When it comes to adding a cozy touch to your living spaces, fireplaces and free-standing stoves are both functional and stylish. Whether you’re looking for a modern focal point or a rustic accent, fireplaces and mantels add warmth and ambiance to any room. In addition to their aesthetic appearance, real estate agents report that fireplaces can add nearly $1,000 to $5,000 to your home’s value.
Adding a fireplace to your home doesn’t have to require traditional methods of woodburning. You can add electric or gas-powered fireplaces to achieve a cozy look with minimal mess and maintenance. In addition to increasing your home’s value, you can also shop for energy-efficient options that heat your home while lowering your utility bills. From inserts and free-standing stoves to traditional fireplaces, there are a variety of options available for any style of home.
Whether you’re building from scratch or updating an existing fireplace, professional fireplace installation can change the look and feel of your home. Depending on your preferences and your budget, you can opt for gas-powered, electric, or wood burning fireplace options.
The traditional wood burning fireplace is common in existing homes, uses firewood as its source of fuel, and has masonry (typically brick) lining the inside of a tall, roof-venting chimney. If your home doesn’t already have a wood burning masonry fireplace, you may be able to have one added, if the circumstances allow. This largely depends on the layout of your home, and it may be your most expensive option. If your home has an existing chimney, it is easier to add a wood burning masonry fireplace. Keep in mind that it is important to have chimneys properly cleaned and maintained annually before use.
If you’d like to achieve a contemporary look with your fireplace, gas-powered options can be a wise choice. Direct-vent fireplaces typically have a nearby exhaust vent leading to the home’s exterior. Ventless options are recommended for outdoor use and can produce a lot of heat without any need for a chimney. Both gas-powered styles operate using a small pilot light and can be ignited with a switch. Gas fireplace logs, typically made of stone, create the look of hearth logs and soften the look of the gas-powered flames. It’s important to use gas logs that are rated for your type of fireplace – ventless gas logs are different from vented gas logs.
Installing a direct-vent fireplace is more cost effective than installing a masonry fireplace as the nearby wall-piercing vent replaces the need for a roof-penetrating chimney. Direct-vent or “vented” gas-powered fireplaces typically have a permanent glass front panel design. Direct-vent gas fireplaces are safe for indoor use, and it is always recommended that you use a carbon monoxide detector in a home with a fireplace.
The ventless gas fireplace is typically safest for use outdoors as it doesn’t include exterior ventilation chambers. It produces a significant amount of heat, which is excellent for patio and backyard use. While some homes may have interior ventless gas fireplaces, this is typically an outdated alternative to electric fireplaces. Because there is no external exhaust ventilation, the ventless gas fireplace may cause breathing problems and exhaust fumes if used indoors.
If you need help with fireplace and mantel design and installation, we’re here to help. TruTeam’s process involves helping you select the right fireplace functionality and style for your home, budget, and goals. Our team of local, licensed contractors will expedite utility hookups, permitting, and inspections. Our safety-trained installers, supported by on-staff, certified National Fireplace Institute personnel, will complete your fireplace and mantel installation safely and on time.
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Understanding the various styles of fireplaces, stoves, and mantels available can help guide your purchase decision. You can also install stoves and fireplaces both indoors and outdoors.
You can achieve the look and function of a fireplace in a variety of ways. A traditional wood-burning fireplace can be refinished or possibly added to an already finished home. Electric and gas fireplaces can be more cost-effective to install, and both eliminate the need for firewood.
If you have an existing masonry fireplace, you can also install a fireplace insert to update the look and feel of your space. A fireplace insert fits into the opening of your fireplace structure and has metallic vents that run up the length of your existing chimney. Fireplace inserts come in a variety of designs from traditional to contemporary with different door configurations and trim. Fireplace inserts provide the added advantage of heating spaces efficiently. Fireplace inserts are available in wood burning, electric and gas fuel types.
Stoves are free-standing fireplace options that have powerful heating capacity and take up less space than other fireplaces. Stoves are usually footed cast iron or metallic enclosures. Their high-efficiency, easy installation, and low-cost heating potential make stoves a popular choice for homeowners.
Install a stylish mantel to frame and finish the look of your fireplace. You can choose from a variety of mantel designs along with custom shapes and sizes to achieve the desired look for your home. From rustic wooden mantels to granite, marble, or slate surrounds, a well-placed mantel adds depth and texture to your home. The ledge of a mantel can also serve as a focal point in your living space, especially when paired with a mirror or other home decor items. It’s important to hire a professional to safely complete your fireplace mantel installation.