Hire Mason’s Chimney Service to Service Your Factory-Built Fireplace Unit
Factory-built fireplace units have surged in popularity among homeowners over the past few years – according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), around 75% of the fireplaces installed each year are factory-built. Why are they so sought-after these days? There are quite a few reasons.
Factory-built units are designed with efficiency and affordability in mind, and they’re also made to appeal to a variety of homeowners. These units can mimic traditional brick fireplaces as well as ones that look far more modern. Another big benefit is safety – these units all undergo rigorous testing to make sure that they meet industry safety and efficiency standards.
Your factory-built unit can be a long-lasting part of your home with proper maintenance but just like masonry fireplaces, they can require repair and restoration. The fireplace and chimney are built and tested together so if one part malfunctions, the entire unit is compromised. If problems arise, you’ll need to make the right repairs with the right parts for the right unit.
Mason’s Chimney Service is the team to go to when your unit falters. Schedule an inspection for your factory-built fireplace today. We’ll thoroughly inspect your unit to get to the bottom of the issue and come up with a game plan to correct it. Call us today at 800-559-6276 or click here to set up an appointment.
What Are Factory-Built Fireplaces?
A factory-built fireplace, also known as a prefabricated fireplace or zero-clearance fireplace, is a self-contained fireplace unit that is manufactured off-site in a factory. Unlike traditional masonry fireplaces that are built on-site with bricks and mortar, factory-built fireplaces come with a metal firebox, a steel chimney or flue, and an outer cabinet that are assembled when they arrive at the installation location.
A big key to their functionality and safety is insulation which allows them to be installed close to combustible framing materials in your house, which gives homeowners a wider range of options for placement within their home.
What Are the Benefits of Factory-Built Fireplaces?
Adding a fireplace to your home is a big decision. While there are pluses for choosing to go with a traditional masonry fireplace, a factory-built unit may be a better fit for your home depending on your needs. If you’re wavering between the two types of units, keep the following points in mind:
- Headache-free installation. The construction of a masonry chimney can be a time-consuming and messy process. You would need part of your home demolished to build the fireplace into the structure. A factory-built unit can be installed much quicker and easier without producing a mess or causing an interruption of daily living.
- More budget-friendly. Factory-built fireplaces are typically less expensive to install than masonry fireplaces because they’re not as labor-intensive and don’t require the materials needed for a traditional unit.
- Safety-tested and approved. Factory-built units are rigorously tested to determine whether or not they meet strict safety standards and guidelines before they leave the factory.
- More versatility. A traditional fireplace is limited in terms of what you can do with sizes, styles, and fuel selections. You can keep your options open with a factory-built fireplace.
- A boost in energy efficiency. Many factory-built fireplaces come equipped with features such as insulated walls and air-sealed doors, which help improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss and increasing heat output.
- Doesn’t take up too much space. Unlike traditional fireplaces that take up a lot of room, factory-built fireplaces are more compact and can be installed directly against a wall.
How Can I Avoid Major Problems With My Factory-Built Unit?
Although factory-built fireplaces are very different in construction from traditional masonry fireplaces, they do share something in common – the need for regular maintenance. You should still have your factory-built unit inspected and swept annually, just like a masonry unit.
Sign up for Mason’s Chimney Service’s Safer Chimney Program to help take the hassle out of making sure that annual service is taken care of. Along with offering discounts and priority scheduling, we’ll send annual reminders to let you know when it’s time to service your chimney and fireplace system.
Problems With Your Factory-Built Fireplace? Call Us!
A broken or malfunctioning fireplace is a major – but unnecessary – safety risk. If you’re having problems with your factory-built fireplace, don’t wait to get it resolved. Call Mason’s Chimney Service today. Our technicians are trained, knowledgeable, and certified. We’re here to help and we’d love to help get you back to enjoying a safe, efficient fire as quickly as possible. Get in touch with us now at 800-559-6276 or schedule online.
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