A fireplace fireback is a piece of heavy cast iron, sized in proportion to the fireplace and the fire, which is placed against the back wall of the fireplace.

What is the purpose of a fireplace fireback?

The primary functions of a fireback are to protect the wall at the back of the fireplace and radiate heat from the fire into the room.

Do I need a fireback in my fireplace?

You really need a fireback if the back wall of the fireplace is damaged by the fire. ... In addition, a fireback has the additional advantage that the cast iron of the fireback is warmed by the fire and the fireback therefore radiates extra heat. The heat efficiency of the fire thus becomes 50% higher.