Significance

• Fire rock is a product made of volcanic pumice and calcium aluminates and which is used in the fabrication of new, energy-efficient fireplaces. The ingredients that make up fire rock are used for a particular reason: They reflect heat back into the living space. This keeps more of the heat generated by the fireplace inside the home, rather than letting it float up the chimney.
  
  

Benefits

• When a traditional fireplace is built out of brick and mortar by a skilled mason, its effectiveness and quality are entirely dependent upon that mason. Such fireplaces can be very expensive and take a long time to complete. Fire rock fireplaces are constructed of precisely manufactured components that can be assembled in a fraction of the time. Additionally, because they are constructed to fit perfectly, there is less heat loss throughout the entire structure.
  
  Regular fireplaces made of brick and mortar absorb heat, which actually causes the bricks and mortar to expand and contract with the varying temperature. With so many fluctuations, these types of fireplaces can break down fairly quickly, necessitating expensive repairs. Because the fire rock fireplace is refractory, the materials don't absorb the heat, but reflect it back into the home. There are no structural fluctuations with fire rock, which allows it to last longer.
  
  As far as cost goes, a fire rock fireplace generally half the price of a traditional fireplace built by a mason.
  
  Because of the properties of fire rock, many different types of exterior veneer can be applied, for a truly original look.
  
  

Time Frame

• Fire rock fireplaces can be constructed in half the time it takes to build a regular fireplace. This is because every section of the fireplace is pre-built to fit perfectly together during installation. The result is quick, error-free installation.
  
  

Considerations

• If you are having a fire rock fireplace built, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
  
  A fire rock fireplace requires the same kinds of supports as a traditional brick-and-mortar fireplace
  
  A fire rock fireplace needs to be built on a non-combustible base.
  
  Some fire rock fireplaces are designed to be vent-free. They can be installed on a wood floor without any special requirements for the foundation. However, they do require the use of an A.N.S.I.-approved vent-free gas log appliance.
  
  

Features

• Fire Rock fireplaces are typically 33 inches high, but are available in a variety of widths, including 30, 36, 42 and 48 inches. Extension kits are available if you prefer a larger opening.
  
  Every fire rock firelplace has been U.L. certified. The certification also ensures that the materials pass U.L.'s freeze-thaw test, which declares fire rock resistant to deterioration caused by freezing and thawing. This means that fire rock can be used in the construction of exterior fireplaces as well as interior ones.
  
  Fire rock fireplaces (non-vent-free varieties) have been tested and approved for gas, wood and coal.