As with any substantial purchase, knowing as much as you can about fireplaces and their materials can help you make better renovation choices. If you’re considering going for a concrete fireplace surround, we’re here to make your decision easier. Here’s a list of some of the most common questions we hear as custom concrete casters.
Is GFRC safer for a fireplace than regular concrete or other materials?
We use glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) for all our fireplaces. Concrete is a safer material choice than wood because it is non-combustible, meaning it will not catch alight even when exposed to embers. The glass fibres in GFRC lower the risk of your concrete cracking and spalling (breaking up into small pieces) when exposed to flames.
Will pieces withstand high temperatures for an extended period?
Yes, GFRC has a fire rating of two hours. That means in the case of a house fire, it will withstand the flames for at least 120 minutes. When you build a fireplace mantel out of concrete, it will not be directly exposed to the fire, and it can last many years with proper care.
Can you use a GFRC fireplace surround in exterior spaces like courtyards or terraces?
Absolutely! GFRC is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and is a favourite material for architectural cladding. A concrete fireplace surround is a durable choice for outside areas because it can withstand freezing temperatures, heavy rains, snow, and sunshine without cracking, rusting, rotting, or fading.
What are the other benefits compared to traditional concrete or other materials?
GRFC is stronger and lighter than traditional concrete, so it’s easy to customize into thinner panels and unique shapes. It’s also long-lasting and low-maintenance–the glass fibres help the concrete to resist temperature changes without cracking.
Can you fully customize the style and finish of the pieces?
Yes, we can create a fully custom concrete fireplace surround and mantel for your project. All our designers, casters, and installers are in-house. We can texture the concrete using tools, moulds, or formwork to leave impressions, ridges, and designs on the surface. We can also do smooth finishes. Chat with us about your design ideas, and we’ll suggest the best way to achieve them.
Can you do custom colours?
Yes, we do. The colour options on our website are only guidelines. You can choose to use them as-is or customize them entirely. We customize concrete colours by adding pigments to the cement during the mixing stage.
How is GFRC better than plaster?
Plaster and concrete offer similar aesthetics for a fireplace mantel; however, concrete is a superior choice because it is more resistant to thermal stress. When plaster heats up and cools down rapidly, it is prone to cracking. The same is not true for GFRC.
Are you interested in building a custom fireplace surround made out of GFRC? Feel free to get in touch with our expert team for more information.
