Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Want to Add a Chimney to Your Home? Here is What You Need to Do First

Fireplaces are one of the hottest and most in-demand home features. A study by the National Association of Realtors found that 46% of buyers are willing to pay more for a fireplace; homes with fireplaces sell for an average of $1,200 more than similar homes without.

If your home doesn’t currently have a fireplace, with careful planning it is possible to have one added. New chimney systems are divided into three main categories: masonry, manufactured or zero clearance, and gas. While each chimney system has pros and cons, the kind of fireplace you choose will depend on many factors including budget, interior design, heating needs, architectural style, and more.

Masonry chimneys

Masonry chimneys are the most traditional – but also the most expensive option – for wood burning fireplaces. Custom built by a skilled mason, masonry chimneys have brick or stone fireplaces, chimneys, and are often finished indoors with a wood mantle. While masonry chimneys are usually built during a home’s initial construction, they can be added to existing homes as well.

To be added to an existing home, masonry chimneys need to be placed on an exterior wall. Likewise, they need to be put in an area with reinforced floor joists; the floor and framing need to be safe to support the weight of a full brick or stone chimney. Other considerations such as the size of the firebox, the height of the chimney, and the clearance between the fireplace and surrounding building materials must also be considered.

Manufactured chimneys

Manufactured chimneys, also known as zero clearance chimneys, are easier and less expensive to install in existing homes. Built in a factory to exact specifications, there is less flexibility about the size and type of chimney you choose. However, manufactured chimneys are lightweight and often zero clearance, meaning they can be installed within just a few inches of existing floors and walls.

Manufactured chimneys can be purchased for wood, gas, and electric fireplaces, giving homeowners more choices for fuel source with their new chimneys. Because the chimney itself is a metal flue pipe, manufactured chimneys may be able to be installed on interior walls in your home. However, direct vent models, or those that require additional venting to the outside, must be on an exterior facing wall.

Gas chimneys

Gas fireplaces have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are easy to start, inexpensive to run, and have no need to cut and store firewood. Some homeowners are even opting to convert their wood fireplaces to energy efficient gas.

Different gas units require different venting systems; most gas fireplaces are zero clearance and can be installed anywhere adjacent to a gas or propane line. Unvented gas fireplaces are a popular choice for homeowners who do not want to undergo a major construction project; while they produce little to no off-gassing, they should be operated near a cracked window to maximize safety.

Adding a fireplace to your home is a great way to increase its value – as well as get enjoyment from the added ambiance and heat. For more information on adding a new chimney to your home, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today.

Firebrick Patterns For Interior Fireplaces

One of the newest trends in home interiors is firebrick patterns. Whether you are adding a new fireplace to your home or renovating an existing fireplace, creating firebrick patterns allows you to add personality and style to your fireplace system.

Safety and firebrick lining

The firebrick lining of the firebox is one of the most important safety features of your fireplace system; not only does it reflect heat back into your home, but it also protects the surrounding building materials from damage from heat transfer. Made of refractory ceramic materials that can withstand extremely high temperatures, firebricks are used in the fireboxes of both manufactured and masonry chimney systems.

Even when creating firebrick patterns, safety standards must be followed. Most fireplaces require ASTM C-27 firebrick lining of 1 ¼” thick or 2 ½” thick. 2 ½” firebricks must be used on the floor of the firebox, but either 1 ¼” or 2 ½” firebricks can be for the sides and walls of the firebox.

Popular firebrick patterns

Customizing your firebrick is an unexpected way to add style to the most utilitarian part of your fireplace. In addition to selecting the firebrick tile color and size, these five firebrick patterns can turn any fireplace into a focal point!

1. Running bond. This easily-recognizable pattern is the standard for most fireplace systems. This simple pattern is created by alternately stacking horizontal firebricks; it is easy to install and creates little waste due to the minimal cutting required. Give this traditional a modern twist by using several different firebrick colors, an unexpected size tile, or even creating a vertical instead of horizontal pattern.
2. Stacked bond. The stacked bond pattern, also known as stand bond, features continuous vertical and horizontal lines. This simplistic pattern can create an understated, modern look; use alternating colors to create a checkerboard pattern or oversized firebricks to add visual interest.
3. Standard herringbone. Standard herringbone is made by laying firebricks in alternating directions to create a “V” pattern. The increased popularity in herringbone in recent years makes this an on-trend design update for your home.
4. Split herringbone. Split herringbone puts a twist on the standard herringbone pattern. Use 2 ½” firebricks in the standard herringbone pattern on the floor, then create the same pattern on the walls and back using the narrower 1 ¼” firebricks.
5. Basket weave. This Old English pattern, once considered old fashioned, has found increased popularity in recent years. Created by alternating horizontal and vertical pairs of firebricks, basket weave firebricks creates a vintage, rustic look in your home.

When building a new fireplace or renovating an existing heating appliance, creating a pattern using firebricks is a unique way to turn your fireplace into the focal point of your home. For more information about creating a firebrick pattern in your interior fireplace, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!