The Fireplace

From the beginning of mankind The Fireplace has been the center of the home. Whether it was used for cooking or heating the area, The Fireplace is where the family gathered. Of course fireplace designs have been modified over the years. The most common design used today is not much different than the fireplaces built back in the 1940's thru the 70's (some codes were modified in 1995). This was the industry standard and was used for all those sprawling track home developments throughout the country. They were quick to build and fairly inexpensive. They became 'lovingly' referred to as 'Dingbat' fireplaces. Unfortunately they did not throw much heat into the room and would often 'smoke' (not draw correctly).

Later, around the early 1970's, masons re-discovered Count Rumford's fireplace design. Rumford had a patent design to retrofit large fireplaces in Europe in the 1800's to radiate more heat into the room and save on fuel for the fire. His design had a high opening, a shallow firebox floor, more 'splay' on the side walls and a modified 'throat' area. This design really threw a lot of heat into the room but would quite often 'smoke'.

I have combined principals from both of these concepts to create my 'DeMaria Fireplace Design'. These throw a lot of heat into the room, have a fairly high opening and because of my modifications to the 'throat' they do NOT smoke!

Now, during our 'Shelter in Place' order I find myself spending more time in front of our fireplaces. I thought this would be an appropriate item to feature. I hope you enjoy the scroll and I hope everyone stays safe and healthy. -JD