What is the difference between a Pre-Fab fireplace and a Masonry fireplace ?
Pre-fab fireplaces are installed on site from UL listed components made in a factory, while a masonry chimney is constructed on site by brick masons. A pre-fab chimney has a metal pipe flue to vent smoke out of house. Pre-fabs are smaller and some have blowers built in. All pre-fab fireplaces are UL listed. The pre-fab chimney is encased in a wood chase covered by a metal cap to prevent water and provided with termination cap on top. A masonry chimney is built on site using terra cotta tile for liners and is more expensive to build to maintain. Most masonry chimneys do not have chimney caps installed allowing water and animals to get inside the structure and sometimes inside your house. A pre-fab fireplace can be removed if damaged and replaced with new unit for less cost than masonry chimney. Pre-fab fireplaces are not any more safe on less safe than masonry fireplaces. They are just different. But both will help keep you warm and they are romantic!! Back to top.
