Fireplaces 101

Of all the different styles of fireplaces, there are generally 3 types that are considered to be the most common.

What type of fireplace do you have?

Masonry Fireplace:

A masonry fireplace is one that is made on-site with materials such as, bricks, blocks, stones or stucco. A masonry chimney has either a stainless steel or a terracotta clay flue liner.

Pre-fabricated Fireplace:

Prefab units are factory built and tested fireplaces. They can be assembled and installed on-location. Mainly made of steel and cement panels, these pre-fab fireplaces have metal chimney vent systems that are essential to make and model of the fireplace. Some of these units have blowers and/or glass doors.

Steel Fireplace:

Steel fireplaces (referred to as “Heatilators” or “HeatForms”) are also factory made from 1/4 inch plate steel. The units are installed into existing masonry chimney systems which have terracotta clay linings. Steel fireplaces have vent grills that incorporate into the front for extra heat convection. *It is the experience of Antrim’s Complete that many of these units are generally unsafe, due to improper installation by mis/uninformed masons.