What to Know About Fireplaces
Though the weather outside may beg otherwise, we would argue that every day of the year, seeing a warm fire through the windows of neighbours brings a smile to your face. That is, if you work with a company like Valley Windows who ensures that the windows, we’re mentioning are the best that you can find. That’s a story for another time, but we do pride ourselves on both loving and being very knowledgeable about many parts of your home. So today, let’s talk about fireplaces. Here’s what you need to know, regardless of the style of your home.
Historically, they have always been a functional piece of home design – a way to create and store heat, especially in more primitive examples of architecture. Over time they’ve become more of an aesthetic focal point in all matter of houses – both large and small, sometimes not even used at all, and sometimes turned on to highlight holidays of the season or during social gatherings. They are an investment, both in the building process and also if and how you use them. But as with all investments, they can be very worth it when done right.
There are a couple of different styles that you can look into:
Wood-burning – Wood-burning fireplaces are the oldest and most timeless and the name pretty much indicates what they do. They’re simple, they’re effective, they’re lower maintenance (unless you’re out chopping the wood yourself). They do bear a higher price tag and need to be cleaned on a regular basis. You will also want to be strategic about the way you design it so that you’re not losing the heat that you’ve worked so hard for, straight up the chimney. And stock up on logs!
Electric – They’re not as cosy and you’ll see them more frequently in newer construction, in part because technology has supported their success. You’re not working with actual flames; you’re working with alternatives that still create the same look… and still provide you heat. They’re cost-effective, require much less maintenance and they’re safer.
Gas – It’s not a wood-burning fireplace, but it gets the job done in different ways. You can design them to look very similar, but you don’t have to burn the wood and you’re dealing with a lot less maintenance. Many love the gas variety because they can use wood alternatives that include glass beads.
Ethanol – A lot of our Valley Windows blog readers live in climates that are consistently warm throughout the year. This is a great option for these audience members. They won’t provide quite as much warmth, but you’ll still be able to enjoy the same experience as any of the other fireplace options that we’ve shared. Easy to install, low cost and all sorts of different styles that you can choose from.
Thinking of looking into installing a fireplace in your home? The Valley Windows team is always available to have the right conversations to ensure you’re making the right decision for your property.