Dramatic framework forms a matrix focal point over this North Scottsdale home's back patio and negative edge pool, underlining the architect's trademark use of symmetry to draw the eye through the house and out to the stunning views of the Valley beyond. This almost 9000 SF hillside hideaway is an effortless blend of Old World charm with contemporary style and amenities. Organic colors and rustic finishes connect the space with its desert surroundings. Large glass walls topped with clerestory windows that retract into the walls open the main living space to the outdoors.

Family room - country family room idea in Los Angeles

Living room - craftsman living room idea

Photography by Brad Knipstein
Inspiration for a mid-sized cottage medium tone wood floor living room remodel in San Francisco with a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The dining table was custom made from solid walnut, with live edges. The original brick veneer fireplace was kept, as well as the floating steel framed hearth. Photo by Christopher Wright, CR

This is an example of a small rustic shade side yard vegetable garden landscape in New York.

Photo Credit: Paul Bardagjy
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard stone patio kitchen remodel in Austin with a roof extension

Our Indianapolis studio gave this home an elegant, sophisticated look with sleek, edgy lighting, modern furniture, metal accents, tasteful art, and printed, textured wallpaper and accessories. Builder: Old Town Design Group Photographer - Sarah Shields --- Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/midwest-luxury-living/

This beautiful Mid-Century Modern home by Architect Ben Urmston is located in the Frematic development of Anaheim. A fireplace area with built-in shelving and benches creates an extended area for entertaining larger groups. OCModHomes.com

Floating bed in the master bedroom with fireplace and midnight kitchen
Inspiration for a modern bedroom remodel in Miami

Inspiration for a coastal open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Miami with white walls

