As the days grow colder much of the country turns indoors seeking warmth. What better treat than curling up to a cozy crackling fire with a blanket and hot toddy? Whether your home is equipped with a traditional fireplace or a more contemporary alternative, the historical significance and modern enjoyment of these architectural elements remain unchanged. The Basics Most of us are familiar with basic fireplace terminology. The two most prevalent fireplaces construction methods are prefabricated and masonry builds. A masonry built fireplace is built into the structure of the home, culminating with the smoke blowing out of the chimney. Brick, clay, and stone are the popular choice for building material. Prefabricated fireplaces are constructed off-site and arrive ready to install. Metal fireboxes, minimal clearance from the fireplace and combustible material (refined design specifications…