As in past centuries, fireplaces in country houses symbolize wealth and prosperity, along with aristocracy. It is not surprising that all summer residents and owners of country houses dream of installing a fireplace. The best option for displaying sophistication is a brick portal. However, it has a high cost, takes up a lot of space and must be equipped with a heavy foundation. Therefore, many people prefer to install cast iron portals, which are a good alternative to brick fireplaces.
Dignity
Cast iron fireplaces, which are produced by factories, are already completely ready for installation. If you purchase this option, you can significantly save on the services of a professional stove-maker and provide your home with protection from an accident that may occur due to mistakes during construction work.
Due to their low weight, stoves for summer cottages do not require a powerful foundation when installing equipment and they can simply be installed on the floor. On sale there are small options for fireplaces for country houses, which can be placed on the upper floors.
It is worth noting the mobility of such equipment. You can easily move your portal to another room, transport it to the country house, or replace it with a more modern version.
Cast iron fireboxes are better than the steel version. This is confirmed by the following qualities:
- such a fireplace is smaller in comparison with a steel structure, while it is heavier, since it uses cast monolithic components;
- heat resistance. The cast iron firebox is able to withstand high temperatures without deforming the body;
- long service life;
- efficiency in work. Cast iron heats up quickly enough and cools slowly, which guarantees excellent heat transfer. Thanks to this, it is excellent for heating homes;
- a fireplace stove for the home is able to ensure uninterrupted operation. They work in the same way as other long burning stoves.
It is worth noting that if you pay special attention to the aesthetic side, then a steel fireplace is suitable for you. For efficient work, purchase cast iron fireboxes.
Varieties
Cast iron fireplaces can be divided into several varieties, which will differ in functionality, location, type of fuel. There are fireplaces for heating, heating and cooking models and fireplaces with a water circuit. It is also possible to purchase cast iron, which has many useful characteristics.
For small rooms, there are mini options. Such a small fireplace has good heat-holding characteristics and is capable of heating small rooms. Some people decide to make their own fireplaces.
For example, making fireplaces with your own hands from a cast-iron bath is popular. Such a potbelly stove will be in demand at your summer cottage and will be able to perform several functions, including being used for cooking in the oven.
Many buyers leave their reviews about cast iron fireplaces, on the basis of which you can make an overview of the rating of the most popular types of fireplaces.
Wood burning
A cast iron fireplace with wood is in demand in summer cottages and in private houses. In most cases, they play the role of an additional source of heating. Such units are able to decorate the room and give it a little presentability.
Any type of solid fuel can be used in this type of portal, but wood is considered the most popular. People who use a wood-burning fireplace explain that watching a fireplace where wood is tortured brings an indescribable feeling of peace and pleasure.
Directly firewood makes it possible to use a secondary afterburner for efficient heating.
Gas
Gas fireplaces are analogous to standard models. This unit uses natural gas as fuel, as well as cylinders with propane-butane. Gas fireplaces differ in their design from wood-burning models, since gas does not emit a solid combustion product during combustion. There is no ash pan and grate in these furnaces.
There are various shapes of fireplaces in stores, depending on your preferences, you can purchase a round boiler, square or rectangular.
With a water circuit
The most efficient fireplaces for heating are units with heat exchangers. They have a coil that disperses the heated water throughout the building and heats it. You can also use hot water for domestic needs.
Coal
The principle of operation of a coal cast iron fireplace is completely identical with wood-burning appliances. If we talk about aesthetic beauty, then such a stove is less attractive, because coal contributes to the appearance of dirt in the room. However, from the point of view of economy, these furnaces are more profitable, since one load of coal is enough for a day of operation.
In such models, they are equipped with a grate of several types:
- tiled. These are rectangular units that are used for a solid fuel boiler;
- basket. If you want to admire an open hearth, this is the best option. They are mainly used for food preparation;
- beam. The name itself speaks of the similarity with a building beam. They have a type of typesetting design, in which there are double and single parts. They are ideal if you need to assemble a grate of non-standard parameters;
- movable. The design of such a lattice allows you to change the width of the opening, which is often not enough during installation.
Heating and cooking
For those who wish to install a fireplace in a room that is combined with a kitchen, this option will be the most optimal. This model is able to replace the traditional kitchen stove, while maintaining the decorative properties of open currents. These modern fireplaces are used not only for cooking but also for space heating.
