Biofireplace - safe option for decoration of any housing. It is independently possible to make it of make-shifts. In house conditions also the biofuel allowing to receive fire without ashes, soot and release of toxic substances is prepared.
The biofireplace does not demand flue and carrying out construction jobs. Special fuel is safe, does not emit toxic substances. If you have decided to put such type of decorative heating, at first decide on its look.
Figurative – small imitation of fireplace in which fire is behind glass. Wall types are made of metal, easily fasten to load bearing walls or partitions. Floor types are provided by the biggest variety of the sizes. Are more often provided by angular types. It is possible to use ecofireplaces in country houses, apartments or at the dacha.
Preparation: purchase of materials
Despite the seeming simplicity and the minimum set of materials, purchased options cost much. Therefore many prefer to do fireplaces independently. It is possible to buy all necessary materials in any construction salon or online store. You need several objects.
Glass
The quantity and the size is defined depending on design. It should not be thin. In advance specify thermal stability degree. The most suitable type – fire-resistant. It is possible to stop the choice on complete set from frame from metal with loops, door with double-glazed window. It is possible to get the decorated type with the forged elements or ornament.
Silicone mix for processing of seams
Mix has to be heat-resistant. On sale it is possible to meet options in special tanks or tubes with gun. Ready pastes are relevant for house application. Two-component structures are popular with masters, but when mixing it is necessary to follow certain rules.
Silicone sealants are elastic. Choose that look in which there are iron oxide particles. It increases hot air resistance. For fireplaces it is better to use neutral structures which do not distinguish acids when drying.
Torch
Fuel tank for biofireplace – the capacity suitable for alcohol burning. It is possible to buy the block which operation is regulated by electronics, but at installation it is necessary to consider more various factors. It is possible to make torch independently, any metal small capacity for this purpose will approach.
For minimization of probability of emergence of the fire choose that appearance which the false bottom has. Ready options are often equipped with special valve by means of which extent of burning is regulated.
Cut of the metal gauze
Give preference to views with small cells. This material has to be enough on so many to make two layers. The grid has to be paint or other coverings, metal, strong without additional treatment. In the course of heating they can become source of release of hazardous substances.
Metal box
It is used as the basis. By the sizes it has to advise the glass body. If you do not want to buy box, it can be made of grids for barbecue, construction grid, baking sheet (it is necessary for basis).
Accessory materials
Materials for scenery will be required. It is possible to add coarse pebbles, to make dressing composite materials. The normal stone brought from the street will become great option.
Artificial firewood is sometimes used. Natural wood should not be applied as it can light up. Artificial types often ceramic. They are painted in right colors. It is in addition possible to use knots or cones. Modern models cover with fireproof varnish.
You need gypsum cardboard if decide to hide metal box under scenery. Heat resisting types are suitable for fireplaces of any types. Get them in any hardware stores.
Drawing up drawings
Without them it is independently impossible to make fireplace. The sketch at first is created by pencil that visually it was possible to see ready result. When the sketch is made, there is opportunity to evaluate the forces. The drawing becomes with the indication of all sizes. Thanks to such plan it will be possible to be guided easily in production of all parts. On the sketch it is specified:
- length and width;
- place arrangement of glasses and torch;
- main proportions.
Subtleties which should be considered by drawing up the project
The quality of glass used as partition is surely considered. If you use normal, without heat-resistant characteristics, it is necessary to have it at sufficient distance from torch. In the return case it can crack pretty fast. The distance has to make not less than 15 cm. But masters after all do not recommend to experiment with normal glass.
The fuel tank is made of metal from 2 mm thick. More thin steel sheets at influence of big temperatures can be deformed that will have an adverse effect on reliability of all installation. For ensuring bigger safety such block is bought in shop.
In drawings the sizes of torch and quantity of such elements are considered. If the room big, and biofireplace is applied not only to the decorative purpose, then it is possible to establish several such elements. One torch can warm up to 15-16 sq.m. But it is better not to do too large number of such elements.
If you decide to make torch independently, use any metal capacity. In this case:
- During creation of open biofireplaces it is simple to decorate capacity – paint it right color. Leave internal part without finishing, otherwise finishing material will burn down.
