FAQ
Choose a question below
Q: Is FireRock branded mortar required for the installation of FireRock fireplaces and firepits?
A: Althrough there are alternative bonding agents available, FireRock adhesive mortar must be used in order to maintain compliance with UL-127 and ANSI-Z 21.50 testing, and to validate the manufacturer’s limited 20 years warranty.
Q: Where can I buy a FireRock system?
A: You may contact any FireRock dealer or distributor. Click here for a full list of showrooms.
Q: How much does a FireRock fireplace or chimney system cost?
A: While you can be sure a Fire Rock system will always be less than a brick and mortar fireplace and chimney prices may vary due to project scope, specifications and site. Please contact your local distributor or dealer for prices specific to your project.
Q: Can I install my own FireRock fireplace or chimney system?
A: Yes, one of FireRock’s strengths is the fact that our firebox and Solid Block Chimney system is interlocking and simple enough for a reasonably knowledgeable do-it-yourselfer. Manufacturer’s installation instructions must be followed.
Q: Do I ever have to replace my FireRock fireplace?
A: Unlike metal box fireplaces, FireRock is not to be viewed as an appliance that requires replacement, but rather an integral part of your home. If installed and cared for properly, your FireRock unit should last as long as your home.
Q: Can I use FireRock fireplaces as a primary heat source for my home?
A: No, the FireRock fireplaces are not designed to serve as a primary heat source; rather the fireplace was expressly created as a supplemental source of heat.
Q: Is the FireRock fireplace system guaranteed not to spill smoke?
A: No fireplace can be guaranteed not to experience smoke spillage under certain conditions. As these fireplaces are designed and tested for maximum performance, they will offset any exterior atmospheric conditions that may exist. Interior negative pressure can cause performance issues in extreme circumstances. Please consult local code and your builder about the use of an outside air kit.
Q: Can I install my FireRock fireplace on a wood floor?
A: FireRock’s Vent—Free and LiteRock units may be installed on any combustible floor. While Vent-Free units require the use of gas logs, LiteRock accommodates wood or gas logs.
Q: Can a FireRock unit be installed on the second floor of my home?
A: Yes, the FireRock Vent-Free and LiteRock fireplaces has been developed specifically for multi-level applications.
Q: Can a metal chimney be used on FireRock units?
A: Yes. FireRock recommends Simpson Dura Chimney II, a UL-103 compliant, air cooled chimney that is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. FireRock is a distributor for Simpson Dura Chimney II and has it available for your installation should you need it.
Q: Can I vent FireRock fireplace directly out the back of the box?
A: No. FireRock vented units are specifically designed to vent vertically.
Q: Do FireRock fireplaces come with a glass front?
A: No. All FireRock fireplaces are designed as open front units. If glass doors are required by local code or desired, the fireplace must be burned with the glass doors in fully opened position.
Q: Does FireRock offer a fireplace that has openings in the back and front so that I can enjoy it from two different rooms?
A: Yes. FireRock’s See – Through unit has an opening in the back and front, which allows you to enjoy the same fireplace from two rooms. The See – Through model is available for use with a chimney or as a vent-free for use with gas logs. Each type is available in four sizes. Read more about See – Through model.
Q: Can my FireRock fireplace be made to have a taller opening?
A: Absolutely, if your design calls for a taller aspect ratio or an arched-front you may choose a FireRock Rumford firebox or just add a Height Extension Kit to our Conventional firebox. Â Be sure to discuss things like ceiling height, indoor air quality, and overall firebox opening size with your FireRock dealer.
Q: Is there a maximum and/or minimum chimney height for FireRock?
A: Yes, 80′ maximum height and 18′ of chimney components minimum. Please check with local codes and sales representatives for outdoor application requirements.
Q: Can stucco, brick or stone be directly applied to a FireRock fireplace or chimney system?
A: Yes. We recommend the material be scratch-coated or metal lathed prior to the finish application. Please consult your builder or finished application professional.
Q: How can FireRock chimney system be terminated?
A: FireRock chimney systems may be terminated in methods such as a manufactured rain cap, brick or stone veneer cap, or a decorative chimney pot. Please consult your builder or designer for termination needs.
Q: What type of gas logs can be used in a FireRock fireplace system?
A: Vented gas logs can be used with most FireRok fireplace systems. These gas logs range from 50,000 BTU to 100,000 BTU maximum. The Vent-Free Series specifies the use of AGA listed “vent-free” log sets. The vent-free log sets are 40,000 BTU maximum.
Q: Does FireRock sell materials for the exterior of its units?
A: No. FireRock does not produce, manufacture or sell decorative materials to finish the exterior of the units. However, these materials can usually be purchased from a local brick or stone yard.
