The inside parts of a fire may not look important, but they really, really are.

Here’s a rundown to help you identify if your fire needs some TLC.

 

Firebox. This is the steel or cast-iron box that is covered by the outside panels the fire. It should not have any cracks or splits, and you should not be able to see light or flames except through the glass. If there is, stop using it, as it is not safe. The main places to look for cracks and splits are the top of the firebox and the rear wall. Damage to these areas is usually not repairable.

 

Top Baffle/Combustion plate. This is a steel plate, or a board, or a series of bricks in a steel framing. Baffles act as the inside roof of the fire. They prevent flames from going straight up the flue, and from damaging the top of the fire. They also create the chamber where waste gases ignite to make the fire burn efficiently.

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• Steel plates should not have holes burnt in them or have a buckled front edge.

• Board baffles should be in no more than two pieces.

• Bricks should be intact, and the steel framing should have straight edges.

• Metro fires have a steel and board combination, so same as above applies.

 

Fire bricks. These are bricks, or boards that line the sides and back of the fire. Sometimes there are also bricks on the bottom. Minor cracks, or corners chipped off aren’t usually a worry.

• The back bricks can be the most important because they protect the rear wall of the steel firebox. When metal is heated, it becomes softer, so bricks are recommended to prevent the steel from being damaged. Cracked or split rear walls are usually not repairable.

• If they are none, or they are very broken or worn down to the point that they are not brick shaped, then they may need to be replaced.

 

Air tubes. These are metal tubes with small holes in them, which feed air through the fire. It helps to burn the waste gases and to make sure wood burns evenly.

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• They should be straight, with each hole distinct. If it’s buckled, or the holes have burned out to make a gap, then it needs to be replaced.

• It’s a good idea to give it a brush off every now and again, to keep the holes clear.

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Doors. The door/doors should seal well to prevent extra air from entering the fire, and smoke or gases from entering the room.

• The glass should not be cracked or broken, and the inside framing should be intact and have straight edges.

• The rope seal inside the door should not be missing any parts and it should be slightly springy to the touch.

• The grey/white tape seal around the glass shouldn’t have any visible loose edges.

• The fully closed door should not move when gently tugged.

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If you think you may need some parts replaced, or if you aren't sure,

please get in touch. 

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