Further, the heat from a wood fire burns hotter than a gas fire and can permanently damage the gas fire logs and other connections that aren't designed to withstand the higher heat from wood burning fire. Burning real wood in your gas fireplace just isn't safe and needs to be completely avoided.
Yes, a gas fireplace is perfectly safe to burn normal wood in. And you don't have to buy those Duraflame logs, just load in your wood and light the gas for five or so minutes and then turn it off and tend to your nice wood burning fireplace.
*Pro Tip: It is NOT okay to burn wood in a gas fireplace. Mixing these two can lead to fire hazards and damage the home. **Wood is provided during the winter months. You will have wood to use during your stay.
There is no way to convert a gas fireplace to burn wood, unless you are very lucky and the gas fireplace is an insert in a properly functioning solid fuel fireplace (in which case you basically just remove the insert, and have the fireplace inspected).
Yes, it's a bad idea to add wood to a gas fireplace. Gas fireplaces are not designed to burn wood, and doing so could be dangerous. It may cause damage to the unit, lead to fire hazards, and void warranties. For more, check out my Quora Profile.
Although wood is combustible and therefore the source of the fire itself in a wood-burning stove, you can still include it as part of your gas fireplace surround, too. However, you must ensure that the surround is built properly and in accordance with the National Fire Code.
But did you know that you don't have to use an electric fireplace when combustible finishing materials are present? Using a modern gas fireplaces safely with shiplap finishes is not only possible, but has fewer limitations than you might think.
To convert a gas fireplace, you must invest in a wood-burning insert that fits the existing setup. These inserts range in cost from $800 to $4,500, but you'll also have to factor in what you'll pay in labor costs, which brings the cost of fireplace installation to roughly $2,500 on average.
If your fireplace was previously used as a gas fireplace, you will need some special safety features before you can burn wood again, even if your chimney is in good condition. The gas line will need to be capped. Without the property safety precautions, it will not be safe to burn wood.
Ventless Gas Fireplaces
Yes, traditional gas fireplaces typically require a chimney or a vent to safely expel the byproducts of combustion (like carbon monoxide) outside the home. However, there are ventless or vent-free gas fireplace options available that do not need a chimney or external venting.
Fire safety is very important, and you should avoid burning anything besides wood in your gas fireplace.
So the question is not so much which one emits more heat; it's which one prevents the loss of more heat. In this regard, the gas fireplace clearly comes out on top. However, we cannot deny the greater pleasure people get from the crackling sound and wonderful aromas of a wood fireplace.
The National Fire Code dictates that any combustible material (e.g., wood mantel or similar trim) must be at least six inches from the firebox opening. An additional inch of clearance is needed for every 1/8 inch the combustible material or trim protrudes.
Gas Fireplace Log Materials
Gas logs are usually manufactured of ceramic fibers, refractory ceramic, or refractory cement. Each of these materials is able to endure high heat conditions. They also have the appearance of real wood. These logs are formed from molds that mimic the look of real wood.
As a trusted fire pit installation expert serving Colorado homeowners since 1980, we often get asked whether it's okay to burn wood logs in a gas fire pit. The simple answer is no, but understanding why can help you keep your outdoor space safe and your fire pit working properly for years to come.
Gas fireplaces are not designed to meet the ventilation and high heat needs of a wood burning fire. Because of this, dangerous safety hazards emerge such as carbon monoxide poisoning, explosion of the gas line, and even out-of-control flames that can escape the firebox, damaging your home.
Remember, converting a gas fireplace to a wood burning one is a process that takes extreme attention to detail and skill. If you want to convert your gas fireplace to wood, leave it to the professionals so you have the comfort of knowing the job is getting done safely and correctly.
You will be able to convert your gas fireplace to a wood burning stove, but you'll need to make some alterations.
The testing is rigorous and designed for each specific placement of the gas logs, clearances, etc. Since wood fires burn much hotter, with heavy smoke production and varying flame intensity, you could easily start bringing harmful smoke into the home and potentially ignite the fireplace insulation.
Fireplaces add resale value and desirability to a home. According to the National Center for Real Estate Research, fireplaces can increase the value of the average home by up to 12 percent!
Brick wood-burning fireplaces can cost a total of $5,500-$11,000, not including installation, according to Fixr. Installation charges can range anywhere from $2,500-$10,000 for wood-burning units. Pre-built gas fireplaces are considerably cheaper, ranging from $1,500-$3,000, for the unit alone.
Shiplap is Not Waterproof or Moisture Resistant
The wood planks are usually sealed with paint or stain, but this doesn't fully protect against water. If you need water-resistant material for an area prone to high humidity or dampness, consider using vinyl planks or other moisture-resistant shiplap.
While drywall is fire resistant and used in fire-rated wall and floor/ceiling assemblies, it is not rated for use in fireplace insert surrounds. Radiant heat from pellet or gas inserts dries the cover paper, which is combustible and can pose a fire hazard.