Masonry Magazine October 1982 Page. 17
BIA Technical Notes
on Brick Construction
Brick Institute of America 1750 Old Meadow Road. McLean, Virginia 22102
Revised April 1980
RESIDENTIAL FIREPLACES
DESIGN
**Abstract:** The considerations and recommendations for the design of residential wood-burning fireplaces are addressed. The design recommendations are limited to single-face fireplaces, and concepts for increased fireplace efficiency as a supplementary heating unit. Also, recommendations for the selection of materials as they relate to the design of fireplaces are discussed.
**Key Words:** bricks, building codes, damper, design, energy efficiency, fireclay, fireplace, heating, masonry, mortar.
INTRODUCTION
In the recent past, the fireplace was mostly decorative and seldom used for heating. Recently there has been a revival of the use of the fireplace as a supplementary heating source. This increased use requires that fireplaces again be built more functional and substantial.
Fireplaces today are becoming more frequently used for long periods of time at high operating temperatures. These higher temperatures can cause problems unless more care is taken in the design.
Due to the complex nature of the combustion process and the varying rates at which fuel is consumed, development of test methods that take into account all of the possible variables affecting fireplace performance has just begun. Since testing of fireplace assemblages is a relatively new trend, most of the design recommendations in this Technical Notes are based on past performance of successful fireplaces. Hence, fireplace design is not an exact science, instead it is an empirical art to be applied with judgment.
Along with the revival of the fireplace as a heating source, several new concepts have been developed which can increase the energy efficiency of conventional fireplaces. Also, old successful concepts that were discarded when fireplaces became mostly decorative are being rediscovered.
The purpose of this Technical Notes is to provide information for the design of successful wood-burning fireplaces and to introduce some concepts that can increase their efficiency. Other Technical Notes in this series discuss detailing and construction of residential fireplaces, the design of residential chimneys and commercial chimneys.
TYPES OF FIREPLACES
General
Brick Institute of America
April 1980
There are several distinct types of residential fireplaces currently in use. Within each of these general classifications, there are many individual designs, but the basic principles are similar.
Single-Face
Single-face fireplaces have been in use for many centuries. Records show their development through most of the major architectural periods. A great deal of the available information as to proper opening, damper and flue sizes has been empirically developed.
Single-face fireplaces can be very efficient heating units. The amount of radiated and reflected heat produced increases with the amount of brick masonry surface area exposed close to the fire. Thus, when the opening is limited to a single face the amount of brick masonry surface area exposed to the energy of the fire and its distance from the fire can result in the maximum amount of reflected and radiated heat. The mass of the brick in the combustion chamber also stores more heat for radiation after the fire is out.
Rumford Fireplaces
Rumford Fireplaces. The Rumford fireplace is a single-face fireplace, featuring widely splayed sides, a shallow back and a high opening. In the search for more energy-efficient fireplaces, the Rumford design is being reexamined.
Recent performance tests indicate that the radiated and reflected heat projected into the heated room from a Rumford fireplace is very high. Information for the design of Rumford fireplaces is provided in other Technical Notes of this series.