Cladding
The external decoration of the fireplace is responsible for its perception, place in the interior of the room, and compliance with the style. The need for such work is dictated by your needs and the quality of the masonry produced. The fact is that, provided that the masonry is neat, in which the dimensions of the seams are the same everywhere and the vertical and horizontal levels are observed, a surface with a natural brick texture looks very original in any interior.
If necessary, various heat-resistant materials are used for finishing. The most popular are ceramic tiles, tiles and decorative stone. These three material varieties come in a variety of colors and textures.
What is a corner fireplace
Such a peculiar and very attractive structure is used to heat one room or a small house. Basically, it is erected in order to save space. Brick is most often used for construction, and various modern materials are used for cladding. A well-designed corner fireplace will ideally fit into any room style.
Scope of use of the structure
Previously, fireplaces were attributes of luxurious old castles and mansions, but today they are erected both in modern country cottages and in country houses. Since they require chimney equipment, it will not work to mount them in an urban multi-storey building. But do not be upset: there are electric fireplaces for apartments that help create a warm, cozy atmosphere. Since there is often not much space in living rooms, an angular structure is usually used, which takes up less space.
Corner fireplace takes up less space than a standard one-wall design
Options for the location of corner fireplaces in the room
It can be installed against the exterior or interior wall of the house. The specific location is determined taking into account the construction of the chimney.
- If you plan to place it on an external wall, you need to obtain permission from the relevant authorities for this.
- When placing the heating device near the inner wall, take into account that the chimney must rise above the roof ridge.
In private houses, the angles between the walls are sometimes more or less than 90 °. Corner fireplaces built between such walls also look quite interesting.
In this case, it is important that the opening of the firebox is located symmetrically to the center line of the corner. It is more expedient to build a corner fireplace between blank walls adjacent to each other.
If at least one of them has a window opening, the dynamic circulation of air flows due to the resulting draft will contribute to the appearance of drafts. A fireplace can be built at any time, but experts recommend erecting it at the stage of building a house, when the final floor has not yet been laid and the premises have not been finished. You can arrange a place to relax in front of the fireplace with a row of armchairs arranged in a semicircle or a cozy sofa.
A cozy place to relax can be arranged near a corner fireplace
Advantages and disadvantages of a corner fireplace
Such designs have many advantages:
- attractive appearance;
- various finishes;
- combination with any interior styles;
- saving space;
- the ability to build with your own hands.
But there are also disadvantages:
- dependence on the chimney when choosing a location;
- the need to obtain a special permit when installing a chimney on an external wall;
- fire hazard due to improper installation and operation.
Corner fireplace and its uniqueness
Consider a detailed drawing of the brickwork of a corner fireplace and the order with a description.To date, there are a huge number of fireplace projects, but at the moment we offer you a convenient fireplace built in the corner, which can be installed in a small room, at least 12 m 2, since there will not be enough oxygen to heat it. To create it, you should find a 4th - 5th grade bricklayer, so that he has the intricacies of the construction of this structure or delve into the intricacies of this process on his own.
It should be remembered that the internal structure of fireplaces is created in almost the same way, and the burning of the fire in the firebox is the same.
Corner hearths have their merits:
Its peculiarity is that it is located not in the center of the building, but in the corner, and has a small size. In addition, it transfers heat energy evenly throughout the room.
Folded neatly, with the smallest deviations and tolerances in construction, the corner fireplace is a heating equipment, carries a certain decorative beauty and shows the status of the owner of this building.
Its disadvantage is the expensive, decorative finish.
The brick for the construction of this structure needs a high grade, of course, it can be laid out with a brand of 100, but it should be remembered that this material is of poor quality for laying it out. In this case, if you build a fireplace from this brick, then, according to fire safety precautions, it should be plastered.
This brand of brick is used for laying out the outer part of the body and for erecting a pipe. And the inside of the firebox is laid out of refractory bricks.
