FAQ
What is the main difference regarding efficiency between a gas fireplace and the Firecast?
Most gas units will only produce a small amount of heat. A typical gas fireplace may produce 35000 btu, but generally, all wood heaters far exceed gas units in terms of btu. So the Firecast would far exceed that rating. Open fireplaces don't have btu 'ratings' (because btu's fluctuate between species and dryness of wood), but The Firecast will typically reach and maintain temperatures of 1300º C (900º degrees F), with virtually total combustion. A Firecast Fireplace will easily heat a 1000sqft room. Temperature increases by 10º within an hour are common with the Firecast.
HOW DOES A FIRECAST FIREPLACE COMPARE TO A CONVENTIONAL BRICK FIREPLACE IN TERMS OF EFFICIENCY AND PERFORMANCE? IS THERE REALLY MUCH DIFFERENCE ?
The Key to the Firecast being a better choice than a site built masonry fireplace is the firebox. The design and materials raise the firebox temperatures far exceeding a laid up firebrick firebox. The fact that an 8" diameter pipe can be installed onto the cast smoke chamber is a real asset in chimney restoration or repair.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL THE FIRECAST INSERT?
The installation can be done in as little as two to three hours (not including the facing). Our facing can be mounted within an hour.
Does my fireplace facing need to be removed to install the Firecast LINER or Firecast MASONRY SYSTEM?
The Firecast Insert consists of our casted backbrick and hearth, which are both easily retrofitted into your firebox without altering your fireplace facing. The Firecast Masonry Insert is more involved requiring a a Wood Heat Technician to install the smoke chamber and connect it to a flue, and your facing would most likely need to be altered. We manufacture a beautiful cast facing, The Castface. It’s a three piece casting that is very simple to install and would give you a code complying facing.
What is the difference between a Firecast INSERT and a Firecast MASONRY SYSTEM?
The Firecast Insert repairs and upgrades an old or damaged firebox with our hearth, backbrick liner and sideflares if needed. The Firecast Masonry System repairs and upgrades old fireplaces that have smoke chambers and chimneys in disrepair or installs as a new fireplace for new construction. Includes our hearth, backbrick liner, casted smoke chamber, pipe adaptor, damper and side flares.
HOW MUCH SPACE CAN A FIRECAST FIREPLACE HEAT?
The Firecast Fireplace can heat up to 1500 sq ft.
WHAT CAN I DO FOR A Facing ?
We offer a beautiful arched facing. The Firecast Castface can be left raw or it can be finished with slate, granite, marble, limestone or soapstone.
Glass doors ?
Glass doors can be installed with the Firecast, but are not advised, due to the high firebox temperatures. If glass doors are utilized, the same glass (pyroceram) used in wood stoves must be used.
As a homeowner, can I install the Firecast Insert myself?
Chimney Sweeps are your best choice for the installation of the Firecast Insert. If you are capable, or as a sweep, not yet used to our system, Firecast can easily walk you through the installation. We have a template for checking your firebox requirements.
As a homeowner, can I install the Firecast Masonry system myself?
The Firecast Masonry System installation is more involved, regarding the removal of the damaged firebox and the flue connection, and should be done by a Chimney Sweep or Stone Mason. Firecast can direct this installation.
Do I need to buy Insulation?
High Temp insulation is provided with the Firecast kits. In the case of the Masonry System additional insulating material may have to be ordered. With regard to ridgid stainless flue liner installed into a masonry chimney, the use of either a ceramic blanket or a refractory insulation material would be an optional upgrade to achive warmer flue temperatures in colder climates. Cold flue temperatures incur condensation causing creosote.