Here are a series of photos that could give you some ideas
of what can be done to change an existing fireplace.
Pictured below is a BIS Security hi-efficiency fireplace that
was installed with a full brick face in 1987. The owner wanted
to update the look and increase the size and burn time of the
fireplace. The Quadrafire 7100 fireplace was a good candidate
for this remodel. The 7100 fireplace would fit the same framing
depth as the old fireplace and in addition a heat zone kit was
added to the new fireplace to blow heat into the basement. In
addition a return air system for the fireplace blower was used.
This allows the fireplace blower to draw air from the back portion
of the home which in turn helps draw the heat from the fireplace
thru out the home.
This next photo shows the Quadrafire 7100 fireplace as it is
being installed. All of the brick down to the subfloor has been
removed as well as the old fireplace and existing flue pipe.
The new fireplace has been installed along with the additional
outside air venting, blower return air pipe and heat zone kit.
The next two photos show details of the heat zone kit that
comes off the top of the unit and goes down under the hearth
into the basement. The heat zone kit consists of a heat register,
in this case in the ceiling of the basement, with a variable
speed blower in it. It will raise the temperature of the basement
4-6 degrees after several hours of running.
Below is the completed installation. The fireplace now has
a new Centurion stone front and a new custom made quarter sawn
oak mantle. Note that there are now no heat registers above
the mantle as in the before photo. This allows more versatility
in decorating the mantle area.
Below is a wider view of the installation Note to the left
of the fireplace is a Harman XXV pellet stove. Also notice that
the fireplace and the pellet stove have been repainted Golden
Fire Brown rather than the customary standard black. This bronze
like color compliments the color of the stone and warm earth
tone colors in the room.
The home owner reports that the fireplace is currently heating
this entire 1500 sq ft home even in the coldest of winter without
using the whole house furnace. It accepts logs from 23”
to 27” long and will hold a fire up to 12 hours on a single
load of wood. There is no need for a fire grate, the logs burn
directly on the firebrick floor. Another option not shown for
this fireplace is a detachable fire screen for open viewing.
7100 Quadrafire fireplace
installation in an existing alcove.
Here is a view
before the project was started. When the home was originally
built, a fireplace had been planned for but not installed. Instead
there was just an alcove created along with a passageway called
a chimney chase to run the flue pipe thru.
Here is a photo of the unit installed before the wall is closed
up. Notice that a platform to raise the unit has been built
and the flue pipe is connected. Electrical wiring has been run
for the blower at this stage.
At this stage the fireplace has been covered over with drywall
and the metal mesh called lath has been screwed to the wall
and hearth in preparation for the stone to mortared onto. Notice
the board to mount the mantel has been attached to the wall
and an electrical wire is in place to put an electrical outlet
above the mantel. I suggest an outlet be installed above any
mantel to be used for holidays lighting and decorations.
Stoning is now in process. The stones are mortared on the back
side and applied to the wall. After this stage, mortar is put
between the joints, allowed to set and then raked and smoothed
to create the mortar joint.
Completed project. This fireplace has the “Mission Hill”
face front with the nickel accented doors. Note the mortar joints
are not completely cured, in several days they completely lighten
in color and dry out.
Zero Clearance Fireplace
Reface Doors
A complete fireplace renovation in one, easy-to-install step.
Before and After
Pictured here is a direct vent gas fireplace in our
showroom. We have taken
a simple inexpensive gas fireplace like you may have in your
own home
and upgraded the appearance reface door that is simple to install
with a magnetic mounting system.
The reface door show here has a arch window pane design and
the finish is
Bronzed Iron. These doors can be custom made in any size and
finish to
match your existing fireplace.
Every reface door is unique: specially made for each fireplace
by
custom-sizing the frame and louvers to fit perfectly. The rare
earth
magnets allow the frame to attach firmly and easily.
Transform your “black box” into a showpiece!
Quadrafire 7100 fireplace installed and
shown with a Pearl Auburn mantel.
This is a Harman Accentra pellet burning fireplace
insert that has been installed into a 42” Superior prefab
fireplace. To accomplish this, the existing fireplace floor
had to be cut out and removed to make the opening taller to
allow the unit to slip inside. This is a permanent modification
and the fireplace cannot be reconverted back to wood burning.
A 4” stainless steel flue liner was attached to the pellet
insert and then run to the top of the existing wood burning
flue. Note this insert has been repainted Goldenfire Brown from
its original black color. This softens the look and matches
the earth tone colors in the room.