- A separate base must be poured under this brick structure so as not to disturb the main foundation, since the heater has its own shrinkage.
- It is required to attach a special heat-insulating material between the wall and the future fireplace or lay out the masonry in a quarter of a brick, that is, on an edge (it is advisable to lay a wire through two rows, for the strength of the structure).
Its masonry is made according to the project, performing bandaging of the seams. The work is done without haste, as the clay solution tends to float.
It is advisable to observe the level of the horizon, the vertical surface and equal points of the diagonal. With this observance of the rules, the quality of the output of combustion products depends.
Arrangement of fireplaces
How to make a corner fireplace with your own hands? First, you need to understand its design features, that is, what components it consists of. The most important elements are the firebox, portal and chimney. In addition to the sounded parts, it is difficult to imagine a fireplace without a reliable and solid foundation. Let's take a closer look at all the internal components of the structure.
Toplivnik
The combustion chamber is considered the main component. In most situations, it is made of cast iron or heat-resistant metal. In the latter case, cast iron plates, chamotte or vermiculite are placed on the inside.
Fuel producers are:
- closed;
- open.
The absence of doors reduces the efficiency of the structure. Therefore, nowadays, closed fireplaces are popular, for example, with a door made of heat-resistant glass.
Chimney
An equally important part of a brick fireplace with your own hands is a chimney. It is connected to the firebox using a special pipe. In most cases, today they use thermal ceramics, heat-resistant steel for the production of chimneys. Such materials are equipped with multilayer thermal insulation. Therefore, the operation is comfortable and completely safe.
Base
The chimney base is a place that is located directly under the fuel chamber. Before its arrangement, it is necessary to place a two-layer waterproofing on the prepared foundation. For this, roofing cardboard with a special impregnation or roofing felt is suitable.
Portal
Build corner fireplaces with your own hands without cladding will not work.The portal is considered the appearance of any fireplace, it demonstrates belonging to the design style. Nowadays, very often fireplace cladding is made of expensive granite, tuff, steel modules. The actual solution is considered to be a mosaic made of colorful glass, masonry, ceramic slabs.
Construction requirements for structural elements
Foundation
The base is dimensioned so that it can withstand the load from the fireplace. Some models weigh from half to a whole ton, depending on the overall dimensions. The foundation of the fireplace is made of an independent structure, which does not depend on the foundation of the building in operation. The depth of the laying is taken from 30 to 40 cm. The top of the base is made based on the calculation below the floor level to the height of the brick.
Furnace part
To calculate the optimal volume of the chamber for fuel combustion, measure the volume of the room (multiply the width, length, height of the room) and divide by 50. The height and width of the combustion chamber are taken 2: 3, the depth is half or a third of the height while maintaining the specified volume parameters. For better reflection of heat rays, a stainless steel sheet is installed inside the firebox, sometimes it is deflected to change the angle of the heat flux. The lower base of the firebox is arranged 30 cm above the floor in accordance with fire safety requirements. At the bottom, a threshold device is desirable to prevent the loss of fuel or combustion products. Such a cornice can be played as an additional decorative element.
Chimney
- so that there is a strong draft in the fireplace, the area of the round hole for the smoke outlet is made less than 8 to 15 times than the base of the combustion chamber;
- the chimney on its way out should not have more than three turns;
- the total height of the pipe is at least 5 m;
- the pipe is made of brick or provides for a combined version, when a steel pipe is inserted into the decorative brickwork to remove smoke.
All dimensions and requirements must be stated in the drawing of the fireplace, which will be the starting point for starting construction. Drawings are made with your own hand with reference to existing conditions. Photos of the design options for the pediment can be found in specialized catalogs.
Sizing calculation
Before you go for materials and start laying a brick fireplace, you need to calculate its dimensions and decide on the shape. First of all, calculations of the combustion compartment should be made - the power of the fireplace will depend on it, and therefore the dimensions of the remaining components.