IBI Photography
Example of a transitional living room design in Miami

The fun part about cold weather is the fireplace. It’s cozy, warm and just mesmerizing to watch. Sometimes, even with the warmth coming into the home, it still seems like some cool air is coming into the home. How can you get more heat into the house instead of it drifting up the chimney? Can a fireplace heat shield help? What is a Fireplace Heat Shield? A fireplace heat shield is a thick stainless steel plate installed against the rear firewall of the fireplace. It pushes into the house anywhere from 20% to 40% more heat. However, a fireplace heat shield has other benefits as well such as protecting the firebricks and mortar. The fireplace heat shield sits in front of the rear firewall. It takes the direct impact of the flame ensuring the infrastructure of the firebox and chimney stay intact. Key Benefits of a Fireplace Heat Shield We mentioned a couple of the benefits of a fireplace heat shield at the top of the article. Here is the full list of benefits and what it can mean to you and the comfort and protection of your home. Does the Fireplace Need the Extra Protection? Your firebox is built to handle intense heat from the fire. Over time, the heat cracks, pits and loosens the material. This is where the heat shield can help protect the firebox, and reduces the cost and frequency of repairs. How Does the Heat Stay in the Back of the Firebox and Not Come Out? A fire needs oxygen to burn. It finds it by pulling air into the firebox from your living space. As the air flows into the firebox, it pushes the heat from the fire right to the back of the firebox. The intense heat causes the back wall made of brick and mortar to expand. When the fire dies down, the firebricks cool down and contract again. Yes, the cycle is similar to the freeze thaw cycle outside on the chimney which should be protected by Chimney Saver, a waterproofing agent. For the fireplace, a heat shield reflects/radiates the heat’s direct contact, so your firebricks and mortar are protected. Water Intrusion from the Chimney Firebrick and firewall materials are porous - They tolerate very high temperatures. But, as we discussed in other articles, these materials also absorb water easily. How can moisture get it? It can travel down from the top of the chimney through a crack in the chimney crown, a damaged cap, missing mortar or loose flashing to name a few. Superior Chimney can locate and correct these chimney leaks so your fireplace stays dry. If the firebricks are wet or damp the direct flames from the fire can speed up the deterioration of the back wall. The heat shield acts as a protective barrier between the fire in the fireplace and the back wall. Fireplace Mortar Fireplace mortar does the same thing as the mortar outside. It’s important to have the fireplace cleaned and inspected by a certified technician to ensure any missing or deteriorated mortar is repaired. Without the repair, the firebricks will move, shift or fall off exposing your home to further damage. Making a Safe Fire and Structural Integrity If you are burning wood, or using a gas fireplace, the fire inside the firebox needs to be safe. When the materials are worn or weaken, that layer of protection is compromised. If a chimney inspection which includes the firebox, isn’t performed at least yearly, you can run the risk of home fire and needing a new firewall. Don’t let it get that far and pose a risk to your home. Including a heat shield will help protect the home. How a Fireplace Heat Shield Protects Your Fireplace and Home A Superior Chimney heat shield works by protecting your firebricks from direct heat and flames. The stainless steel material is built to take that impact and directs the heat to go inside of your home for a nice warm room. With an installed heat shield, the back firewall gets about 1/3 less exposure to heat and flames. That reduction minimizes expansion and contraction in the firebricks and mortar. Protected vs. Unprotected Firebox: A Side by Side Comparison The table below shows how a heat shield changes the day to day life of your fireplace. Tuckpointing or Firebox Rebuilds Tuckpointing restores mortar joints and brings back the strength of your firebox. A heat shield helps that fresh work last as long as possible. How Can Your Firebox Benefit from a Heat Shield This is something you can do yourself. Take a look at the back wall of your fireplace. If you see any of these signs, a heat shield investment will save you on repairs and heating costs. • Hairline or visible cracks in the rear firebricks • Pitting or crumbling on the firebrick surface • Mortar joints that look recessed, sandy, or uneven • Loose firebricks that shift when touched • Heavy soot staining that cleaning does not remove • A history of chimney leaks or water stains in the firebox • A recent tuckpointing or firebox rebuild you want to protect From the Field: Our Technicians’ Perspective Our certified technicians can explain how the firewall is almost always the first area of a firebox to show wear. It sits directly in the path of the draft, so it takes the most heat each time. Homes with a heat shield consistently show cleaner, tighter mortar joints at their annual inspections. Pairing Your Heat Shield with an Annual Inspection A heat shield works best as part of a regular maintenance plan. The National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 211 standard calls for chimneys, fireplaces, and vents to be inspected at least once a year. The Chimney Safety Institute of America also encourages annual inspections and cleaning by a certified technician. During your inspection, we check your firebox, mortar, and heat shield together so everything stays healthy for your home. Frequently Asked Questions About Fireplace Heat Shields How much more heat does a fireplace heat shield provide? Most homeowners enjoy 20% to 40% more radiant heat in the room. It depends on the fireplace size, design and the type of wood you burn. What is a fireplace heat shield made of? Superior Chimney heat shields are made from stainless steel. This material handles high heat, resists corrosion, and directs warmth back into your home. Can a heat shield cover an old, stained back wall? Yes. A heat shield covers soot stained and gives your fireplace a clean, updated appearance. Should I repair my firebox before installing a heat shield? If your mortar or firebricks show damage, repairs come first along with a cleaning and inspection. Once the firebox is ready, the heat shield helps preserve your firebox for years to come. Is a heat shield the same as a fireback? No. Stainless steel firebacks, cast iron firebacks and heat reflective shields are not the same. Firebacks are decorative whereas heat reflective shields do exactly as their name infers. Do I still need chimney inspections with a heat shield? Yes. Annual chimney inspections remain the best way to keep your entire chimney system working and efficient. A check on the heat shield is included in the inspection. Protect Your Fireplace with Superior Chimney A fireplace heat shield is a simple, affordable way to get more warmth from every fire. It protects your firebricks and mortar while making your fireplace look inviting. Contact Superior Chimney today to schedule an inspection and learn more about heat shields. You’ll feel the difference from the very first fire!

Whon Photography
Large urban underground carpeted staircase photo in Indianapolis with gray walls and no fireplace

Remodel of taking mirrors off large wall, refinishing, painting and hanging two large pieces of artwork. Kept original furnishings, put in new porcelain floor and beautiful new area rug.

The expansive formal living room has 14' ceilings and a fireplace with a stunning stone surround. The dramatic fireplace is Brown Dream Gold Quartzite.

David Guettler Photography.
Design ideas for a small modern drought-tolerant and full sun front yard concrete paver landscaping in Los Angeles with a fire pit for spring.

Beautiful 75" Ultra High-Definition wall-mounted TV with surround sound and in ceiling speakers.
Living room - mid-sized mediterranean open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea in San Francisco with beige walls, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard concrete paver driveway in Houston for spring.