26 Questions &
27 Answers
I have a wood burning fireplace with a natural gas starter. Can a cast iron fireback be used or should it be steel?
1 Answer
Yes, a cast iron fireback is suitable for this application.
Submitted by:
Aaron D.
on November 5, 2021
Most Helpful Answer
Susie
from Trumbull, CT asked:
August 10, 2021
Are your firebacks compatible with vented natural gas log inserts?
1 Answer
If you are referring to a gas log set, a stainless fireback may be used if this addition does not interfere with the minimum opening requirements for the log set, but the
Real Fyre firebacks we offer are made specifically for gas log sets. Cast-iron firebacks may increase the firebox temperatures to a point where certain gas components may fail and should be avoided.
Submitted by:
Will M.
on August 10, 2021
Most Helpful Answer
Debbie W
from Roseville, CA asked:
March 22, 2021
Can I use a cast iron fireback with propane non-vented logs?
1 Answer
We would not recommend using a cast iron fireback with your gas log set. We would suggest a stainless steel one instead.
Submitted by:
Kathy O.
on March 23, 2021
Most Helpful Answer
Can I use a fire back in a fireplace that can use wood or gas logs?
1 Answer
Yes, you could.
Submitted by:
Owen O.
on January 25, 2021
Most Helpful Answer
Can a fireplace fireback be used with unvented natural gas logs?
1 Answer
No. The fireback will reflect heat back on to the ventless burner assembly and cause the valve to fail.
Submitted by:
Tyler M. - NFI Master Hearth Professional
on January 12, 2021
Most Helpful Answer
Annemarie M
from Bald Head Island, NC asked:
December 22, 2020
I have seen firebacks used on the wall behind a cooktop. Can it be used for this application and will it rust from occasional wiping/cleaning?
1 Answer
Our firebacks are only designed for use inside a masonry fireplace. We cannot advise on alternate use such as you describe. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Submitted by:
Tyler M. - NFI Master Hearth Professional
on December 22, 2020
Most Helpful Answer
Philip C
from Pine Bush, NY asked:
April 18, 2020
If I have a 20" wide firebox at the back... an 18" wide fireback should work fine?
1 Answer
Perhaps, but you will also need to check your available height at the back of the firebox as compared to that of the fireback itself.
Submitted by:
Tyler M. - NFI Master Hearth Professional
on April 20, 2020
Most Helpful Answer
Martin
from Ellicott City, MD asked:
December 21, 2019
We have two wood-burning fireplaces that do not provide heat or warm the house as much as we would like. We are looking at purchasing a fireback. What kind of fireback would you recommend?
1 Answer
You can click
here to view our firebacks. The cast irons firebacks will be better for radiating the heat outwardly.
Submitted by:
Kathy O.
on December 23, 2019
Most Helpful Answer
Daniel H.
from Chicago asked:
November 1, 2019
Can fireback be used with vented gas logs?
1 Answer
Typically, no, firebacks are not to be used with gas log sets, because the heat put back on the burner/valve components could cause irreparable damage. However, our Real Fyre vented gas log sets offer some firebacks that are purchased separately for use with those burners.
Submitted by:
Tyler M. - NFI Master Hearth Professional
on November 4, 2019
Most Helpful Answer
Paul
from Philadelphia asked:
October 15, 2019
Will a cast iron fireback rust if left outside in the elements?
1 Answer
Cast iron will indeed rust if left outdoors.
Submitted by:
Will M.
on October 16, 2019
Most Helpful Answer
Scott
from Annapolis, MD asked:
June 24, 2019
I have an outdoor Rumsford style fire place and would like to add a fireback to this. I don’t like the look of the feet and would like to add firebacks to all three sides of the fireplace. Can the fire backs be attached to the fireplace wall with a heat resistant adhesive?
1 Answer
No, firebacks would simply stand in the fireplace, they are not attached to the firebrick with any adhesive.
Submitted by:
Tyler M. - NFI Master Hearth Professional
on June 24, 2019
Most Helpful Answer
Frank
from La Crescenta, Ca. asked:
March 19, 2018
I recently converted my old wood burning fireplace to gas logs; not getting as much heat output. I am looking to get a fireback.
Do cast iron firebacks put out more heat than black steel firebacks?
1 Answer
Generally speaking, cast iron firebacks will absorb and radiate heat more efficiently when compared to stainless firebacks, but stainless firebacks push more heat into the room. There are other factors to consider with regards to the thickness of the fireback itself. Obviously, a more dense fireback will absorb more heat than thinner, stainless firebacks.
It is also very important to note that, while there are stainless firebacks made specifically for use with gas log sets, there are some safety concerns when using a fireback with a gas log set. Initially, you will have to ensure that the fireback and its corresponding boot supports will not encroach or interfere with the required clearances for safe installation of your gas log set into your fireplace opening. Most of the time, consumers choose the largest log set available for their fireplace opening to maximize heating and to provide a more realistic aesthetic, so adding a fireback is sometimes not possible. If this is added to a fireplace opening and these clearances are not met, it is important to explain why these clearances exist. Because manufactured gas fittings and controls will have a maximum temperature they can withstand, the common 2" clearance requirement is so that the gas controls and fittings can "breathe" to avoid failure. If these components were to warp or crack from excessive heat, this may result in a gas leak (and death). This is especially the case with LP gas log sets as propane is heavier than air and the gas would pool near floor level and not exhaust through the chimney in the event of a gas leak.