In rooms with standard ceiling heights, the ratio of the area of the combustion chamber opening to the area of the room will be about 1:50. If the area of the room is 15 m², the area of the portal will be 0.3 m², if the room is 20 m², the portal will be 0.4 m², etc. It should be borne in mind that the height of the portal should be 1/3 less than its width.
In the image below, you can visually assess the correct proportions of the fireplace insert:
The smoke from the firebox rises into the hailo (smoke collector), passes through the pass, which does not allow smoke and soot to enter the room. Above the smoke compartment, there is a special valve to block the access of cold air from the street through the chimney when the fireplace is not in use.
Think carefully about where the future brick corner fireplace will stand. The dimensions of the structure should harmoniously fit into the interior or even influence its formation. So, you can put armchairs and a coffee table around the fireplace, organize a workplace next to it, or simply lay a warm carpet. When choosing a place, determine where the chimney will pass through the ceilings to the street. For this, the outer corner of the room or the inner one is suitable - this is a matter of taste and depends on the layout.
Fireplace drawings
When the location and dimensions are over, it remains to decide on the sequence of work. Fortunately, there is such a useful thing for this as ordering. A corner fireplace made of brick, like any other, is impossible to build "by eye". An effective result is possible only if the instructions are strictly followed.
Ordering is needed not only in order to see your every step, but also to calculate the required amount of building materials. It shows in detail how many bricks are needed at each stage of work, so all that remains is to add up all the data and do not forget to add 10% to them in reserve (in case of repair, marriage or battle). At the very end of the article, you will find a detailed ordering of one of the options for corner fireplaces.
Fireplace materials
For laying fireplaces, you can use only corpulent fired clay and fireclay bricks. In addition, you will need a clay masonry mortar. It is made from sifted fine sand (preferably quarry, not river) and clay (ideally blue). For strength, Portland cement is added to the solution at least M300. To build a solid foundation, you need crushed stone, fireclay or brick chips. The grate will be made of reinforcement, and the headroom of the portal will be made of steel corners.
The firebox must be laid out only with fireclay bricks, and the body and chimney with clay red. In the event that the fuel compartment is separated from the fireplace body by a "warm seam", perforated bricks can be used for laying the latter, saving on materials. For laying that part of the chimney, which is located outside (above the roof), you can take a finishing brick, since it has high weather resistance.
When mixing the mortar, first sift the sand through a sieve with 1.5 mm cells, and then add it in small portions to achieve the perfect consistency - the mortar should stick slightly to the trowel. The proportions of clay and sand depend on the fat content of the clay. Roughly they are taken in the ratio of 2-2.5 parts of clay and 1.5-2 parts of sand.
Where to start building a fireplace?
Such heat sources are not very efficient (efficiency - 15%) and heat the space of the room within sight using infrared radiation, with the exception of modern fireplaces with a built-in closed-type metal firebox. In fact, this is the same wood-burning stove in the form of a fireplace, respectively, its efficiency is 45-50%.
First, you should make a calculation and choose a suitable project for a corner fireplace, there are a great many of them. Sources - technical literature, specialized Internet resources, and even our article, where we will present to your attention several simple schemes. The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- calculation of a corner fireplace in accordance with the size of the room:
- selection of a project and, if necessary, adjusting it for your area;
- preparation of tools and materials;
- foundation device;
- the construction of the hearth itself;
- trial heating.
Building materials
Here's what you need to prepare:
- Brick. The body of the fireplace is not exposed to high thermal loads (the efficiency is only 10% - 20%), therefore, it is not necessary to use oven bricks for its construction - the usual red grade from M200 and above will do. Just do not take the facing: it is not burnt enough, therefore it does not tolerate high temperature well. The inside of the firebox should be laid out with refractory fireclay bricks (withstand temperatures up to 1600 degrees) or at least with heat-resistant stove bricks (up to 800 degrees).
- Sand. It is better to take a mountain one, since it is angular and contains a minimum of organic impurities.
