which will make the flue start working faster and help prevent smoke buildup. The flue is a chamber used for venting fireplace gases up the chimney, and it is usually closed when the fireplace is not in use for insulation purposes. The heat from the newspaper will...
Outside, repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or another structure during a storm. If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, the CDC suggests having your chimney or flue inspected each year. If you’ll be using a fireplace,...
If you're dealing with an emergency, such as a chimney fire, it's best to use either a fire extinguisher or aChimfex stick. Chimfex, when activated and placed next to the fire — not in it — replaces the oxygen in your fireplace and smothers the fire. Fireplace Safety Tips Using a...
When starting your fire, there are several items you can use to get the fire going. From kindling to newspapers or commercial firelighters, there is no right or wrong way to do this – it simply comes down to preference. ‘To start a fire in a fireplace, I always start with smaller p...
Outside, repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or another structure during a storm. If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, the CDC suggests having your chimney or flue inspected each year. If you’ll be using a fireplace,...
Deciding what will be in your fireplace will guide how you should frame the entire project. Not everyone chooses to use a fireplace insert, for example. Some people simply want an aesthetically pleasing place to put their space heater. If this is the case, you will want a more open look ...
blanket and cushions on the ground to make it look like a gloomy cave. Inside the Who’s home there should be a Christmas tree with presents underneath and stockings hanging. You can use socks if you don’t have stock...
How to Reuse Ashes If you ask someone how to dispose of ashes from a firepit, they may tell you not to do so — because there are actually several ways you can use old ashes around the house. If you do, the first step is to transfer them to a metal ash bucket just as you would...
8. A battery-operated electric fireplace is a terrific source of both heat and light during a power outage. It is safe to use in an unvented room indoors even on the coldest winter day, because it doesn’t emit carbon monoxide, unlike fuel-burning heaters. ...
and brushes. Use a plastic drop cloth to cover your hearth in order to catch whatever gunk may fall down. After that, head up to the roof and use the brush to rub the creosote and other dirt loose from the sides of the flue. You may come across a "surprise" -- a nest that was...