Submitted by:
Will M.
on March 20, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
Woodrow H
from Hockessin, DE asked:
March 14, 2018
Does the use of a steel fireback behind Gas logs cause a problem with overheating the pipes & controls in front of the fireback
2 Answers
Because firebacks do radiate heat, it could lead to overheating gas appliances and therefore is not recommended for gas appliances but rather woodburning.
Submitted by:
Kelsey C.
on March 14, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
Generally speaking, this would only be the case if the fireback were to be in contact with the gas controls or gas pipe. This is why special care needs to be taken when placing a fireback inside a fireplace opening when gas logs are to be used. Also, extra care needs to be taken when selecting a fireback to use, considering all gas log set burners will require 2" of air space around the burner for safe operation. If the fireback and its corresponding boots (support) cannot be placed safely at this 2" distance, a fireback should not be used. Please note that thicker-gauge steel and cast iron firebacks absorb and radiate heat and most all gas control components will have maximum temperatures that, when exceeded, may result in failure and the release of gas into your home.
Submitted by:
Will M.
on March 14, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
Bryan P
from Cumming, GA asked:
January 13, 2018
I have a back fireplace wall that is about 28x28. I am interested in a cast iron plate that will fill about 24x24. Do you have a fireback that will fit best in this 28x28 wall?
1 Answer
Deb
from USA asked:
January 2, 2018
Are cast iron firebacks safe for use with gas logs in a vented masonry fireplace?
1 Answer
Yes, cast iron fire backs are perfectly suitable for use with a gas log set. One thing to consider, though, is that cast iron fire backs are rather thick and the installation of one would change the available depth in your fireplace. Since gas log sets require a specific firebox depth, the installation of a fire back might negatively impact the compatibility of a log set and fireplace.
Submitted by:
Kevin E.
on January 23, 2018
Most Helpful Answer
Ingrid
from Staten Island, NY asked:
October 26, 2017
I have a pre-fabricated fireplace; should I get a fireback that also covers the sides?
1 Answer
I would say that this would definitely help increase heat output.
Submitted by:
Brennan W.
on October 26, 2017
Most Helpful Answer
James
from MD asked:
October 26, 2017
Can these fireback plates be used in a gas fireplace?
1 Answer
It is not recommended that these be used in a gas fireplace.
Submitted by:
Brennan W.
on October 26, 2017
Most Helpful Answer
Marcia
from TX asked:
September 19, 2017
Can cast iron fireback plates be used in gas log fireplaces?
1 Answer
Cast iron firebacks absorb and create too much heat to be safely installed with any gas log set.
Submitted by:
Will M.
on September 19, 2017
Most Helpful Answer
Janice
from Naples, NY asked:
August 29, 2017
I have a woodstove set into a fireplace. Can a fireback be used? Is there any benefit?
1 Answer
It is used to help radiate heat outward into the room. With a closed combustion wood stove, you would not feel the benefit as much as you would with an open hearth fireplace, which combines with the product to benefit you much more.
Submitted by:
Owen
on August 30, 2017
Most Helpful Answer
Sylvia
from Columbia, SC asked:
February 6, 2016
How do you measure for appropriate size fireback?
1 Answer
The fire back you choose should be at least as wide as the back of your fireplace grate and no wider or taller than the back wall of the firebox.
Submitted by:
eFireplaceStore
on February 8, 2016
Most Helpful Answer
Pam
from PA asked:
August 7, 2015
Can firebacks be used without feet? If they are needed, how much height do they add to the entire system?
1 Answer
Firebacks are perfectly safe to use without the optional feet. Depending on the fireback feet chosen, you might add between 1 and 3 inches of height to the entire fireback.
Submitted by:
Kevin E.
on August 9, 2015
Most Helpful Answer
Vicky
from Roswell, GA asked:
April 14, 2015
Are all of the firebacks suitable for use with outdoor fireplaces?
1 Answer
While the stainless steel firebacks can be used in an outdoor application, we do not advise using the cast iron ones outdoors, as they can rust and corrode due to humidity and exposure to the elements.
Submitted by:
Brennan W.
on April 14, 2015
Most Helpful Answer
Trent
from NJ asked:
January 14, 2015
Do firebacks need feet or can they lean against the back wall of a fireplace?
1 Answer
The use of feet is a good idea for stability, but they are not required. The fireback can lean directly against the back wall.
Submitted by:
eFireplaceStore
on January 14, 2015
Most Helpful Answer
Rich
from Pittsburgh, PA asked:
September 1, 2014
Can you use a fireback along with a fireplace screen or tempered glass fireplace door unit?
1 Answer
Firebacks can be used in a masonry and prefabricated wood burning fireplaces, as well as B vent gas units that are large enough. They should not be used in direct vent models, as they can cause issues with overheating.
Submitted by:
eFireplaceStore
on September 2, 2014
Most Helpful Answer
Ed
from Mableton, GA asked:
November 11, 2013
Can cast iron or stainless steel firebacks be used in a prefab fireplace?
1 Answer
Both stainless steel or cast iron firebacks can indeed be installed in a prefabricated fireplace.
Submitted by:
Chris
on November 11, 2013
Most Helpful Answer
Joann
from Portland, Oregon asked:
October 15, 2013
What does a fireback do? How does it compare to glass doors in keeping out the cold in the winter?
1 Answer
A fire back is designed to stand against the back wall of a fireplace and radiate heat into the room when a fire is burning. It also provides protection for the back wall from logs that may be tossed into the fireplace. The fireback will not provide any added benefit for keeping cold air out of the room. A gasketed door assembly or sealed damper should definitely be considered for that purpose.
Submitted by:
Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional
on October 15, 2013
Most Helpful Answer