Fireboxes, for masonry fireplaces, are traditionally made of firebrick. Firebrick are made to withstand the heat produced during the combustion process. Over time, the bricks become brittle and begin to breakdown. Chimneys, flue tiles, and fireboxes, are like any appliance, they wear down and break. When this occurs, there are only a few options you have, if you want to keep your fireplace a traditional wood burning unit. You can choose to have the old firebox removed and replaced using new firebrick, or you can have an Ahren-Fire fireplace installed.
When we notice that the firebox has deteriorated and is in need of repair, most often, we will recommend a traditional firebox rebuild. This requires us to tear out the existing firebrick. We then replace it using new firebrick and refractory mortar. This is usually a two day process. Fireboxes are not built like a normal brick structure, they are shaped and slope inward. The reason for this is to help with draft and to radiate heat. Fireplaces, in the past, where built for two reasons, ambiance and heat. The way that the firebox is built will make a difference as to how much radiant heat is pushed out in to the room. Most traditional fireboxes are not built for heating purposes and should not be used to heat the home, they are typically used for the ambiance. If you are looking to have your fireplace assist with heating your home, we would recommend the Ahren-Fire.
Ahren-Fire fireplaces are made to radiate heat back into the home. Ahren-Fire fireplaces are made by Ahrens Chimney Company in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The unique design of the Ahren-Fire, allows for the radiant heat to be transferred out into the room while the smoke goes up and out of the house in the flue. The Ahren-Fire comes in several different sizes so we can install it into almost any firebox. The Ahren-Fire is a very effective way to keep a more traditional look. It also allows for you to enjoy the sounds of a fire and heat your home at the same time, unlike a wood burning insert.