In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the most important terms to know when it comes to the realm of fireplace accessories. There are several specific items that are technically not part of the fireplace itself, but still play a major role in its operations, and knowing about them will help you build the ideal setup for your home.

At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, we’re happy to assist Utah clients with a huge range of traditional and modern fireplaces, plus with all the accessories and related items you might need. What are some other basic fireplace accessory terms to have in your lexicon? Here are a few.

Inner Panels

Present on both gas fireplaces and inserts, inner panels are the materials that line the firebox. They can be made of ceramic, refractory bricks, or metal, and their purpose is to help reflect heat back into the room and protect the fireplace itself from heat damage.

Media

You might be wondering about the inclusion of this term, which for many people refers to the press and areas of journalism. In the fireplace world, however, “media” simply refers to the kinds of materials being placed inside the fireplace to “burn” (or give the appearance of burning).

Examples of media in fireplaces include log sets, crystals, stones, and more. Modern fireplaces often come with the option to display different media sets, which can change up the look of your fireplace as you see fit.

Surround

A term that’s used primarily for gas fireplace inserts is “surround,” which refers to an accessory that covers any holes that the insert or faceplate is not large enough to cover. For example, if you’re installing gas inserts into a previous fireplace that had a rounded opening, a surround can be used to give the new fireplace a more finished appearance.

If the surround wasn’t used here, on the other hand, there would likely be noticeable gaps around the new insert. Surrounds can be made of different materials, including wood, stone, and metal.

Venting

One of the most important fireplace accessory areas is the venting, which is what allows the fireplace to properly draw in air and expel smoke. Improper or insufficient venting can cause all kinds of problems for a fireplace, so it’s important that homeowners take this area into consideration when planning their setup.

There are several different types of vents that can be used for a fireplace, including natural draft, B-vent, and direct vent. The type of fireplace you have will likely dictate which kind of venting is best for your needs.

Now that we’ve gone over a few more key fireplace accessory terms, you should have a better understanding of some of the items you might need for your own fireplace. For more on this, or to learn about any of our fireplace services in Utah, speak to the team at Comfort Solutions Fireplace today.