When And How to Install Replacement Fireplace Refractory Panels
New factory-built fireplaces are somewhat like traditional site-built masonry fireplaces, but with a few exceptions. Instead of featuring heavy brick or stone back panels, for instance, they are equipped with refractory panels that must be changed occasionally. Before we discuss installing replacement fireplace refractory panels, let's take a closer look at the way factory-built fireplaces work, to increase your understanding.
Factory-Built Fireplaces
Made from metal, and often incorporating a combination of glass doors, insulated metal walls, and often equipped with air cooled pipes and blowers that circulate the heat of the fire throughout a room or a home, factory-built fireplaces and chimneys are complete systems designed to work efficiently and safely with one another. Each component of a factory-built fireplace and the corresponding chimney has been specifically tested, and you'll find that each model is designed to work with other corresponding parts as appropriate.
While models do vary, factory-built fireplaces provide heat either with standard radiant heat or via circulating air with louvers and a blower.
While masonry fireplaces built on site during a home's original construction require special foundation work, factory-built fireplaces are lightweight and can be installed in many different areas throughout the home. They do require clearance from combustibles as they provide a considerable amount of heat, and, they do require care and maintenance to prevent accidents from occurring.
There are other ways you can help to keep your fireplace safe and in good working condition; for one, never burn anything that the fireplace is not designed to burn - for example, you should never put wood or paper in a gas, coal, or oil fireplace. Even in wood stoves and wood burning fireplaces, you should limit the amount of paper you use to start fires, or better yet, you can use fire starters designed for safe, effective starting minus smoke, ashes, and mess. Never overload or stress your fireplace, and have it inspected annually.
Replacement Fireplace Refractory Panels Keep Factory-Built Fireplaces Safe
Replacement refractory panels help to keep factory-built fireplaces safe by providing proper insulation. The heat from even a small fire can be intense, and the metal components of the firebox inside your fireplace can warp from the heat if not protected. If warping continues, then severe damage can occur, putting your home at risk for a structure fire.
Luckily, you don't have to worry about finding and installing replacement fireplace refractory panels on your own. Your fireplace professional should be checking these panels at the same time as the rest of the fireplace and the chimney are inspected. You can conduct a visual survey each time you look into the fireplace; all you need to do is watch for cracks.
Test any cracks you see by attempting to insert the side of a nickel into them; if the nickel fits, or even if it is close to fitting, it is probably time to talk about replacement refractory panels with the company that maintains your fireplace. Replacement fireplace refractory panels keep your fireplace working right, and they help keep you and your home safe; don't skip inspections and keep this important home feature well maintained, and you'll be able to enjoy it for years to come.
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