Q: Can a FireRock fireplace or chimney system be properly installed if cracks exist in the components?
A: Yes. The components can easily be repaired with ECI approved mortar, which will not negatively affect performance or safety. If components are visibly unusable please consult your local sales representative, dealer or distributor.
Q: What size fireplaces does FireRock offer?
A: FireRock fireplaces are available in four sizes: 30″, 36″, 42″ and 48″. Outdoor units are available in all of these sizes except 48″.
Q: Can any FireRock unit be installed inside?
A: Yes, all FireRock styles may be used outside. When choosing a fireplace unit for any outdoor area that has a roofline, it is important to remember that you may not choose a unit from out Outside series. Please make your selection from our Conventional or Rumford series.
Q: Do FireRock fireplaces require a chimney?
A: Yes, our fireplaces do require a chimney. They must be installed with an approved class A metal chimney system with an approved damper.
Except for our Vent-Free models, all FireRock fireplace systems require the use of a chimney. Most models accommodate your choice of metal or solid block chimney systems. LiteRock requires the use of a metal chimney.
Q: How can a company partner with FireRock to distribute its product?
A: For more information on distribution, please submit an email inquiry to info@firerock.us
Q: Who should I call for installation or product questions regarding FireRock fireplace systems?
A: Check with your FireRock distributor or dealer. If they are unable to resolve your question, they will gladly contact FireRock for the correct answer.
Q: Does FireRock have code approvals of their units for installation inside and outside homes?
A: FireRock fireplaces are tested to UL 127 standards. FireRock is the ONLY masonry component fireplace that has been tested and found compliant with UL-127 Outdoor standard.
Q: What are the minimum and maximum fireplace heights for FireRock fireplaces?
A: When installed, the maximum overall height of a FireRock unit is 80′. The minimum installation height is 14′, given that the chimney is straight. If the chimney is not straight, the measurement is 17′.
Q: Why should I choose an all-masonry fireplace over a metal fireplace?
A: Masonry fireplaces offer numerous benefits over a metal fireplace including:
- Substantial aesthetic advantage
- Greater heating ability (heat reflection)
- Longer lifespan – more than double that of a metal box
- Superior to metal for heat containment thereby reducing fire hazards
- Will not rust when exposed to the elements
Q: Are there disadvantages of using traditional brick & mortar fireplaces?
A: A few potential disadvantages of a traditional brick and mortar fireplace include:
- Significantly more expensive
- Reliance on the engineering skills of a mason cannot ensure a quality built, properly functioning fireplace
- Site built fireplaces cannot be UL approved (FireRock is UL approved)
Q: How does the heating property of traditional masonry compare with that of FireRock?
A: Traditional brick and mortar can actually absorb heat from the fire as well as expand and contract with varying temperature demands. This fluctuation in the fireplace will wear down more quickly. FireRock products are ‘refractory’, meaning the heat is actually reflected back into the home and the product does not expand and contract, thus promoting greater durability.
Q: If I choose to spend the money for a masonry fireplace, why should I choose a pre-engineered component fireplace over a brick and mortar fireplace?
A: The pre-engineered nature of the FireRock system ensures a quicker, problem free installation resulting in proper draw every time and eliminates potential mason installation error.
Q: How does the cost of FireRock compare to the cost of a site-built traditional brick and mortar fireplace?
A: FireRock is generally half the cost of site-built masonry.
Q: How quickly can FireRock be installed?
A: Normal installations can be finished in one day. Complicated installations (stacked boxes, twisted flues, etc.) can be done in less than three days. A similar brick and mortar installation by a mason could take weeks.
Q: What type of veneers can I put on a FireRock unit?
A: The superior insulating properties of the FireRock material allow it to be veneered with any non-combustible building material including; rock, brick, manmade stone, stucco, etc.
Q: What type of unique support is required for FireRock?
A: Most FireRock systems require the same type of support as a traditional brick and mortar fireplace and require a non-combustible base. If built over a basement or crawl space, this can be accomplished either using concrete blocks or steel columns supporting a newly poured concrete pad. If FireRock is being installed on an existing slab, it requires a twelve-inch footing.
However, FireRock’s LiteRock can be installed without special support and on a combustable floor system.
Q: Does the inside of the firebox come finished, if not, what can I finish it with?
A: To achieve the finished look of true masonry, the FireRock product may be lined with firebrick. Some alternative materials are also available such as rock or stone. Firebrick may be purchased directly from your local FireRock distributor.
Q: What about U.L. or IBC compliance?
A: FireRock has been approved for U.L. 127 by testing performed at Warnock Hersey Labs. U.L. certification testing includes a freeze-thaw test to insure the system will not deteriorate from exposure to weather fluctuations.