When you’re considering adding a fireplace or updating your existing fireplace in Indianapolis, fireplace design may be the furthest thought from your planning process. However, from determining the fuel used to the overall style that you’re going for, fireplace design can be a complex process that requires your input. Here are some basic fireplace design considerations Indianapolis residents should consider.
Basic Considerations in Fireplace Design
Start with Required Performance
A fireplace must often do multiple jobs. It must look beautiful, provide heat, and safely manage these tasks. Is your fireplace going to provide primary heat during a power outage? Will it only be to take the chill off on exceptionally cold nights? Or are you simply planning to enjoy it for its aesthetic appeal? This will impact your fuel type, amount of heat produced, ventilation required, and similar necessities.
Consider Your Personal and Home Style
This part of the process involves looking at both the architectural design of your home as well as your personal style. Do you enjoy the sleek look of a modern home or the comforting warm tones of a more traditional design? Though you’ll want to meet in the middle for widely varied styles, there are a wide range of fireplace styles on the market that will allow you to enjoy the appearance of your fireplace while meshing with your home’s style.
Decide on Fireplace Part Design
There are a range of parts in a fireplace and chimney system, but for fireplace design, you’ll need to consider four major ones.
- The firebox is the chamber where a fire is built or burned. It must be lined with a heat-resistant material, but can include architectural interest such as a fireback.
- Cladding is the part of your fireplace that covers the outside of your fireplace, protecting it from catching fire while providing a focal point in stone, brick, tile, or metal.
- The hearth is the bit of often raised flooring in front of the firebox that protects your floor from fire, which can be made from tile, stone, brick, or metal to enhance your style.
- A mantel is the shelf or ledge that is located above the opening to the firebox. Typically used to display decorative items, the material and placement may depend on local codes.
By taking these fireplace design considerations into account, Indianapolis residents can ensure that they’ll get a great look, strong performance, and a long lifespan. If you need help with your fireplace design process, the experienced professionals at Clean Sweep 317 are always happy to help. Please feel free to reach out to our friendly team today to get started.