Device and principle of operation
The following elements are present in modern cast iron fireplaces:
- firebox. It is made of cast iron.
- radiator. This part is also made of cast iron. It is a side part of the firebox, the purpose of which is to move heated air into the room;
- door. Most of the doors are made of cast iron and have glass inserts;
- the outer side of the fireplace portal can be lined with natural or artificial stone, brick and other materials that have refractory properties;
- chimney. This component is an obligatory part of the fireplace, which cannot be installed in a city apartment.
When choosing a firebox, consider its type. It can be open or closed. The firebox with fireproof glass is very popular. This option can protect you and your pets from burns.
Due to the detailed design, such glass is not subject to the formation of soot and has a high performance.
If you use this option, you should install a main heating system in addition to the fireplace. She will be responsible for heating the room, and the fireplace in this case works as a decorative component of the interior.
When you purchase a cast iron fireplace, each model has its own instructions, which describe the rules of operation and the design of the unit.
Installation
You can do the installation of the fireplace yourself, but for safety reasons, it is recommended to contact a professional. However, having basic knowledge on how to make the correct installation of the portal will help you not only during the work itself, but also for choosing the location of the unit and for preliminary calculations:
- Since the fireplace is heavy, a solid floor with a concrete screed is required. When carrying out facing work, the fireplace should be located at the level of the finished floor, so foresee this moment in advance.
- Pay special attention to the wall behind the fireplace. It must be separated from communication lines and equipped with fireproof materials.
- If the wall is external, don't forget about thermal insulation.
- If your stove does not have a glass door, install a glass screen in front of the firebox. A metal decorative grill is also suitable.
- The chimney should be installed vertically in relation to the fireplace. Pipe slope may be present, depending on installation capabilities.
Chimney
The chimney is an important element in any fireplace, so special attention should be paid to it. It is necessary to decide in advance where the chimney will be located, and which type is suitable for your room.
The installation of the chimney is carried out with special insulation so that when the pipe comes into contact with the walls of the building, overheating does not occur. To increase fire safety, the ceiling should be covered with a fireproof material. In some stoves, you can install a damper, which is located at the very beginning of the chimney. A distinctive feature of the gate valve is that, by its design, it is not capable of closing the chimney opening, which helps to completely avoid the formation of a closed volume and carbon monoxide gases.
In old boilers, the exhaust of warm air was provided not only by the chimney, but also by air vents, as well as vents. All openings that provided air exchange were closed with shutters or grilles and were manually adjusted. This method made it possible to control the flow of air flows and prevent drafts.
Today, modern chimneys can cope with this task, in which the draft can be regulated.
Fuel types
Because cast iron is a durable material, a wide variety of fuels can be used. Each has its own merits and demerits.
The most popular fuel is wood. When burned, the wood material creates a pleasant smell of smoke, which gives off heat well and crackles. It is recommended to use firewood in fireplaces that has been stored in a dry room for at least 1.5 years. It is best to use hardwoods such as aspen, oak, beech, plum and ash.
Coal and charcoal, anthracite, peat and coke also generate enough heat when burned, but are not accompanied by aroma and crackling. If you plan to use lignite or bituminous coal, then you need to improve the fireplace with a grate and a lid that will cover the firebox.
If you have chosen a gas cast iron boiler, natural methane or liquefied gas is suitable for it. This option does not require stocking up of fuel and cleaning the firebox with a chimney. The combustion process is controlled by an automatic system, and a thermostat is responsible for the temperature.
Having studied the types of fuel for fireplaces, you can purchase a fireplace portal with a set of necessary functions that will suit you the most.
Finishing and design
To decorate a cast-iron fireplace, you can use various framing options, among which you can choose the one that matches the interior of your room:
If you like a classic design, you can finish with red brick, using clay or heat-resistant mortars for masonry.
Aerated concrete is an economical option. It is important to know that this type of material reduces heat transfer. Plasterboard belongs to the category of cheap cladding, in combination with which additional insulation should be provided for the body and other heating parts.
Marble slabs are popular, which blend perfectly with classic interiors. Consideration should be given to thermal insulation, as cracks may appear when using marble.
The purchase of a fireplace will add charm and a touch of grace to your room, and a well-chosen finish will help you create a unique design in your home.
