There are a few ways to tell: Check the back of the fireplace, if the screws are new that’s a tell tale sign that the fireplace is new or some of it may have been replaced. Check the detail: On an original the detail should be crisp and clear. Repro’s are made from moulds and some detail can be lost.
How do I know if my fireplace is Victorian? Victorian fireplaces and fire surrounds are typically very functional in design – built around very simple architectural shapes such as a rectangle or an arch. There is no hint of the Palladian echoes of Greek or Roman influence.
Then, How do you tell if a fireplace is behind a wall? See if you can remove it and look inside with a torch to get an idea of how deep it is. If you hold a flame under it and it is drawn towards the opening, this is a sign you have a working chimney. Finally, you could also check pulling back your floor covering to see if there is a hearth present.
Why do homes have chimneys but no fireplace? Chimneys are most common in houses built before 1900 when older furnaces needed chimneys to remove fumes from the house. As steam, gas, and electric heating became more popular, fireplaces were no longer necessary. They just became another place where heat could escape.
FAQ
Why is there a chimney but no fireplace?
The original brick utility chimney has been reused as the last part of the flue assembly for a newer gas furnace. If you look in the furnace closet, you will see the metal flue from the furnace entering the side of the brick chimney. An original fireplace has been abandoned and firebox has been filled in.
What did a Victorian fireplace look like? Some Victorian fireplaces had a rather ecclesiastical look with a pointed inner arch above the fire, rather like a church window. The fireplaces were extremely imposing but fortunately, Victorian homes generally had large rooms with high ceilings so the fireplaces did not look too out of place.
What are old fireplace surrounds made of? A fireplace surround, chimneypiece or mantelpiece is the ornamental decoration applied to the aperture of the chimney opening. They were made in a variety of sizes and material such as cast iron, marble, stone, slate or wood.
What era is a tiled fireplace? If the nineteenth century fireplace was the cast iron design, then the twentieth century fireplace was the tiled design. It was towards the end of the Victorian period that fireplaces took on new stylistic features, including tiles and simpler patterns, that later became characteristic of the Edwardian Era.
Do I need a chimney cap if I don’t have a fireplace?
Although a chimney will function without a chimney cap, it’s best to have one. Without a chimney cap, rain, snow, or other detritus can enter your chimney unhampered, causing damage to your house. It also keeps embers from escaping the chimney, preventing roof fires.
Do chimney balloons work? How does it work? Chimneys act like giant hoovers, sucking air out of your home. This causes cold air to be pulled in from other gaps, causing the cold draughts we notice. The Chimney Balloon effectively blocks the chimney, stopping warm air from escaping and stopping cold air from getting in.
How do you Unbrick a fireplace?
If the fireplace has been filled in with bricks, start from the vent and slowly knock out a few at a time with a club hammer and bolster chisel. You may find it easier to remove the plaster from the area first and then chip out the bricks, one by one, once you can see where the mortar joints are.
Can you remove an unused chimney? WARNING: While it is possible to remove a chimney yourself, it isn’t a good idea unless you have home improvement experience, you’re comfortable performing manual labor up on your roof, and you have a helper nearby to assist you and maintain safety as much as possible from the ground.
Can you install a fireplace without a chimney?
Have you been dreaming about a fireplace but your home doesn’t have a chimney for it? Modern ventless fireplaces, the perfect solution if you want to have a fireplace in your house, apartment, or a condo without a chimney. These vent-free fireplaces provide a convenient, low-cost alternative to traditional fireplaces.
Why do old houses have two chimneys?
In these houses, cooking was often done on one side and heating (with a coal burner or gas heater) done on the other, with both components plugged into a double-barreled brick chimney stack.
Should I block up my fireplace? Plain and simple, DO NOT seal off a chimney or fireplace because you will get a flue full of condensation problems! Even when your fireplace is blocked off airtight you’ll still end up with “hidden” water issues.
What were Edwardian fireplaces made of? Fireplaces in the Edwardian era were typically made from cast iron and as the period progressed fireplaces became taller and slimmer, the decoration became simpler and less complex than designs seen in the late Victorian period.
What era are cast iron fireplaces?
The nineteenth century was the century of the cast iron fireplace. At the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign black cast iron fireplaces became increasingly ornate with intricate designs typically boasting a more floral pattern to the casting. A design that is often replicated in modern day reproduction fireplaces.
How do you wear an unused Victorian fireplace? 16 Ingenious Ways to Style a Non-Working Fireplace
- of 16. Re-Tile It. Old meets new in this living room by Kingston Lafferty Design. …
- of 16. Paint It Black. …
- of 16. Incorporate Logs. …
- of 16. Fake It. …
- of 16. Use a Statement Screen. …
- of 16. Display Artwork. …
- of 16. Arrange Flowers. …
- of 16. Fill It With Vintage Books.
What material is best for fireplace surround?
Granite for Fireplaces
Perhaps the most popular option for a fireplace surround, granite is one of the most durable materials you can buy. It’s extremely scratch resistant, unlikely to crack or chip, and it has good heat tolerance. Granite is suitable for gas or wood burning fireplaces.
What is the space above the fireplace called? In modern usage, mantel refers to a shelf above a fireplace and mantle refers to a cloak or covering.
How do I choose a fireplace surround?
Mantel Size: The height, depth and width of the mantel is important. When selecting a fireplace mantel, consider the style and size of the room. You don’t want the mantel to overpower the fireplace or the room. A large surround works best in a large room.
What era were marble fireplaces? Fireplaces in the early Victorian era were a very grand affair in wealthy households. To display their status, fireplace surrounds were often made from marble and featured ornate carvings to show off their style.
How do I sell my fireplace?
You have a couple of options now;
- Sell it to the expert you contacted or another reclamation company. Just google “architectural salvage” and your area to see who’s near.
- Sell it online. There are many different sites available for you to sell your unwanted fireplace. eBay is the most obvious one, another is Gumtree.
