Vs. Metal
For the quality and appearance that matches the value of your home, there is no substitute for a masonry fireplace. While prefab metal fireplaces are easy to install, FireRock fireplaces provide both ease of installation and the quality of mason, resulting in a better overall value for your new home or outdoor living project.
Appearance
- Metal fireplaces are designed to imitate masonry fireplaces. However, even a high end metal fireplace will have an exposed metal flange, faux firebrick, and an unsightly metal chimney. FireRock fireplaces feature an all masonry design, true firebrick, and support for brick and stone veneer on the chimney.
- The cost of manufacturing steel fireplaces increases rapidly with the size of the firebox. As a result, most prefab fireplaces are small and shallow. Pre-engineered masonry fireplaces do not have this same limitation. FireRock fireplaces feature a deep 22.5″ opening. This is much larger than most metal fireplaces and creates a more sophisticated appearance in any room.
Durability
- Because they are made of metal, all prefab inserts are susceptible to rust. Water can easily contact the fireplace from rain through the chimney, moisture in the air, or condensation on the firebox itself. In addition to ruining the appearance of your fireplace, rust blemishes can compromise the strength of the firebox and create a fire hazard.
- Metal fireplaces are not designed to handle very hot fires or consistent use. Because metal naturally fatigues and cracks when exposed to heat, many prefab metal fireplaces have to be replaced within the first 5-10 years of use, or even sooner. FireRock masonry fireplaces have a life expectancy of at least 100 years and come with a 20 year warranty.
Performance
- Heat passes through metal. As a result, prefab fireplaces tend to leak heat through the back and sides of the fireplace. Because so much heat is wasted, it can be difficult to heat a room with a prefab fireplace. FireRock’s propriety mix of pumice, cement, and other materials limits the heat that escapes from the back and maximizes the heat reflected into a room.
