|
|
May 21, 2010
For the optimum safety and performance when using your wood burning fireplace, you will need to perform regular maintenance. Even when using the most efficient fireplaces available, there will be a level of soot and glaze buildup that needs to be cleared away.
The most important step is to contact a certified chimney sweep for annual maintenance to your chimney and fireplace. As a professional who has the proper equipment and training to keep your fireplace in tip top shape, a chimney sweep is essential.
Outside of this regular maintenance you can do some cleaning of your own. It’s important to recognize the different residues leftover from a wood fire. Creosote, which is highly flammable and must be removed from your chimney on a regular basis, is dark colored and crusty. This hard substance is a buildup or hardening of soot, another dark residue that’s softer and more easily removed.
A common recommendation is to have soot buildup removed from the chimney once it reaches a depth of 1/8”. After that depth the hardening or crust stage will begin and the danger increases.
Creosote glaze is another problem substance that builds up in your chimney and fireplace. This happens when new creosote layers are formed on top of other layers that are still moist or tarlike. The residue is shiny and hardens just like paint glaze.
There are products designed to break down the chemicals of the glaze, allowing it to be brushed or swept away easily. Use this powder or granular product when preparing the fire. A small amount applied will go into action as the flames heat up, causing a chemical reaction in the creosote glaze and basically burning it away. After this product has been used for a short time, the previously built up creosote can be simply brushed away leaving a safe and efficient chimney.
It’s a good idea to use the same thing as a preventative product, keeping the substances from becoming a problem. You’ll still need to invest in annual maintenance, but the work will be less and the day to day operation safer.
Burning dry wood and letting in the proper amount of air during the fire also helps to keep the creosote build up down. Practice good burning techniques to have the safest, most efficient fire and you can worry less about dangers like soot, creosote and glazing. When they do arise and at least once a year, have a professional inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney. Enjoy your hearth more with these simple steps.
Buy fireplace and wood stove cleaners online or at one of our New Hampshire locations. Fireplace Village provides stove, fireplace and chimney safety inspection, maintenance and cleaning service in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
February 23, 2010
The ultimate in easy and worry-free fireplace and wood stove cleaning, the soot eraser is a must for every home.
This vulcanized rubber product is non toxic and works like a charm to erase soot and smoke build up from the hearth. Lightly rub down your bricks, mantels, stones and woodwork and watch the soot disappear. It even works on some wallpaper and doesn’t require a drop of solvents or cleanser. Just a light rub will do.
Heavy build ups may be tough to tackle, but with frequent use of the soot eraser, you’ll never have heavy build ups to worry about.
Get a pack and start using them today – your hearth will sparkle. Buy fireplace and wood stove cleaners and the Soot Eraser online.
February 9, 2010
When dealing with the danger of flames in your fireplace or wood stove, you need to have quality safety products nearby. Be sure that you are equipped to handle the fire with these items.
Hearth Rugs
Generally inexpensive, these rugs sit in front of your fireplace and wood stove to protect the flooring from sparks and ash. They are often made of synthetic fibers and need to pass rigid flammability tests. Alternatively you can install tiles of non-flammable materials around the fireplace or wood stove – such as stone or ceramic.
Hearth Gloves
Fully insulated for protection, these gloves, sometimes referred to as fireplace gloves, are a must when handling wood and tools for use in the flames. Often the exterior is leather, while the inner glove can be felt or something equally comfortable. The fingers should be reinforced for strength.
Hearth Gates and Fireplace Screens
Fireplace screens are decorative, but they do protect the flooring and surrounding area. For more extensive and stable protection, install hearth gates. These act like a solid fence, are often higher than a screen with a gate for entrance, generally child proof. Made of steel or iron with interlocking sections, hearth gates can be purchased and designed to fit almost any size of fireplace. Perfect when infants and toddlers are around, hearth safety gates give homeowners security while still allowing access.
Thermometers
Useful for maintaining good working order in your fireplace or wood stove, thermometers are also a safety feature. They warn you when the flames have become too hot or too cold, as both situations are unsafe for your home.
Log Racks
A rack specified for log storage can help to contain any tumbling logs. Keeping your fuel stacked tightly and out of the way also deters climbing on and playing in the wood.
Ash Buckets and Tools
These are not only handy but help encourage you to keep the hearth empty of dangerous ash buildup. With a flat shovel and a brush, homeowners can quickly and easily clear ash from the fireplace and into the bucket for disposal.
Glass Cleaners
Specially formulated for the particle buildup from fires, these cleaners will keep the glass door or windows clear. This will allow you to properly see the shape and size of the fire inside. It will also help you to enjoy view of the fire better.
Fireplace and Wood Stove Safety
It is imperative that you have these safety features close at hand when dealing with fire. They will limit dangers and potential damage as well as allow you to enjoy the warmth and beauty of a well built fire with less worry.
December 10, 2009
Clean up that black cast iron wood stove with Rutland Stove Polish. Stove polish protects and renews the beauty of any cast iron surface. This stove cleaner combines three waxes with some of blacker pigments known in a water-based emulsion. Non-toxic, non-flammable. This squeezable paste wax can be buffed to a deep lustrous glow. Regular cleaning prevents deterioration of wood stoves, grills, ornamental ironwork and heating hearth accessories stored out of season.
Fireplace Village carries the complete line of Rutland stove, grill, gas log and fireplace glass and hearth cleaners. All Rutland hearth cleaners are Made in the USA. Visit one of our NH fireplace and stove shops today for your wood stove, stove and fireplace cleaning products.
|
