FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
1. Why should I choose a masonry
fireplace over a metal fireplace?
Masonry fireplaces offer numerous
benefits over a metal fireplace including:
Substantial aesthetic advantage
Far greater heating ability (heat
reflection)
Longer useful lifespan by more than
double that of a metal box
Elimination of fire hazard of metal
fireplaces as masonry is far superior for heat containment.
2. Are there disadvantages of
masonry/brick and mortar fireplaces?
A few potential disadvantages of a brick
and mortar (traditional masonry) fireplace include:
Traditional brick and mortar fireplaces
that rely on the engineering skills of a mason can be quite
costly and lack the specific pre-engineering of the Fire Rock
system and therefore cannot ensure a quality built, properly
functioning fireplace as Fire Rock can.
Fire Rock has been tested to U. L.
Standards. The comparative ease of installation relative to
brick and mortar, correct installation and proper functioning
are virtually assured. At roughly half the cost of traditional
masonry, Fire Rock is the clear choice.
3. How does the heating property of
traditional masonry compare with that of Fire Rock?
Traditional brick and mortar can
actually absorb heat from the fire as well as expand and
contract with the varying temperature demands causing the
fireplace to wear down more quickly.
Fire Rock products are ‘refractory’,
meaning the heat is actually reflected back into the home and
the product does not expand and contract, thus promoting
greater durability.
4. If I choose to spend the money for a
masonry fireplace, why should I choose a pre-engineered
component fireplace over a brick and mortar fireplace?
The pre-engineered nature of the Fire
Rock system ensures a quicker, problem free installation
resulting in proper draught every time and eliminates
potential mason installation error.
5. How does the cost of Fire Rock
compare to the cost of a site-built traditional brick and mortar
fireplace?
Fire Rock is generally half the cost of
site-built masonry.
6. How quickly can Fire Rock be
installed?
Normal installations can be finished in
one day. Complicated installations (stacked boxes, twisted
flues, etc.) can be done in less than three days but would
take a mason weeks.
7. What types of veneers can I
put on a Fire Rock fireplace?
The superior insulating
properties of the Fire Rock material allow it to be veneered
with any material including rock, brick, man-made stone,
stucco or even sheetrock. Be sure to follow the installation
guidelines regarding clearance for combustibles.
8. How do I get a Fire Rock
fireplace installed?
Your local distributor will
either have in-house installation capabilities or can refer
you to a certified installation crew.
9. How much do Fire Rock
components weigh?
Each kit is comprised of a
variety of different sized parts weighing from 30 pounds to up
to 200 pounds. Only the very few heavier pieces require two
people to lift them.
10. What type of unique
support is required for Fire Rock?
The Fire Rock system requires
the same type of support that would be used in the
construction of a brick and mortar fireplace due to the
finished weight of the product.
Fire Rock requires a
non-combustible base. If built over a basement or crawl space,
this can be accomplished either using concrete blocks or steel
columns that would support a concrete pad typically poured by
your installer. If Fire Rock is being installed on an existing
slab, it requires a twelve-inch footing.
The Vent-free product may be
installed on a wood floor with no special foundation
requirements.
11. What sizes are available
in Fire Rock products?
There are four standard product
sizes with finished opening widths of 30", 36", 42" or 48",
all of which are 33" high. These sizes are customizable with
the use of a height extension kit to create a higher opening.
12. Is any type of venting or
glass front needed for the Vent Free models?
Unlike metal boxes, no special
venting (i.e. B-vent) is required for the Fire Rock Vent-free
model.
A glass front is not needed
either.
13. Does the inside of the
firebox come finished, if not, what can I finish it with?
To achieve the finished look of
true masonry, the Fire Rock product may be lined with
firebrick. Some alternative materials area also available such
as rock or brick. Your local Fire Rock distributor can assist
you in locating firebrick, which is available at your local
masonry supply yard.
14. Can Fire Rock support a
brick or rock load above the roof line?
Another positive benefit of the
Fire Rock system is the Bricking Flange. This component allows
a masonry veneer above the roofline without having to build a
special support structure all the way through the house. The
Fire Rock system will also support a traditional chimney pot
or other decorative masonry finish.
15. Can I use a Fire Rock
system as an outdoor fireplace?
The Fire Rock system is ideal
for outdoor application. One of the tests performed in the U.
L. certification is a freeze-thaw test. So not only will the
Fire Rock system not deteriorate due to freezing and thawing.
More importantly, a masonry structure obviously will not rust
when exposed to the outdoor elements.
16. Can I burn alternate fuels
in my Fire Rock system?
Fire Rock is approved for all
fuels, gas, wood or coal. The insulating properties of the
Fire Rock product have been tested to 2100 degrees and none of
these fuels will burn this hot. The Vent-free Fire Rock
product must be coupled with an A.N.S.I. approved vent-free
gas log appliance.
