Changing the Hearth and Surround
A fireplace and surround that are not particularly inspiring can be readily removed and replaced with something that is more aesthetically pleasing. If you are going to rebuild your mantel, you should also think about improving the brickwork that is facing it. To complement a formal mantel, the surrounding tile or stone should be of an equally formal nature.
According to the national fire prevention and building rules, the surround must be at least 6 inches away from the firebox, depending on the thickness of the mantel. In addition, the hearth has to extend 16 to 20 inches in front of the firebox, as well as 8 to 12 inches on either side of the firebox, depending on the size of the aperture in the firebox. It is required to be constructed out of a material that cannot catch fire, such as ceramic tile, stone, cast stone, or even plaster. Stone is a common material choice, particularly black Zimbabwe granite, which has the appearance of classic slate but is not as susceptible to scratching and does not display soot.
The cost of replacing the surround and hearth ranges from around $1,500 for tile to $2,500 for more expensive stone. This cost includes the supplies as well as the removal of the existing surfaces. If you wish to take care of the problem on your own, the quickest and easiest method is to remove the mantel first. The next step is to keep the old surround in place (if it is in good shape), and put new masonry slabs or tiles to it on a layer of thinset that is placed over the existing masonry. The new masonry slabs or tiles should slightly overhang the inside perimeter of the firebox. You may get rid of the old hearth by renting a demolition hammer that has a chisel attached to it. This will allow you to chip away the current stone or tile and mortar while preserving the concrete base and the floor of the firebox. It’s possible that you’ll need to pour an extra layer of concrete to the base of the hearth before you can get it to sit flush with the floor. The brick or tile hearth pieces can then be arranged in the desired pattern using thinset, spacers, and mortar, if required.
Making the Change to Gas
Whether it’s for the sake of the environment or their personal convenience, many households are making the move to gas. If you install a gas burner in the firebox, you won’t ever have to worry about cleaning soot, hauling wood, or shoveling ashes again. If you go for a type that doesn’t require a chimney, you won’t have to worry about the cost of fixing up a chimney if it breaks down.
In today’s gas inserts, yellow flames flicker above stacking logs (in the wood species of your choice), and they lay on a bed of simulated embers or blazing coals that are arranged in an iron basket. These modern gas inserts give the impression that they are more like genuine fires. When using gas, on the other hand, the fire may be lit with the press of a button on a remote control, which can also be used to manage the size of the flame. Inserts normally range in price from $400 to $1,800 and can be fueled by either natural gas or propane. Natural gas or propane must be brought to the firebox by a plumber using flexible copper tubing, which adds an extra few hundred dollars to the total cost. You have the choice of venting the exhaust up the old flue, which produces flames that appear the most genuine, or you may go with a vent-free alternative, which still functions even when the damper is closed and burns more effectively.
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