- Fire-clay. Also, it should not contain organic impurities, which can be recognized by a well-audible pleasant or unpleasant smell (pure clay has almost no smell).
- Portland cement grade 200 or 300.
- Crushed stone.
- Armature.
- Roofing material or other waterproofing material.
- Equal steel angle.
- Smoke damper.
- Grate.
- Spark arrester (metal mesh, put on the head of the pipe).
- Finishing materials and decor - according to the preferences of the owner.
When calculating the required number of bricks, keep in mind that it is often possible to get only one full-fledged half from a whole block. Therefore, each half-brick in order should be considered as a whole brick.
Diagram of a fireplace with a direct chimney
To prepare the solution, the components are taken in the following ratio:
- sand: 8 pieces;
- clay: 8 parts if skinny, and 4 parts if oily;
- water: 1 part.
You should get a mixture that looks like thick sour cream. Its quality is checked by dipping a trowel or a smoothly planed stick (a holder from any tool is suitable): after the bulk of the solution has drained off, an even layer about 2 mm thick should remain on the object.
If instead you see a thick layer of lumpy mass - add sand and water; if gaps have formed in the solution layer, that is, the mixture has almost completely disappeared in places - you need to add clay.
Corner fireplace proportions
There are preset proportions for the unit, which should be taken into account when designing. The calculations are very simple, but require special attention, since the correct ratio of all elements is essential for the functionality and safety of the structure.
Below is a step-by-step guide to designing a corner fireplace:
- On a regular sheet in a cage, you need to scale to depict the perimeter of the room where the fireplace is planned to be installed.
- The volume of the fuel compartment for the most efficient heating should be equal to 1/50 (2%) of the volume of the room.
- The aspect ratio for calculating the depth of the portal where the fireplace will be installed is ideally 1: 2 or 2: 3. This will achieve maximum heat transfer and minimize the level of possible smoke in the room.
- The optimum area of the chimney opening is 1/8 or less of the size of the firebox.
- For a round pipe, the minimum diameter is 100 mm, while the product reaches an average of 5 m in height.
Dimensions to be adhered to
The dimension of a corner brick fireplace is determined based on the heated area and its volume. In the example given in this article, we are talking about the area of the fireplace insert 0.2–0.3 square meters. meters. It is necessary to determine the width and height of the fireplace insert (firebox portal). For a small fireplace, the height to width ratio is 2: 3. Thus, for our fireplace, the portal will have dimensions of 56x40 cm.
The depth and height of the portal should have a ratio of 1: 2–2: 3
It is important to observe the dimension, since a larger depth indicator will reduce heat transfer, and a smaller one will provoke smoke. In the described case, the depth will be about 24-30 cm
So, we figured out the dimensions. The dimensions of the chimney opening for the chimney are selected in accordance with the area of the opening of the fireplace insert and should be eight to fifteen times smaller than it. If the chimney is in the form of a rectangle, then in our case it will be 14x14 cm. If the chimney has a circular cross-section, then its diameter should be 1-12 cm. The height of the chimney will be 3.5-4 m.
In order to increase the heat transfer properties of the fireplace, the back wall of its firebox is made with an inclination forward, from a third of its height and further. A smoke collector is placed at the top of the firebox. A cornice is produced between these elements, called a pass. The cornice prevents sparks, soot and smoke from entering the room.
When laying a brick fireplace, all its dimensions must correspond to the brickwork module. The dimension of the brick is 6.5 × 12 × 25 cm, the dimension of the masonry joint is approximately 0.5 cm. The furnace section has such dimensions as the diagram of the corner fireplace in the figure below shows. (see Corner fireplace - dimensions)
Corner fireplace... Furnace dimensions
The section of the fireplace at the level of the firebox in the plan determines other dimensions. After we calculate them, we carry out layer-by-layer ordering (masonry) drawings.
