Fireplaces generally come in two types*: masonry fireplaces built entirely of bricks and mortar; and factory built fireplaces consisting of a lightweight metal firebox and a metal chimney (there are a few hybrids too, the most common being a heavy metal firebox and smoke chamber coupled to a regular brick chimney). To figure out which you have will take only a moment of detective work on your part.

A masonry fireplace has a firebox built of individual generally yellowish firebrick, a brick chimney above the roof, and if you look up past the damper you will see a roughly pyramid shaped affair also built of brick.

A prefab fireplace generally has a firebox of cast refractory panels, and usually some metal is visible in the room all around the firebox. If you look up past the damper you will see a round metal chimney. And above the roof is more round metal chimney, sometimes surrounded by a simulated brick housing.

* For fireplaces constructed completely of concrete ( also known as Rampart General fireplaces ) please visit the Dale Feb Website for specific information and publications.