Prefabricated Fireplace Installation
A prefabricated fireplace is a manufactured insert that fits into your home, providing warmth and a beautiful focal point. People may refer to a prefab fireplace as a factory-built or zero-clearance fireplace, and this manufactured metal firebox operates and looks like a traditional masonry fireplace. Wood or gas logs burn inside the firebox, and smoke and gases exit through a metal liner that runs through your home’s chimney.
Proper installation is crucial for a fireplace insert’s operation and efficiency. Professional installers address the following factors during installation:
- Fireplace insert frame: Placing a prefab fireplace too close to its wooden frame can ignite the frame and start a fire if the insert becomes too hot. A certified installer knows how to safely measure and place a fireplace insert so that it has adequate space, preventing fire hazards.
- Attic insulation: Insulation must be a safe distance from the fireplace’s chimney pipe if it runs through the attic.
- Floor and subfloor protection: The space in front of the insert or the hearth extension typically requires a material with the proper R-value to protect the subfloor. An experienced installer uses the best material to protect your floor from overheating.
