chimney liner

Chimney Liner Basics

A chimney liner is an essential part of many chimneys, although many homeowners are not aware of its importance.. Fireplaces are a great way to warm the house in addition to being attractive and cozy. Many older houses have one or several chimneys and multiple fireplaces to warm the entire house and nothing beats cuddling up before a warm fire on a cold day. But are they really safe? Most people don’t know that chimneys need to be inspected every year. You could be warming more than just your feet- you could be slowly creating a huge fire hazard or toxic gases could be leaking into your home. The main way to prevent any drawbacks of fireplaces is by having a properly fitted and functioning chimney liner.

A chimney liner provides insulation and helps prevent the toxic gases emitted by burning wood from entering the home. Many old houses have unlined chimneys. It is very important to check to ensure that the chimney is lined and if so, to see what condition the flue liner is in. Chimney liners built in the past become less effective over time and with use, the gases from fires eventually erode the liner and also cracks can form.

There are several chimney liner options available depending on the type of chimney you have and your budget. Clay tiles are the most popular choice. They are very inexpensive to purchase but installation can be a little pricey, especially if your chimney is very old or has an odd shape. Still, it is money well spent for peace of mind and safety for you and your family. Square tiles were regularly used in the past but now round flues are recommended for maximum protection based on the patterns in which smoke typically spirals upwards. So even a lined chimney may need to be updated to the latest standards in order to be efficient.

Chimney LinerThe other option is a “cast in place” chimney liner. With this method, cement is poured directly into the inside of the chimney and allowed to dry and take the form of the chimney. These tend to give a cleaner burn and resist higher temperatures in addition to providing all the benefits of clay tile liners. And like clay tile liners, their lifespan is somewhere around the fifty year mark. This is an intensive process which requires specific tools and expert installation customized to the specifics of your chimney. You can also get an open fire chimney liner if you have an open fireplace.

Using a chimney brush isn’t enough to keep your fireplace clean and safe. Yearly inspection of your chimney liner can indicate the best course of action to keep your particular chimney in top shape and avoid dangerous consequences.

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Fireplace Grate Guide

Do you have a fireplace grate? Many people do not take time to consider this important element of their fireplace. Grates are the metal holding bins that sit inside of the fireplace and they are not only decorative but also very functional.

Grates are used when a building a fire to keep the firewood off of the bottom of the fireplace. This actually serves several purposes. First, it allows airflow and circulation in your fireplace. The grate helps prop your logs up in the air and keep them raised so that air can flow not only above and around the logs but also underneath it. This increased air flow allows your fire to burn more effectively and evenly. It results in more heat being produced by the fire.

Additionally, a grate makes starting a fire much easier. A final but important role of the fire place grate is to help keep burning logs safely inside of the fireplace. Without a grate, a burning log could easily roll out of your fireplace quickly setting your house on fire.

These metal fireplace grates are not only useful; they can be attractive design element in your fireplace as well. They are available in a variety of different metals and finishes. Some of the more popular selections include cast iron, copper, wrought iron, and nickel. You should select the design style and metal selection that will best work with your unique home décor. Be careful when selecting a grate to find one that is constructed of a durable, nonflammable material. Decorative grates made of wood or other flammable materials should never be used.

Many people wonder how to select the right fireplace grate for the needs. While there is no exact formula, there are some general tips that can aid in the selection process. Click here to see some of the best-selling fireplace grates.

Consider your usage of the fireplace. Do you regularly have a fire? What size logs do you typically use? These factors will an important role in determining the best grate for your needs. If you frequently have fires, a sturdy and durable great will be a long lasting choice. A cast iron fireplace grate is the most popular choice because it is very durable. Additionally, you will want to select a deeper grate if you burn larger logs. You should use a large grate if you burn a lot of big fires but keep in mind that a larger grate will use up more wood. Smaller fires can easily be accomplished using a smaller grate.

Here is a breakdown of some of the specialty fireplace grate types you can purchase for specific fireplace issues:

Ember Bed Grates
If you’re not a fan of cleanup, you can purchase a fire place grate that catches the falling embers and collects them underneath. Ember bed fireplace grates feature a mesh wire rack at the bottom that can collect fallen embers for easy cleanup and disposal once the fire has cooled. This also helps prevent fireplace suffocation by keeping the ashes away from the logs so they don’t put the fire out.

Self Feeding Grates
A self feeding fireplace grate is angled so that the logs fall down into the center as they burn. This keeps the fire going with little intervention required on your part.

Expandable Grates
An expandable fireplace grate works well if your fireplace is an odd size. It comes with extensions so you can get the exact length you need to build the perfect fire. These also work well for people who sometimes burn a big fire and other times want a smaller fire because you can vary the size depending on your need.

Non-tapered Grates
If you have a double-sided fireplace, a non-tapered fireplace grate is your best option because it looks the same when viewed from either side. This is purely an aesthetic preference as you could easily use a traditional grate in a see-through fireplace without trouble.

Click here to see the best deals on fireplace grates.

Your fireplace grate is a practical and important element in your fireplace. Select a grate that is not only attractive but practical as well. Once you have selected the perfect grate, using it is a snap. Just place it in the center of your fireplace, put the logs on top, and light a fire as usual. Warm up cold winter nights with a comforting fire using your new grate.

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Propane Fire Pit Guide

A backyard fire can be a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors. A propane fire pit makes enjoying a backyard fire effortless. Basically, a gas fire pit is a decorative stand that when lit will produce an instant propane powered fire. These affordable fire pits are so easy to use that you can enjoy a fire as often as you like.The most popular form is the propane fire pit table, which is the perfect place for a group gathering.

