The Masonry Fireplace...Made To Last!
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A masonry fireplace is solid and substantial with a commanding presence. Though the foundation, fire-
box
and chimney liner are constructed of masonry
materials, the fireplace and chimney exterior can be
faced with any finishing material the homeowner
wants.
Fireplaces pictured above and below right by master
stone artisan, Lew French.
See more extraordinary stone fireplace designs by
Lew French!
Historically, a masonry fireplace was built entirely
on site -- generally by a skilled mason. Utilizing a
combination of stone or concrete, brick and firebrick
to construct the foundation and firebox, and clay
tiles to line the chimney flue . . . . . the fireplace -- often weighing in at 6 to 7 tons --
was extremely durable and
designed
to last a very long time. Though this time - honored method of masonry fireplace construction continues
to
be employed today, particularly with custom designs, it is also the costli-
est method . . . . due to the
amount of time and labor, as well as addition-
al structural support and materials re-
quired. However, as a result
of ad-
vances in technology in recent years, it is now possible to get a factory-
built masonry firebox and chimney
system delivered to your site and set on a concrete foundation, effective-
ly reducing the overall construction
costs (more about this below).
The
Rumford fireplace
is the forbear
of the modern fireplace. The tall and shallow design is named for Count Rumford, a scientist
born in Woburn, Massachusetts in 1753. Rumford fireplaces have fireboxes that are
only 18 to 20 inches deep,
rounded throats, sidewalls angled at 45 de-
grees, and vertical backs. The shal-
low firebox and angled sidewalls
are designed to radiate more heat into the room, while the straight back al-
lows smoke and gases to exit directly
into the flue with little loss of heat-
ed room air.
With today's historic house restorations and the renewed popularity of ear-
ly American and classical
architecture in new construction, interest in the Rumford design has been re-ignited. Once again, they are
highly regarded for their tall classic elegance and heating efficiency . . . . made even more so by present
day design modifications.
Pictured below are several striking examples of Rumford fireplace designs.
Fireplace pictured above left (bottom row) is by master stone artisan, Lew French.
See more extraordinary stone fireplace designs by Lew French!
In addition to Rumford and other site-build designs, a relatively new tech-
nology has been developed that
makes it possible to construct a masonry fireplace and chimney with precast factory-built modular units made
of
pumice
-- or volcanic rock. Pumice is a natural insulator . . . . . a unique property that separates it from all other chimney materials. In fact, it in-
sulates so well that it requires virtually no clearance between fireplace walls and combustible materials, such as wood framing. Pumice does not expand or contract with temperature changes, reducing the possibility of cracking and structural damage that may occur with oth-
er products. The natural insulating qualities of pumice give it the ability to maintain the temperature of flue gases while not permitting heat to be transmitted to the outside. Pumice is also lightweight, allowing for easier installation than other alternatives.
The firebox of a modular masonry unit is lined with standard firebrick, as pictured in the examples above and below. As with other masonry fire-
places, the outside of the fireplace and chimney can be finished with your choice of materials for a completely custom tailored look.
A modular masonry system can be installed in under a day, unlike the much longer time required for a traditionally constructed masonry fireplace. The precast modular units offer the look of a traditional site-built masonry hearth, but with less weight and expense . . . . . and greater heat output!
Regardless of whether you choose
a traditional masonry fireplace built entirely on site or a partially site-
built design using modular masonry units, you will have a solid and substantial hearth that will enhance the value of your home today while providing long-term enjoyment for you and your family!
Masonry Fireplace Designs - A World Of Style!
Masonry Fireplace Materials
Stone Masonry Designs - Solid As A Rock!
Outdoor Masonry Designs - Real Long-Term Value!
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