Fireplaces, Stoves, and Chimneys:Fireplace Construction Details

Fireplace Construction Details

Construction details of a typical masonry fireplace are shown in Figure 3-4. Because this type of fireplace is recessed in a wall, it is easier and less expensive to build it while the structure is under construction.

The principal components of a masonry fireplace are as follows:

1. Firebox

2. Lintel

3. Mantel

4. Hearth

5. Ashpit

6. Ash dump

7. Cleanout door

8. Smoke chamber

9. Smoke shelf

10. Throat

with the open side facing the room. The area (in square inches) of the fireplace opening is directly related to the area of the chimney flue. The rule-of-thumb is to make the fireplace opening approximately 12 times the area of the flue.

As shown in Figure 3-5, the lintel spans the top of the fireplace opening. This is a length of stone or metal used to support the weight of the fireplace superstructure. The mantel is a horizontal member extending across the top of the fireplace where it generally serves a decorative function. Sometimes the terms mantel and lintel are used synonymously. When this is the case, the mantel is used in the form of a wood beam, stone, or arch and functions as a lintel to support the masonry above the fireplace opening.

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Gas and Oil Controls:Thermopiles (Pilot Generators)

Boilers and Boiler Fittings - Oil-Fired Boilers

Gas and Oil Controls:Combination Primary Control and Aquastat

Oil Burners:Gun-Type Oil Burners

Energy Conversion and the Second Law:Heat Engines

Heating Fuels:Cooling with a Warm-Air Heating System

Insulation Principles

Gas Burners:Gas Piping for Conversion Burners