Zero clearance fireplaces are a great option for anyone who wants to add fireplaces to older homes but lacks the requisite masonry work, such as a chimney, to support a fireplace.
Due to the fact that zero clearance fireplaces use vents to move air, they do not require chimneys to perform safely. Therefore, zero-clearance fireplaces can allow homeowners to construct fireplaces without a chimney.
You may finally have the fireplace you’ve always wanted, even if your home was not built with a chimney. In fact, you may have as many as you want. Include a fireplace in the master bedroom and the living room.
Zero-clearance fireplaces are ideal for locations such as garages, sheds, basements, and attics that you want to transform into living and functional spaces within or around the home.
These heaters are suitable for heating a man cave, woman shed, basement theatre room, or children’s hangout place due to their high energy efficiency and low cost.
How Do Zero-Clearance Fireplaces Work?
In essence, zero-clearance fireplaces are prefabricated fireboxes. Essentially, they are self-contained modules that may be fitted in residences with considerably lower sizes.
In addition, they may be put safely within a few inches of combustible items, such as walls, offering homeowners a great lot of placement options.
The fireplaces are easy and inexpensive to install since they do not require a hearth or other brick structures.
Except for the installation of ventilation pipes, they are practically operational. A fireplace installation in an older home may be quick, easy, and inexpensive.
There are several types of zero clearance fireplaces, including gas, pellet-burning, and wood-burning fireplaces. You may also opt for a zero-clearance electric fireplace.
Some zero clearance fireplaces are up to 70 percent energy-efficient, resulting in considerable energy savings for homeowners.
And fireplaces will improve the visual appeal and practicality of the home. Adding a fireplace or many fireplaces to your home is a good investment.
This is a wonderful approach to improving the practicality and beauty of a home, which is something that many homeowners want. Designers may help homeowners determine where to build a fireplace so as not to disrupt the home’s flow.
How To Customize Your Fireplace
Due to the fact that a zero-clearance fireplace can be positioned virtually anywhere in a home, the fireplace can have a firebox-like appearance.
Using fireplace surrounds, custom-designed mantels, and other items, you can create a fireplace that looks to have been made for your home.
Masonry (see also ‘What Is A Masonry Fireplace?‘) or mosaic work is the most effective method for creating the illusion that the fireplace was built into the property.
A hardwood mantel is perfect for defining space around the fireplace, whilst a stone mantel will give the fireplace a traditional and refined look.
Custom-painted trim and other components may improve the aesthetic of a fireplace (check out an article on how to paint your fireplace surround here).
By creating a custom-built space around the zero clearance fireplace with a mantle, fireplace doors, and a defined area such as a hearth, the firebox will resemble a regular fireplace.
You may appreciate the fireplace’s beauty and warmth without worrying about the dangers connected with a traditional fireplace.
In addition, you won’t need to clear your chimney many times a year to preserve the fireplace’s performance. The zero clearance fireplace provides the best of all possible fireplace worlds.
You can work with a designer or develop a style that exactly suits the room in which the fireplace is located.
Why Should I Get A Zero-Clearance Fireplace?
Numerous factors make zero-clearance fireplaces appealing to homeowners. From its energy efficiency to the abundance of installation options, the homeowner benefits of zero clearance fireplaces are as follows:
Excellent Design Choices
Flexible fireboxes that may sit flush against wood, stone, concrete, and other surfaces. These fireplaces can be installed in settings where a conventional fireplace would not be authorized.
Thus, you may transfer the appeal and coziness of a fireplace into any room.
Generally, there should be one inch for every square foot of room size to guarantee that the fireplace is appropriate to the space and produces sufficient heat to make the room comfortable.
If you are purchasing a zero-clearance fireplace to heat an unheated garage or media room, you may choose to increase the size of the firebox by one or two inches to improve its heat output.
Affordability
Zero clearance fireplaces are simple and inexpensive to install since they require minimal ventilation pipe to operate safely. In contrast, electric models require no ventilation ducting at all.
Even with the cost of a custom mantel, glass doors, and other accessories, these fireplaces may be swiftly and economically installed.
If you want to make your house more desirable for Christmas parties and Santa, you may have them installed before the holiday season.
If you want to create a magnificent retreat in your master bedroom and a cozy location for family to gather around the fireplace in your living room, you can afford to have more than one created.
Simple To Install
Finally, homeowners with older homes that were not initially designed with fireplaces may safely and affordably install fires in their bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, and other areas to experience the pleasure and warmth of a fire.
If you like to create a truly luxurious hideaway, you may even install one in the bathroom.
Call immediately to talk with a designer about the options and availability of zero-clearance fireplaces and to determine the cost of having the fireplace you’ve always wanted to be installed in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Zero-Clearance Fireplaces Safe To Use?
Of course, but as always each manufacturer will have guidelines to follow. These may vary slightly by manufacturer and change dramatically depending on the type of fireplace (i.e. gas, electric, bio ethanol or wood burning).
How Does The Efficiency Of A Zero-Clearance Fireplace Compare To That Of A Traditional Fireplace?
Due to the design they tend to be more energy efficient than a traditional masonry fireplace.
They are more efficient due to better insulation and the unit is better sealed. All of this reduces heat loss. Most are also available with fans and thermostat controls, again helping to improve efficiency.
Final Thoughts
A home with a zero-clearance fireplace is more valuable. However, you will always be required to keep your chimney and fireplace clean. This includes a chimney sweep and inspection to remove soot and debris from the flue of your chimney.
There are several zero-clearance fireplace designs available. The traditional style is reminiscent of stone fireplaces from the past. Wood, gas logs, or inserts may be used to heat conventional fireplaces.
Modern designs are intended to be more efficient space heaters. The doors of these fireplaces are often made of cast iron to prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney.
Hi, I am Stevie Morris. As a qualified electrician, I have installed countless electric fires and worked on projects with all types of fireplaces, including wood burning, bioethanol, and gas installations.
By working hands-on with different brands, you quickly become an expert on the best fireplaces and those you should avoid.
My family also owns the largest online retailer of fire pits and outdoor fireplaces in the UK. Although not part of the family business, I regularly help when needed.
I hope you can benefit from my experience and impartiality, which I have gained from installing fireplaces and seeing the family's fire pit business grow.
