If your home already has a fireplace when you move in, you may not be familiar with all the benefits that come with owning a fireplace. They not only look exceptional when lit but they can also be the main source of heat if the power goes out. If you do not have a fireplace in the home, you may want to consider putting one in. It's fast and easy and you can design it any way that you want.
Fireplaces have been used for years. They were the only way of heating years ago. Fireplaces were created to include a firebox and a flue where the smoke and gas could escape. Fireplaces kept people warm when the cold was too much to handle. It was also used to relax and watch as the fire flickered in the night. Later on, a fireplace mantel made a fireplace more attractive and became a place to set lanterns, display art or place to decorative items.
There are different types of fireplaces. The masonry fireplace is made from brick or stone. Tiles could be used to line the flue which could keep the chimney from being corroded with soot from the fire. Manufactured fireplaces are another type of fireplace that is reinforced using metal pipe that runs up and outside of the chimney to ensure safety and to protect the lining of the chimney. The different designed fireplaces can range from the traditional square fireplace to a round fireplace with a large or small opening. Because the fireplaces are made to fit the home they do not come in a particular size. When the power goes out you will always have access to heat. You need to be able to keep wood close to the home that has been cut and split to fit inside your firebox. The firewood will need to be kept dry so you can use it immediately when you need it.
When you use a fireplace, make sure there is nothing around it that can cause a fire to get out of hand. To start a fire put newspaper or little bits of wood on the bottom of the fireplace. When you strike a match, put the match to the paper or bits of wood and wait until they are burning. You may need to fan the flame a bit in order to allow it to grow. Once the small flame is bigger and hotter it will allow the wood to heat up and catch fire. Although it may catch fire quickly, your fire is being maintained inside the firebox.
To avoid fire popping out onto your carpet or floor you may need to use a safety screen. This screen can be placed directly in front of the fireplace in order to keep the flames from jumping out if you are not there to watch it. You also may want to consider glass doors to keep closed while your fire is burning and while there is no fire in the fireplace to keep the cold from going down the chimney and out into your home.