be in accordance with the size and location of the room. Both the flue and fireplace openings must have the right size because it affects the draft by compressing it which in turn increases the speed of the draft and the elimination of the smoke. There is a certain definite relationship between the burning of fuel, the heating of the room, the design and method of construction of the fireplace. The guidelines should be strictly followed to optimize the flawless functioning of the fireplace.
Most fireplaces have unique designs and methods of construction. So, in order to make them fuel efficient, economical and safe, you must prepare the blue prints, detailed drawings, dimensions, layout, location with the required vertical and lateral clearances and other specifications carefully. You have to procure the various parts of the fireplace according to these specifications and drawings. The construction procedure may involve laying up the foundation, a usable ash pit, installing the specified inner and outer hearth, constructing a fire box with proper opening, wall thickness, reflecting wall, bond with masonry units with standard or fire clay mortar. Not the least important part is the chimney and its various parts.
