chimney supplies
- Posted: January 27, 2016Read more »
As the owner of a fireplace, you’ve probably spent more time than you would like trying to manage and maintain the perfect fire. Turn your back on a wood-burning fireplace for just a few minutes, and that flame may dwindle away before you know it.
There are plenty of ways to fix that problem, as well as any other issues that may arise with other fireplaces.
Many people have their own fool-proof methods for building a perfect fire, but everybody needs a little help sometimes. With the right supplies, you can make sure you keep the best possible fire going.
Types of Fireplace Supplies
A Chimney Brush
Before lighting a fire, it’s a good idea to first make sure your chimney is clean. Even if you’ve never used it before, a build-up of leaves or animal nests can cause harmful blockages. There are professionals that can clean out your chimney for you, but you can also opt to do it yourself.
Start by measuring the size of the chimney flue to determine the size of brush you’ll need. Using a brush and extender pipes, first clean downward from the roof. Then clean from the bottom of the chimney to get any spots you may have missed.
Once you’re finished, you can start building a fire.
Dry, Seasoned Wood
As the crucial element in any wood-burning fireplace, the wood you use is the most important.
If you purchase wood from a dealer, first make sure it’s not wet or rotted. If you cut or gather the wood yourself, storage is key. Keep the wood stacked on the ground and covered for six months until it’s ready for use.
Stacking the wood in a layered “log cabin” form makes for a more evenly-distributed burn. It also provides a better base for adding more logs to keep the fire going.
A Good Set Of Fireplace Tools
There are three common types of tools used in tending small fires: a fireplace poker, spade, and tongs.
The poker is a steel rod that is used to adjust coal or wood burning i
- Posted: December 02, 2015Categories: Fireplace AdviceRead more »
We’re getting excited, because it’s now the time of year that fires aren’t just enjoyable – they are necessary! Many times they are an essential component of a home during the winter time. During a recent stay in North Carolina, my friend told me that he uses his fireplace to heat his home during the entire winter! We spent some time gathering firewood to be able to burn throughout the duration of the cold winter months. What a way to save energy and cost on heating bills, especially when you have the proper chimney liner and chimney caps in place to prevent heat from escaping through the top and walls of the chimney.
Along with being economical and a great place to sit during the winter, the fireside is also a great place to enjoy some seasonal drinks throughout the winter months. There’s hot chocolate! Even white chocolate peppermint mochas from the local coffee joint. Today we wanted to talk about some of the exciting holiday drinks to enjoy during winter time.
Winter Drink Ideas by the Fireside
Hot Cocoa
First off, you can’t go wrong with a great cup of hot chocolate. I recommend using milk instead of water, but for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer the lighter texture of hot cocoa made with hot water, that would surely be the way to go. I prefer Godiva’s hot chocolate and with milk and maybe a few marshmallows it ends up being one of my favorite fireside winter drinks.
Lemon Ginger Tea
The next set of drinks will include all varieties of tea. We’re going to stick to one particular kind of herbal teas that aren’t caffeinated so you can enjoy them late at night without having to worry about not being able to get to sleep. The first is a lemon ginger herbal tea. Our favorite benefit of this tea is the way it helps sore throats and upset stomachs feel better, as sometimes the winter cold can cause us to feel a little under the weather.
Mulled Cider
Our third and final drink to