- From above the metal gauze keeps within and fixed. If cells large, take several pieces, put them at each other. Durability of such grid is important as on it stones or other decorative elements will keep within.
- The capacity bottom connects to grid match. If it remains a little visible, in it there is nothing terrible. Decorative elements all the same will hide it.
Fireplace assembly technology
Production of basis will require metal box. If it no, it is possible to use heat resisting gypsum cardboard, metal section, self-tapping screws of 8 bolts, thin soft gaskets, rubber gaskets. If the box is not prepared, use black fireproof paint or specialized coating.
If the wall look becomes, then on wall lines of marking to which it is necessary to attach guides for the body are outlined. Thanks to self-tapping screws, profiles and framework are put. Check correctness of arrangement of all elements by means of plumb.
If it is supposed to use gypsum cardboard for framework covering, for these works there comes the most suitable time. The optimum distance at which it should be fastened makes 10-15 cm. When performing such work it is necessary to lay mineral wool from 5 cm thick layer. That the rack was reliable and durable, use special crossing points.
Gypsum cardboard is better to fix on metal box, but it is necessary to leave the lower part open. After that the upper part is fastened, edges are processed by silicate solution.
On glass eight openings which have to approach under the sizes of bolts are drilled. With their help glass fastens to the manufactured block. Drilling needs to be done accurately that cracks have not gone. If you have near at hand no special drill, let this work will be performed by the master.
Optimum sizes lower part of 16.5 cm. In the middle the block for fuel and torch is installed, the upper part of glass makes 25 cm. On the panel you will note places to which glass will fasten. Make openings. Through them boats with soft gaskets are pushed. From internal part of framework carry out fixing with use of washers. Do not tighten them too hardly, otherwise glass will crack.
Instruction of finishing works
It is necessary to attach legs. They are plastic or metal. At material selection it is better to give preference to that which long time will be able to maintain the weight of the received fireplace. Put on rubber gaskets the lower part. When the design is ready, in it establish metal capacity under fire chamber and the fuel block.
When all works are performed, seams accurately are rubbed clean, the surface is wiped with rag. After that start dressing. Add torch, lay out decorative elements. The first start is carried out by rules. At first remove grid with scenery. It is necessary to do it every time when you fill tank with fuel. The last has to make 2/3 tanks.
The ready equipment is covered with grid and set fire. If the equipment is executed correctly, then the blue flame will appear. Refilling torch is carried out after full burning out of fuel.
What to use as fuel?
The ecofireplace is heated by bioethanol which is eco-friendly. When burning, raw materials are not source of unpleasant smell, do not smoke and do not leave marks. Such biofuel is on sale in household shops or salons with ready fireplaces.
If you have decided to make biofuel is well-founded in house conditions, it is necessary:
- To buy gasoline and medical alcohol.
- To mix components of spirit solution so that gasoline made 10%.
- Well shake up liquid, fill in in fuel tank.
The structure in the volume of one liter made in industrial conditions lasts for 2-5 hours of burning. The mix made independently is spent approximately in the number of 100 ml in 1 hour. The first minutes of burning of self-made fuel it is possible to feel alcohol smell, but it quickly dissipates.
Rules and the principles of the address with the fireplace made own hands
It is necessary to observe safety measures that the fireplace did not become cause of the fire:
- Filling of fuel can happen only in completely cooled down fireplace. If you have accidentally spilled structure on floor, try to wipe it rag at once.
- For ignition special lighters are used. With application of normal the probability to get burn is high.
- Liquid needs to be stored at sufficient distance from fireplace in inaccessible for children and animal places.
- Mounting of finished product has to happen in places where there is less than the probability of fire emergence.
- The desktop center is located far from heating appliances.
- If there are chronic diseases of respiratory system, consult the doctor whether there will be evaporations from fuel for you harmful.
In conclusion we will note that it is possible to get ready fire-resistant decorative elements. It will allow to create full illusion of the real fireplace. Specially picked up fuel can lead to formation of small amount of steam. Upon purchase of special mixes there is opportunity to choose type at which the flame will have different shades. It will allow to gain beautiful effect and homeliness in any room.