PROPERTY NEWS - Whether installed in a bedroom, living room or even a kitchen, a built-in fireplace offers plenty of value to any home.
This type of fireplace is installed into the wall, as the name implies.
While freestanding fireplaces can be placed anywhere, these fireplaces require professional installation.
Unlike open fireplaces, built-in models retain heat in a way that ensures optimal safety. With that said, it is still always a good idea to put a bit of thought into the location you choose for this type of fireplace. Hydrofire, a national fireplace provider, provides this guide that points out the worst places to install a built-in fireplace:
Directly next to built-in cupboards
Open fires should never be placed too close to wood or any other flammable material. Although closed combustion fireplaces are typically safer, with no risk of sparks or hot ash, it is still best to ensure that your fireplace is not placed directly next to cupboards. Every unit has a specification which indicates the safe distance to combustible materials. For built-in units that distance is about 600mm. This distance can however be reduced by using insulation boards and materials. Despite these great materials which can protect your cupboards, it is always good practice to stay a little further away from wood cupboards.
In a poorly ventilated room
It is also good to ensure that the room where you build in your fireplace has sufficient ventilation, with air vents and windows or at least one source of airflow. Unlike open fireplaces, closed combustion fireplaces have the ability to burn at a far higher degree of heat. Even though there are no fumes to worry about, closed combustion fireplaces and stoves use oxygen from the room - that's why it is recommended to have a fresh air supply near the fire, or alternatively to use an external air connection. External air connection is a duct that connects the fireplace combustion air directly to the outside. Installing your fireplace this way ensures that the unit never uses the oxygen in the room.
Directly next to plug points
Once again, this type of fireplace does not pose the same risk as an open fireplace, which can emit sparks, ash, smoke and other potential hazards. Still, it is always best to err on the side of caution. As these fireplaces heat up quickly and maintain heat for long periods of time, it is best to keep them at a safe distance of electrical outlets, plug points, wires and electrical conduits, as the extreme heat of the closed combustion units may melt the electrical equipment.
A location where chimney or flue access is difficult or impossible
Most important of all, it is never a good idea to install a fireplace in a location where neither a flue nor a chimney can be easily added during the installation. Attempting to install the fireplace yourself if you don't have experience can be extremely dangerous as it entails numerous aspects that require skill. Always get help from an expert to help determine a location where fires can be made safely. This will prevent risk of house fires and also help you get the most from your fireplace for many years to come.
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