Design features
The main elements of a corner fireplace are the fuel chamber and the chimney. The correct ratio of the sizes of these elements depends on how effective and efficient the heating device will be.The base of the structure is called the fireplace table, which is at floor level and rests directly on the foundation. In front of the fireplace, they equip the pre-heating platform. It is laid out with refractory bricks and covered with ceramic tiles or metal sheets. According to fire safety standards, the platform must protrude beyond the portal by at least 30 centimeters on each side.
Corner fireplace device - drawing
Above the fireplace table is located under - a place where firewood is stacked. The canonical design does not imply the installation of a grate, but it is often installed in order to increase the performance of the heater. In addition, in furnaces with a closed hearth, the bottom blowing allows you to regulate the intensity of the flame. Thanks to this, it is possible to extend the burning time of one fuel insert, and therefore, to increase the efficiency of the structure.
Under, like the firebox, they are laid out with refractory materials - the temperature in this zone often exceeds 1000 ° C. Often, to enhance the heat-emitting ability, the back wall is lined with a sheet of "stainless steel" or a cast-iron plate. To further enhance the heat transfer of the fireplace, the back of the firebox is tilted forward. This allows heat energy to be directed towards the floor.
A smoke collector (hailo) is installed above the firebox - a chamber in the form of a truncated pyramid with a small sill in the front part. This barrier prevents the admixture of cold air with the combustion products and serves as an additional barrier preventing smoke from entering the room.
On the back wall of the smoke collector there is a smoke (fireplace) tooth - a protrusion necessary for the formation of the so-called gas threshold. Thanks to him, it is possible to reduce the flow rate of burning gases and make them stay longer in the combustion zone. The chimney tooth retains soot in the chimney, preventing it from falling into the combustion chamber. For this reason, a door for cleaning the chimney is often installed next to the brick ledge.
In the place of transition from high to chimney, a valve is installed, which regulates the draft. She also blocks the way for warm air from the room after the firewood is completely burned out.
The design of the pipe for removing combustion products is no different from the chimneys of other wood-burning stoves. To ensure good traction, the pipe is raised above the ridge of the roof, but not less than 5 meters from the hearth (grate).
Step-by-step instruction
In fact, laying a corner fireplace made of bricks with your own hands does not differ from ordinary construction, with the exception of thin seams - the thinner they are, the better the fireplace will keep warm inside. For this, the solution must be as homogeneous as possible and without lumps. The permissible thickness of the furnace seams is from 1 to 3 mm for the fuel compartment and up to 5 mm for the chimney and the body. In this case, the seams must be filled completely.
How to build a brick fireplace:
- The easiest and fastest way to erect a fireplace is during the construction of a house, when the interior decoration has not yet begun. The first step is to take care of a stable foundation, the dimensions of which should be 5 cm wider than the basement row of the structure on all sides. Dig a pit of the appropriate size 60 cm deep. If the floor level is located much higher than the surface of the earth, you just need to carefully compact the soil under the future fireplace and make timber formwork. From the inside, coat the formwork panels with bituminous mastic or attach roll waterproofing (ordinary roofing material will do quite well). For the manufacture of formwork, sheet metal can also be used.
- Tamp the bottom of the pit and put a layer of gravel or brick chips 10 cm thick there, pour water and tamp it thoroughly. The surface should be as flat and horizontal as possible.
- Install the formwork on the crushed stone "pillow", and then put large stones or brick fight (quarry) inside. There will be gaps between the stones, and to fill them, add some more rubble.
- Mix a classic cement-sand mortar in a 1: 3 ratio.First, mix the dry ingredients, and then add water little by little, bringing the solution to the desired consistency (thick sour cream). Pour concrete into the formwork with a layer of 10 cm, level the surface and leave to dry for a day.
- The next day, again put on the dried concrete a layer of rubble mixed with rubble and fill with concrete. Thus, bring the foundation almost to the level of the finished floor (5 cm lower). Carefully level the last layer of concrete, cover with polyethylene so that it does not crack, and leave to dry for 5-7 days.
- After the foundation is completely dry, dismantle the formwork.
