Media Styling and Proper Application
You have chosen your fire feature and now it is time to complete the look of your design by selecting your desired media. HPC offers a wide selection of media that will appeal to your desired aesthetic. However, there is more to media than meets the eye. This talk will focus on unique styling options as well as the importance of proper application. Gaining a better understanding of the role media plays will empower consumers to think of media beyond just its’ visual aesthetics and will aid customers in curating the perfect finished look to their designs.
Selecting the Right Media
It is crucial to select media that is certified to be used with fire appliances. Not all media is created equal. HPC’s has curated certified media from Fire Glass to Lava Rock and Logs. Each form of media provides a unique finish creating a signature aesthetic.
Fire Glass
Desire a sleek modern finish to your fire appliance check out HPC’s Fire Glass. HPC’s Fire Glass comes in ten different color variations and is certified to use in any of our appliances. Unsure of how much fire glass to purchase? Check out HPC’s Glass Calculator!
Lava Rock
Fancy a more natural rustic look? HPC’s Lava Rock might be the right finishing touch for you. HPC’s Lava Rock is procured from natural settings and provides a base that increases combustion efficiency. Lava Rock is a great choice for any of our standard burners as it vents easily and creates a low maintenance elevated look. Desire a more uniform look? Our Rolled Lava Rock line is made from basalt material. Its’ appearance is more smooth and it is more dense than the Lava Rock. HPC recommends seasoning Lava Rock once it is installed. To do so, set a burn time for approximately 30 minutes. This will allow the naturally occurring moisture to burn away.
River Rock
Desire a more natural earthy finish? Ceramic River Rock gives consumers the ability to achieve a natural look that is safe to burn. Our Tech Team often fields questions around the safety of using natural stones in a fire appliance. HPC emphasizes that it is unsafe to burn uncertified media. HPC has curated the Ceramic River Rock series which is made from lightweight ceramic fiber and gel casted creating a natural stone look that is safe to burn.
Logs
Seeking a more traditional look? HPC offers fire safe outdoor logs. HPC’s Outdoor logs are formed from high performing refractory materials and are cast from actual pieces of wood. This yields a long lasting realistic look. The Log Line can be paired with our Linear or H-burners which creates a classic natural look. When using the fire logs the burner must be covered. Utilizing HPC’s black lava rock is a great pairing to achieve proper functioning while giving it a finished look. An added factor to consider when using logs is determining the correct log set based on the size of your unit. Placing too many logs over the burner can cause overheating issues triggering the unit to shut down.
Media Application and Safety Guidelines
- Applying Media to HPC Standard Burners: HPC standard burners create a natural flame. To achieve this look, media should be added ensuring that there is full coverage of the burner with the ports being completely covered. When using our fire glass, HPC recommends applying a ¼ to ½ inch layer on top of the burner and the ports. In addition, you should avoid piling media on the blow out box. Media can be placed around the box, but be sure to keep the perforated holes of the blow out box clear of media. It is imperative to avoid piling too much media on the burner as this will cause potential safety issues or lead to overheating your unit.
- Applying Media to HPC’s Torpedo Burners: HPC’s Torpedo burner yields the largest flame on the market. However, proper placement of media is key to achieving peak performance. When applying media to HPC’s Torpedo Burner, one must cover the pan as well as the burner. However, the port nozzles must be exposed. HPC’s fire glass is a perfect match and creates a finished look to the design. Use of larger media such as lava rock is not recommended for the Torpedo burner, as this will lead to pockets and gapping. Over applying media can impact performance and flame pattern. Check our HPC’s Fire Inspired YouTube video regarding media application.
Maintenance
Over the course of time, soot will build a residue on the media. Therefore it is important to cleanse the media occasionally. Our fire logs can simply be brushed off or can be cleansed with soapy water. HPC’s fire glass can be easily removed using a shop vac or by carefully scooping the media in a bucket. Next, gently cleanse the media with soapy water.
HPC values quality and safety ensuring that all our of our appliances have been tested to guarantee their reliability and security. Remember, there is more to media than meets the eye. Proper selection and application of media play a crucial role in the performance of your fire appliance. Conduct proper maintenance checks to ensure the functionality and longevity of your fire appliance. If you have any further questions or concerns, reach out to HPC’s Certified NFI Tech Team at 937-436-9800. Our team is ready to support your every need.