Masonry Magazine December 2010 Page. 22
Adjustable Hood.
Photo courtesy of Clear Skies Chimited
History Lesson:
The Masonry Fireplace
The masonry fireplace has been the backdrop for holiday celebrations, weddings and romantic winter evenings. However, that could change as events unfold that could put an end to the wood burning masonry fireplace as we know it.
As the saying goes, "In the beginning, there was fire," and for the next five thousand years, the wood fire became a central theme of family life. The ancient fire pit began as a simple hole in the ground, where the tribe would gather around a wood burning fire in the evening. As mankind became a little more inventive, the fire pit was reinforced with mud and rock. Then, ancient man moved indoors and more elaborate wood burning designs were developed. Indoor air quality became an issue, so a hole in the roof was added to allow the wood smoke to properly vent to the outdoors. This was man's first attempt at fireplace venting and indoor air quality.
BY DAVE KELLY
20 MASONRY
December 2010 www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry