Are all fireplaces suitable for coal/solid fuel fires?
The majority of all fireplaces are suitable for open fires, however the hearth of the fireplace must have three expansion joints at the fire opening, which allows for the heat to expand. Due to the intense heat radiated from a solid fuel/open fire, this heat must have some way to expand. The use of the aforementioned expansion joints alleviates this. If there are no joints in place the heat could put pressure on the hearth causing it to crack.
