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Heat
Reflector
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Heat
Reflectors have a long history in Europe and have been in use
almost as long as fireplaces themselves! In the old days, Heat
Reflectors were made of cast iron, but modern "Heat Reflector/Shields"
use more efficient materials like 304-alloy stainless steel for better
durability and superior heat reflection! How much more heat? How does
20-42% more heat sound? Heat Reflectors are the next best thing to a
wood stove insert for making a room nice and toasty!
Besides more heat into the room, there is another HUGE ADDED BENEFIT;
Protection for your fireplace! In an unprotected masonry or pre fab
firebox heat is absorbed into the firebox bricks or refractory panels,
and over time, these components break down and fail due to heat
exposure. Fireplace repairs of this nature are often VERY EXPENSIVE. An
average Masonry Firebox Rebuild is around $1800, and a Zero Clearance
Refractory Panel Replacement is around $235!
Fireplaces with a "Heat Reflector/Shield" protecting them will be
exposed to 1/3 less heat, and damage to the fireplace is significantly
reduced or stopped. In essence, you’re getting 33% more
useful life out
  of
your fireplace, and up to 42% more heat projected
into the room!! Due to their popularity, A to Z’s Trucks
carry Heat Reflectors in our vehicles as a standard item. Tell your
Chimney Sweep you want to protect your firebox and get more heat
enjoyment from your fires by purchasing a Heat Reflector today!
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Refractory
Panel Replacement
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Pre Fab or Zero Clearance
Fireplaces (ZC’s) are different
from masonry fireplaces in that they are not made of brick and mortar.
Instead, ZC’s are made out of very thin sheet metal and
refractory cement panels. ZC’s get their name for two simple
reasons; “Pre Fab” because they are a sheet metal
fireplace “pre-fabricated” in a factory.
“Zero Clearance” because there’s very
little “clearance” between the flammable
2X4’s and the metal box. Often flammable 2X4’s are
located within ½ inch of the sheet metal! ! If you were to
light a fire in this box with damaged or missing refractory panels, two
things could happen. First, the metal could get really hot and warp,
thus permanently damaging the fireplace itself. Secondly, and worst of
all, as the metal got hot, you chance having the heat transfer onto the
nearby flammable 2X4 studs, thus catching the house on fire! To keep
this from happening, the Pre Fab Fireplaces have refractory cement
insulating panels in the box which keep the metal cooler. Like any
other household appliance, with use, these panels eventually wear out
and need to be replaced. Heat Reflectors can significantly increase the
lifespan of your panels and are highly suggested--see previous page).
How do you know when replacement is necessary? The rule of thumb is
that once you can either get the edge of a credit card into the crack
or once the panel is cracked all the way through (it flexes when you
press on it lightly), it must be replaced. Also, if no cracks are
visible, but chunks of the cement have fallen off (spalling), it should
be replaced, as well. Continued fires with damaged panels is risky
business, so don’t risk it!! If your panels need replacement,
do not continue to burn fires until damaged panels have been replaced
by a qualified professional.
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ZC
Chimney Pipe Relining and
Repair
 
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ZC
Chimney Re-Lining
If you have a home with a Zero Clearance (ZC) fireplace that has
experienced a chimney fire, often the chimney will sustain damage that
merits a complete replacement of the chimney pipe (Re-Lining). Often
this is a very involved process that begins with removing the pieces on
the very top of the chimney, climbing down into the hollow chase, and
removing the damaged pipe one section at a time. Once the damaged pipe
has been removed, the first section of the new pipe will be connected
to the existing ZC fireplace, along with subsequent sections until the
new chimney runs the entire height of the chase from top to bottom.
Occasionally, some portions of your chimney may not be accessible from
the top. If this is the case, portions of your home’s
exterior siding, stucco or interior drywall will have to be removed.
ZC
Chimney Repair
Most ZC chimney sections are held together with a “twist
lock” or “snap together” joints. When
installed properly, these sections are NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE to separate
without destroying the chimney pipe itself. A properly installed
chimney will not come apart on it’s own or from regular
chimney sweeping. Unfortunately, human error is sometimes present when
a chimney is originally installed (especially in tract housing or
apartment buildings), and some sections may not be fully connected or
snapped together. When it is discovered that the ZC sections have come
apart, they must be put back together before another fire is burned.
The process is much like relining described above except the same
chimney pipe is used when at all possible.
Repairs of this nature are very technical, and care must be taken to
use the proper parts and ensure that minimum clearance to combustibles
are maintained. As such, it is best to ensure only a qualified
professional performs this procedure to ensure your safety. A to Z has
more experience working with ZC Fireplaces and Chimneys than anyone in
the Greater Sacramento Area. Our experienced technicians will ensure
that the job is done right the first time so you can have the piece of
mind knowing your chimney has been Re-Lined properly. IF YOUR ZC
CHIMNEY IS DAMAGED, DO NOT BURN FIRES UNTIL REPAIRS ARE COMPLETED!! |
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