Fireplace
Fire Waiting to Happen
February 11, 2009 by David Helm · Leave a Comment
This post is about solid fuel burning appliances and potential chimney fires. Solid fuel appliances are usually wood burning fireplaces or stoves, including inserts. The chimney serving these appliances should be cleaned every year. The picture below shows a chimney with major creosote buildup. The very next fire in the stove could be the one to set off a chimney fire; and chimney fires often burn houses down!
- Creosote
What does all this mean for a home buyer? It certainly means you would need to have the chimney cleaned before ever lighting a fire in the stove.
Fireplace
Plan the Perfect Outdoor Fireplace
February 3, 2009 by Gabe Hoggarth · Leave a Comment
Author: Gen Wright
Planning to install an outdoor fireplace is very much like planning to install an indoor fireplace. However, there are some differences that you may wish to take note of. For example, all outdoor fireplaces are exposed to the external environment. So that may affect your choice of raw materials. Also, since it’s an outdoor fireplace, you can worry less about smoke.
Like all fireplaces, you only have to ponder over three things: building materials, ventilation, and size.
When it comes to building materials, there are many options to choose from. You can build fireplaces with cast iron, masonry, granite, limestone, copper, and other building materials. Each type of material will have its own unique characteristics. For instance, iron has the tendency to rust over time, but it can withstand extremely high temperatures and can be very durable.
Ventilation is also a major component that you should ponder over. Most outdoor fireplaces are installed with chimneys. When you have a tall chimney installed, you don’t have to worry about smoke. Smoke will be directed upwards, and into the atmosphere. Of course, you should choose a chimney design that fits well with the exterior of your home.
Then you have the element of heat to consider. The size of your outdoor fireplace depends on the area that you want to heat up. The larger the area, the bigger the fireplace. Bear in mind that when you have a large fireplace, more burning fuel will be consumed. But in exchange, you get more heat throughout a larger area. To help spread heat around, you can also install a fireplace blower. That will help even out the heat in the same area.
In general, the more time you are going to stay outdoors, the more you may be willing to invest in your outdoor fireplace. It doesn’t make sense to install a huge permanent fireplace if no one is going to use it often. So think over this carefully. Will a small fireplace be good enough?
To perfect your plan, start thinking about installation issues as early as possible. Do you want to install an outdoor fireplace yourself, or do you need help installing the fireplace? In the current market place, there are DIY outdoor fireplaces available. However, if you do not have any experience whatsoever, it’s always better to enlist some help.
If there is a custom design that you like very much, then your only option is to hire professional contractors to install the fireplace for you. In a way, your outdoor fireplace plan has become a mini project.
Then there is the option of buying portable outdoor fireplaces. This is a popular option for those who are looking to heat up an area temporarily. It will also help save space as you can put it away when not in use.
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