Fireplace Firebacks

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.

Because firebacks do radiate heat, it could lead to overheating gas appliances and therefore is not recommended for gas appliances but rather woodburning.

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.

The closest that we will have will be the Minuteman CFB-01 Hopewell Fireback - Cast Iron which is 23 X 23.

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.

I would say that this would definitely help increase heat output.

It is not recommended that these be used in a gas fireplace.

Cast iron firebacks absorb and create too much heat to be safely installed with any gas log set.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The use of feet is a good idea for stability, but they are not required. The fireback can lean directly against the back wall.

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.

Both stainless steel or cast iron firebacks can indeed be installed in a prefabricated fireplace.

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.