A masonry fireplace is solid and substantial with a commanding presence . . .
Though the foundation,
firebox
and chimney liner are constructed of masonry materials, the fireplace and chimney exterior can be faced with
any finishing ma- terial the homeowner wants.
Fireplaces pictured above and below right by master stone artisan Lew French.
Historically, a masonry fireplace was built entirely on site -- generally by a skilled mason. Utilizing a combi- nation 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 costliest method . . . due to the amount of time and labor, as well as additional
structural support and materials required. However, as a result of advances in technology in
re- cent years, it is now possible to get a factory-built masonry firebox and chim- ney system delivered to
your site and set on a concrete foundation, effec- tively reducing the overall construction costs
(more about this below).
The
Rumford fireplace
is the forebear of the modern fireplace. The tall and shal- low design is named for Count Rumford, a scientist
born in Woburn, Massachu- setts in 1753. Rumford fireplaces have fireboxes that are only 18 to 20 inches deep,
rounded throats, sidewalls angled at 45 degrees, and vertical backs. The shallow firebox and angled
sidewalls are designed to radiate more heat into the room, while the straight back allows
smoke and gases to exit directly into the flue with little loss of heated room air.
With today's historic house restorations and the renewed popularity of early American and classical
architecture in new construction, interest in the Rum- ford 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.
In addition to Rumford and other site-build designs, a relatively new technol- ogy has been developed that
makes it possible to construct a masonry fire- place 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 insulates so well that it requires virtually no clearance between
fireplace walls and com- bustible 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 other prod- ucts. 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 fireplaces, the outside of the fireplace and chimney can be finished with your choice of materials for a com- pletely 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 en- tirely 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!
For more information about any of the masonry fireplace designs fea- tured here, please
let us know
and we'll be happy to provide it for you.
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as we continually add new images of masonry hearths to our site.
