Fireplaces are always associated with the comfort and warmth of the home. At all times, it served as a decoration for housing and provided the necessary temperature regime. Therefore, the owners of private cottages do not refuse the opportunity to complement the interior with a wood-burning fireplace.
Design features
The equipment design consists of two main parts and several system components. The firebox, in which the firewood is stacked, and the chimney, which removes the combustion products outside the room, are supplemented by the following elements:
- a portal for a wood-burning fireplace;
- a smoke collector in a furnace with an open hearth to remove combustion products into the chimney;
- grate, necessary for stacking firewood;
- ash pan for collecting ash;
- smoke tooth to protect the room from smoke and cold air.
- a grate designed for stacking logs.
The complete design ensures reliable and safe operation of the product.
Advantages and disadvantages of wood burning fireplaces
Wood-burning fireplaces for home have some features:
- act as a heating element during cold weather;
- create comfort and coziness;
- allow you to save money in comparison with electric heating;
- with a quality installation, they last a long time.
Along with the positive properties, there are also disadvantages. These include the possibility of installation only in a private house and the need for periodic cleaning of the chimney.
Types of wood-burning fireplaces by location
Different layouts require the selection of the optimal configuration of fireplaces for the home. By location relative to the walls, products are:
- angular;
- island;
- wall-mounted;
- built-in.
There is also an additional modification - wall-angular. They are widely used in ready-made premises.
A corner wood burning fireplace saves space, which is important for small rooms. The flame is visible from anywhere in the room.
Free-standing fireplaces are located in the center of the room. Near them, you should place interior items and furniture as carefully as possible. The distance to the fire must be at least one meter.
Finished wood-burning fireplaces are mounted on the façade. Wall-mounted models come in a variety of shapes. The main advantage is the possibility of installation in an already living room. The fireplace block is outside the wall.
Built-in models are mounted in a wall opening, therefore, they require decorating a part that can be seen in another room. Usually a false wall is created for this purpose.
Built-in fireplaces are recommended for large areas. They need space in the wall and chimney. Therefore, such models cannot be installed in a finished building.
Design features
By design, fireplaces can be conditionally divided into several groups:
- closed;
- half-open;
- open.
Each category has design features and a different installation method.
Closed
A hearth with a closed firebox is mounted in the main wall in such a way that its rear part is inside it. A drawing of a wood-burning fireplace is created before the start of the construction of the frame of the house.
Semi-open
A semi-closed firebox is usually characteristic of models that are attached to the wall. They are missing one or two surfaces of the structure. In terms of thermal characteristics, this option is inferior to fireplaces with a closed firebox. Semi-open models are angular and wall-mounted.
The following forms are produced:
- rectangular;
- trapezoidal;
- complex shapes with protrusions.
Semi-open models are the most popular, since they do not require complex installation and are less fire hazardous than with an open firebox.
Open
Models of country fireplaces with an open type of firebox usually do not touch the walls of the room. They can be mounted on suspensions or light supports, therefore they are often used for zoning large rooms.
An open wood-burning fireplace performs more an aesthetic function; it is impractical to use it for heating. It requires a chimney, which is located on top. An apartment is not a suitable place for such a product.
Types of wood-burning fireplaces by basic materials
Fireplaces are made from a variety of materials. The most popular are cast iron, steel and brick.
Cast iron
A cast iron fireplace does not require decoration due to its aesthetic appearance. It has several advantages:
- high degree of heat storage;
- a variety of complex shapes and sizes;
- resistance to high temperatures and mechanical stress;
- ease of maintenance;
- long service life.
They can act as the main heating element for a building.
Brick
Brickwork requires professional skills. The main feature of the structure is installation during the construction phase of the building. They cannot be installed on a wooden floor; a separate foundation must be created. The optimal place for installation is a summer cottage or a country house. Not only a home product is made of bricks, but also an outdoor wood-burning fireplace.
Of steel
Steel wood-burning fireplaces for a private house are more affordable and light in weight. The features of such models are rapid heating and cooling of the case, as well as possible deformation of the structure during operation.
Glass wood-burning fireplaces for the home are used as a spectacular decorative piece of furniture. They are suitable for classic and high-tech styles.
Ways to increase heat transfer
To increase heat transfer, several rules must be followed:
- Remove ash in a timely manner.
- Carry out maintenance annually.
- Close the damper. When the hearth is idle, it must be blocked so that warm air does not go into the chimney.
- Use only well-dried wood.
There are several technical devices to increase heat transfer:
- water circuit - radiator block;
- heat storage devices;
- organization of forced convection;
- insert insert.
Their action is aimed at improving fire and keeping warm.
How to make a fireplace with your own hands
If creating a fireplace for your home with your own hands seems like a more acceptable option, you can use the variety of decorative materials on the market. Since the built-in models must be erected along with the building itself, it is better to choose wall structures.
To complete construction work, you will need the following materials:
- refractory and ceramic bricks;
- mortar for masonry structures and foundations;
- a piece of roofing material;
- boards for arranging formwork;
- lattice;
- blew;
- metal door and flap;
- rods and wire;
- asbestos cord.
To begin the manufacture of a floor-standing wood-burning fireplace, one should choose its location and develop a project.It should be a draft-free corner, far from doors and windows. The first stage of construction is the creation of a solid foundation from a cement-sand mixture and crushed stone.
Roofing material should be placed on the floor surface for waterproofing. Then the prepared mixture is placed on it and dried. The next step is to lay out a fire-resistant brick site to minimize the likelihood of a fire.
The laying of the structure itself begins with the first row, called the hearth. The next row is laid taking into account the need to install an ash pan and a blower. With the help of a wire, the oven tape is fixed on the outside of the door frame.
The next step is to create a firebox. Its edges should not come into contact with the outer masonry, so they should be laid with basalt cardboard.
The brace over the door is installed using corners to improve the appearance of the finished product. Particular attention should be paid to the creation of the chimney casing. It not only acts as a decorative element, but also carries a functional load.
Wood-burning fireplaces are durable, aesthetic and easy to maintain, so they do not lose their relevance for many years. Live fire cannot be replaced by any high-tech imitation.
