Fireplace
Why Does My Chimney Stink?
During the summer, when we have hot, humid weather or lots of rain, you may notice an undesirable smell coming from your fireplace and chimney. This odor can be caused by a variety of reasons. Let’s explore some of the most common types of smells and the likely cause. An asphalt or bad barbeque…
Read More8 Brick Fireplace Cleaning Tips
Do the bricks surrounding your fireplace look dark and dirty – especially the more you use your fireplace? Unfortunately, unsealed brick, which has a dull, flat appearance, is a porous material. That means soot, dust and dirt can penetrate into the cracks and crevasses of the bricks. Soot and dirt that has been absorbed into…
Read MoreSafety Tips for Factory-built Fireplaces
Is your home less than 50 years old? Was your home’s design one of a half a dozen new build designs in a planned neighborhood? Does your home have a fireplace or multiple fireplaces? Well, chances are your home features a factory-built fireplace. Factory-built fireplaces – often called pre-fab fireplaces – are constructed and assembled…
Read MoreWhat Is a Factory-built Fireplace?
When you think about a fireplace, you probably think of one made of bricks or stones. But did you know that, for over 50 years, many fireplaces used in the construction of new homes are actually made in factory?In fact, factory-built fireplaces now make up about 75% of all types of fireplaces used in home…
Read More8 Steps for Starting a Safe Fire
Most people probably think starting a fire in their fireplace or wood-burning stove should be a pretty easy task. But if you don’t start your fire correctly, you could end up with a room full of smoke. Therefore, here is a recommended method for getting your fire going, so you can enjoy the comforts of…
Read MorePros and Cons of Soft vs. Hardwoods
Did you know that the density of your firewood can determine how long your fire will burn and how much heat it gives off? The wood from different types of trees can vary widely in how much heat the wood produces, how the fire will burn and the overall fire quality. When you know more…
Read MoreWhy You Shouldn’t Burn Your Christmas Tree in Your Fireplace
After the holidays, it’s time to take down the Christmas tree, pack up the lights and decorations, and return your home’s décor back to the way it was. While you likely have a location to store all of your decorations, what do you do with a REAL Christmas tree after the holidays? Unless you bought…
Read More6 Benefits of Gas Fireplaces
Do you want the warm, cozy ambiance of a roaring fire on a cold winter night without the hassle of seasoning the firewood, starting the fire and cleaning up the ash afterward? A gas fireplace can be a great alternative to a traditional wood-burning fireplace. If you’re not sure whether a gas fireplace is the…
Read MoreBurning the Right Firewood Matters
Have you ever burned wood in your fireplace or wood-burning stove that caused your home to fill with smoke, or produced a bad odor, or irritated your skin? The firewood you choose can affect: The efficiency of your fire. You and your family’s health and safety. Environmental protection. The safety of your home due to…
Read MoreCarbon Monoxide—The Invisible Killer
Each year over 400 people die from accidental, non-fire-related carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, and thousands of people become ill from it. In fact, in 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to over 80,000 CO incidents in which CO was present in the building. Carbon monoxide is a by-product of combustion. While most people think you can…
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