- Close the foundation with 2 layers of roofing material and start laying bricks in accordance with the selected order.
- Since bricks absorb moisture, they should be kept in water for 2-3 minutes before laying and applying the mortar. If this is not done, they will take all the liquid from the clay solution, and it will lose its strength binding characteristics.
- When laying the basement row, place the bricks on the ribs. For the rest of the rows, the bricks are laid flat. When the height of the structure reaches 25-30 cm, you can begin to form the walls of the combustion compartment.
- If the facade of the fireplace is not planned to be plastered or revetted, when laying the front part, try not to bring the clay mortar to the very edge of the brick by about 5 mm - this will allow you to beautifully embroider the seams later. Before laying each row, check the horizontal position with a building level, and the verticality with a square and a plumb line.
- When laying out the firebox and smoke chambers, smooth and level the solution not with tools, but manually. So you can feel and, if necessary, remove large particles and lumps in a timely manner, making the seams thinner. When you have completed 5-6 rows, wipe the inner walls with a damp cloth to wipe off excess mortar - then it will be quite difficult to do this.
- If you are bandaging the firebox masonry, the lining must be done separately without bandaging so that temperature drops do not destroy the structure.
- If you remember, the back wall of the fuel compartment and smoke box should be inclined. To do this, lay each subsequent row with a slight overlap on the bottom (4-5 cm). So that soot does not accumulate on such a "ladder", it is recommended to close the masonry with a steel screen 3-4 mm thick.
- To make the portal overlap, use a steel corner (you need a fireplace facing) or a circle - a special formwork that allows you to create an arched masonry. To do everything beautifully and correctly, first install the brick without mortar, evaluate the result, and only then lay it according to all the rules.
- When you bring the chimney to the roof, change the clay mortar to a cement-sand mortar - it copes better with the atmospheric load.
The scheme of a brick corner fireplace, no matter how simple it is, requires utmost attention and skills in working with materials. If you doubt your abilities, it is better to entrust the work to a professional, or at least enlist his support and recommendations.
Creating a foundation for a corner fireplace
As for the "pillow", here the size of the corner fireplace should correspond to the calculation. It is necessary to correctly calculate the proportions, because based on them, the calculation will be made.
Foundation for corner fireplace
In order not to be mistaken, keep in mind that the base for the fireplace is made independent of the main foundation of the structure.
So, pay attention to the following:
- Pit up to 600 mm. in depth, indents of 10 - 15 cm from the attack.
- First of all, crushed stone is laid down, the layer, as a rule, is not more than 150 mm.
- The formwork should be pre-finished with bitumen.
- After installing the formwork, fill in the mortar, the proportions must correspond - cement / sand / crushed stone - 1/3/5. Make the level of the buta lower than the "pillow" to the height of the brick.
- Cover the foundation with foil and let dry for a week.
In addition, many structures require additional reinforcement if the weight of the fireplace itself is large. For this, reinforcement and corners are used to form reliable corners.
Chimney and chimney
The chimney is a bell-like structural element, inside of which a steel or ceramic (drawn from several cylindrical blocks) pipe is installed.
Further, a chimney is built on it, the head of which should be brought to a height of at least 5 m above the level of the grate.
The side walls of the chimney have a slope of 45 - 60 degrees, due to which its section gradually narrows. The back wall is laid out vertically.
A smoke damper is installed in the chimney at a height of about 2 m. Its frame is fixed in the masonry with a liquid mortar.
The construction of the chimney begins with the installation of its round core on the chimney. The junction is sealed with cement mortar. The pipe is lined with bricks, while the cladding should be fastened to the core with anchors.
The head of the pipe is a widening that protects the outer part of the structure located under it from precipitation. This element is formed by thickening the wall up to 250 mm (1 brick). A spark arrester and a protective cap should be installed on the head.
It is advisable to equip the chimney with thermal insulation, as a result of which the draft will improve and the formation of condensation will decrease.