Fireplace Information Blog
- May 20, 2016
Because it isn’t a delicate or fragile item, we don’t often think about the ways in which we need to take care of our fireplace. We assume that because a fireplace is able to withstand the heat of a fire, it means that it isn’t in need of maintenance, and that just isn’t true. Maintaining your fireplace, like maintaining any part of your home, is necessary to avoid unexpected and unforeseen repair costs. Here are some tips so that you can avoid frequent fireplace repair.
Keep An Eye On Your Damper
We’ve talked before about the purpose of a chimney damper, but we’ll go over it quickly here. A chimney damper serves to control the amount of air that can flow in and out of your fireplace.
- May 06, 2016
Picture this: you’re home on a cold winter night and you decide to build a roaring fire to keep you and your family warm. After preparing your wood and fostering a strong flame, the house begins to fill with smoke. Panicked, you have the family stay outside while you see to the issue, only to realize that no smoke is coming through your chimney. This is most likely due to a faulty chimney damper. You can think of a chimney damper like a lid for your fireplace. It is located in the flue (the air shaft through which smoke and air can travel in and out of your chimney) above the firebox (where the fire is made) and is in use both when fireplace is active and inactive. We commonly think of chimneys as avenues for smoke to escape from
- April 22, 2016
A chimney liner can help you achieve a better level of air quality and make for a safe fireplace. Here are some of the reasons you should consider a chimney liner.
Older Home And Chimney
Older homes often have older chimneys that have been largely ignored over the years. Even the best-built chimneys can need some attention over time. Cracks and deterioration can affect the way your chimney draws and functions. If you have an older home or are purchasing one, it is a good idea to take a look at your chimney before you use it.
The Air In Your Home Is Important
When a chimney is not functioning properly,
- April 08, 2016
A chimney liner is used to extend the life of your chimney while reducing the risk of any combustion within your home.
Chimney liners are used to provide a smooth surface which carries the products of combustion outside the home. The liner can be made of clay, ceramic, or even metal conduit. The liner protects the chimney from heat and soot build up. The type of liner you need varies based on your chimney.
Better Air Quality
A lot of people do not use their fireplaces because of the impact it has on air quality in the home. A chimney liner significantly increases how well your chimney vents combustibles to the outside. The improved air quality will have you wanting to use your chimney more than ever.
Getting Your Chimney Assessed
If you don't have much experience with chimneys or wood burning fireplaces, then you definitely want to consult with an an expert from the
- March 25, 2016
Spring time is here! Which means it’s time for some therapeutic Spring cleaning around your house. Here at Fireside Chimney Supply, we want to make sure you are well informed on how to clean your wood burning fireplace. The first step in this cleaning process is to make sure that you are prepared to clean and have all the necessary equipment to complete the task. Below is a list of items that we recommend using when cleaning your fireplace:
- Bristled nylon brush
- Large bucket
- Warm Water
- Bleach—if you don’t mind the use of chemicals
- Vinegar and baking soda—for a more natural approach
- Drop cloth
- Rags or towels
- Protective eyewear and gloves
To begin, place the drop cloth on the floor in front of your fireplace. Next, you are going to want to remove the log holder. To remove the ash, hose the holder down and gently scrub it off. If you want, you can use nonflammable
- March 11, 2016
A Rumford Fireplace is a true statement in beauty and utility. Here are some of the great features and benefits you can expect from a Rumford.
Tall Openings For Better Drawing
A Rumford always features a tall opening that creates a beautiful and efficient fire that your friends and family will love. The unique shape ensures that you will get the most heat out of the wood you burn.
Narrow Opening Draws Away Smoke
One of the biggest complaints fireplace owners have is the amount of smoke that can permeate a room, especially if someone is new to the art of using a fireplace. A Rumford has smooth and tapering sides that effectively draw smoke out the chimney instead of allowing it to linger and hinder the air quality of your home.
Solid Construction And Masonry
A Rumford fireplace kit is made to last. While metal fireplaces can show a lot of wear over the years or even need to be replaced, a masonry fireplace will still be offering your family classic good style for years to come. Many beautiful older and historic
- February 26, 2016
A chimney cap fits over the top of your chimney and prevents water from running down your chimney and into your stove, fireplace, and home. It is most important in climates that experience significant rainfall, but even those in drier areas should use one. Here are some of the advantages of a chimney cap.
Prevents Bird Nests And Animals In Your Home
No matter what size chimney you have, during the months that you are not burning a fire, birds may find it a very attractive place to build a nest and raise a family. Removing bird nests that are so high up on your home can cost you time and money and be very annoying when all you want to do is build a fire. Uncapped chimneys are more likely to allow wildlife into your home when no fire is present. Even if there are no visible animals, small animals can sometimes become trapped and die in a chimney.
Reduces
- February 10, 2016
Recently, a fire occurred inside the wall of a chimney in a trailer where a chimney liner was not installed. Having proper chimney supplies like a chimney liner is critical because it prevents residue from the fire from building up within the chimney and starting a fire, which is dangerous.
There are a number of ways to prevent chimney fires from occurring inside a fireplace. Chimney liner kits can be purchased and installed by specialists, and they help ensure the longevity of a chimney that could be aging.Ways to Prevent Chimney Fires
Install a Chimney Liner
Getting chimney liners installed is important for several reasons. First, a chimney liner could be necessary in helping a chimney pass inspection. Chimney inspections take place to ensure that the fireplaces burning in America are safe. The Chimney Safety Institute of America, or CSIA, is in charge of inspections and regulations for chimneys in homes. They provide the standard for which chimney sweeps
- January 27, 2016
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
- January 13, 2016
There are many accessories that are able to improve the efficiency or overall look of both a fireplace and chimney. The chimney inserts that are used to improve the inside of chimneys and lengthen their life span are a great way to improve the quality of a chimney. Another thing chimneys need from time to time is the chimney chase cover. Moisture and rain can cause them to rust, and sometimes if a hole appears there will even be water that leaks down to the fireplace area.
Fireside Chimney Supply carries chimney chase covers made of 24 gauge 304 stainless steel, and they are capable of solving the problems of rust appearing or a leaking chimney cover.
Chimney Chase Cover Summary
The chase cover is a metal cover that fits over the top of a chimney. In essence, it is what protects the fireplace from water dripping down from rainfall. The cover needs to be installed properly so that rainwater flows properly off and to the side. The chimney cap is placed on top
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