THE IDEAL FIREPLACE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 25 February 1931, Page 8

THE IDEAL FIREPLACE

IMPORTANCE OF LOCATION The location of the fireplace in the, room is of great importance to the comfort of the users. As it is one of the most ornamental features of the interior of a house, if should be placed in a prominent position, but free from crossdraughts, a ltd out of the line of travel through a room. > When placed on an outside wall, it is preferable not to have large flanking windows, as a person has to face the light- whenever a fireplace is used during the day. 11l fact, the use of even smaller windows has the effect of detracting from the aesthetic aspect of the fireplace, which should be the point of interest in the wall on which it is placed. Whatever finish or design is adopted, the construction of the fireplace and the flue above is most important. _ The points to lie observed when building your fireplace are, briefly. a good draught and heat efficiency. A good draught depends upon three tilings—l. Proper relation of fireplace opening to the size of the fine. The. inside area of the flue should be never less than onc-tonth flic area of the fireplace opening, except where a very high chimney promotes a strong draught. then the area may be reduced. ‘ 2. The lop of the chimney should he carried at least one foot above the highest point of the roof, otherwise the eddies in the wind will drive down the chimney, with the oftexpcrienced result of inconvenience from smoke. 3. I lie position of the throat of the fine, which determines the important mailer of the smoke itself. A low broad opening will catch the .smoke, and direct, it up the chimney 'better than a. high narrow one. As the throat of the Hue is about six inches above the top of the opening of the fireplace, a low throat is to be recommended.

Heat Efficiency.—To obtain a maximum of beat., tiie carrying forward of the back and splaying of the sides throws tiie heat into the room, and, incidentally, this construction helps to create a good draught, and with it goon ventilation. A note on hearths is worthy ot consideration. The Ironl hearth, primarily Built for safely from sparks and embers, can alwavs lie made a decorative feature. It can be kepi level with the door, or. as is often done now. if may be raised 3in to 6in. above the floor level. The hearth is usually artistically decorated.— S. C. Meyer, in the “Australian Home Beautiful.”