There are countless styles of propane fire pits available. Some of the more popular models include decorative table-like stands with a fire pit in the center or low to the ground square pits that resemble a traditional fire pit. One thing that all propane powered pits share is a hidden receptacle that houses a propane tank. The propane tanks used are generally the same tanks that are used to power propane barbecue grills.

Selecting a fire pit is simple. There are many pits available from a variety of different retailers. The biggest selection of styles is available online. Click here to see the full range of fire pits on Amazon. Customers that prefer to shop in person may find a smaller selection of fire pits at their local hardware store. Occasionally custom fire pit stores may be available which will carry a wide selection of fire pits in store and also offer the option of making one to suit your specific design needs. Look at a variety of different models to determine the style that you find the most attractive. This will help you to narrow your search.

Once the basic style of propane fire pit has been determined, various models can be examined. Some models produce a larger flame than others. Additionally, many models boast special accessories. You may want to carefully consider the model selected and the accessories available if coordination is important to you. Outdoor propane fire pits have the edge over traditional fire pits because they don’t require you to purchase and chop wood, which means there is no smoke or ash to contend with. A simple switch is all it takes to turn on the fire.

Once a fire pit has been selected and purchased, installation is very simple. Generally models are simply placed in the desired area. As you determine proper placement of your fire pit consider a few practical factors to help with proper and functional placement. Here are some important considerations when it comes to propane fire pit placement.

Gas powered fire pits work best when placed on a level surface. Generally pits are placed on concrete or brick surfaces. Your specific model will be able to offer more customized guidelines for proper placement. Place the fire pit away from flammable items. It is wise to place your fire pit several feet away from any walls, trees or overhangs. Additionally consider placing the fire pit in an area that will be easy to sit around. Propane fire pits are the easiest to enjoy when placed in a convenient area.

A propane fire pit is a great way to add a festive atmosphere to an outdoor party. It’s a great way for everyone to gather around the fire and enjoy some beverages and good conversation. It’s also very practical for keeping warm on chilly nights. There are also many models of portable outdoor fire pits that you can carry with you to the beach, park, or a cabin so you can set the mood with a fire without any hassle.

When choosing a fire pit, look for the efficiency rating. A higher efficiency rating means that the fire pit uses up less fuel to heat the area. Prices usually rise in accordance with the efficiency ratings, meaning that cheap fire pits are usually less efficient. Additionally, propane fire pits generally give the user the option to control the amount of heat given off by the unit.

An outdoor propane gas fire pit will be a beautiful and functional backyard element for years to come.

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About Chimney Lining

A chimney serves as the exit path for harmful gases, dangerous smoke, and toxic fumes that are produced as wood is burned in a fireplace. A chimney lining helps to ensure that these toxins successfully escape your home. Without proper lining, smoke and gases can absorb into the bricks and stone of your chimney increasing the risk of fire, chimney build up, and possible toxic contamination of your home. That’s why it is important to maintain and replace chimney lining on a regular basis. Chimney liners are subject to very high temperatures and volatile chemicals so they must be replaced from time to time.

Many choose to have their chimneys professionally re-lined when needed. Chimney sweeping companies generally offer a flue lining chimney service as well. This is the best option for people who are not particularly handy or don’t have much experience in home improvement because professionals have the right equipment to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Some consumers may choose to attempt this project on their own. It’s possible to do it yourself to save some money if you do a bit of research and planning first. This is a delicate job so some organization is necessary. Lining a chimney is a relatively simple process, although it does require hard work and is often a very dirty job.

The first step to lining a chimney is to clean the chimney. Cleaning the chimney involves removing any obstacles and obstructions within the chimney. Additionally, soot buildup and residue must be cleaned from the inner walls. Remove any broken liner pieces or existing lining. A new chimney liner should never be installed without first ensuring that the chimney itself is perfectly clean and clear. You can clean it yourself with a chimney brush or hire a chimney sweep.

Next, the new lining system must be put together. Often, this involves attaching several pieces of tubing using rivets and cement. The end of the lining must be molded to the shape of your current chimney damper to allow a tight seal. This is a delicate job so some organization and planning is necessary. It is easier and safer to assemble the liner while on the ground and then to transport the fully assembled lining to the chimney for permanent placement. The liner will be very long and awkward to carry. It is best to enlist several people in the transportation process for optimal safety.

The lining must then be inserted into the chimney. Often this is a time consuming process that involves slowly feeding the section of tubing into the chimney. Be careful while inserting the liner to move slowly and carefully. Chimney lining is very rigid and can easily break or crack especially at the seals. Plan on setting aside several hours for this entire process so that you won’t feel rushed and damage the liner. Any open spaces can create big problems down the road. Keep inserting the lining into the chimney very carefully until it is securely into position.

Once the lining is in place, secure the lining to the chimney by attaching it to the damper and completing the installation by attaching the chimney cover. The cover will protect your home from moisture from various outside elements.

It is important to install the liner correctly to prevent chimney fires and excessive smoke. You should carefully research chimney flue lining installation before attempting to install a system yourself. Professional installation is the easiest and safest method for replacing or installing lining. If you do choose to install it yourself, you may want to have an inspector come to ensure that you have done it correctly and there are no potential dangers. Although you will have to pay for the inspection, it is much cheaper than hiring someone to install it and it will give you peace of mind that there is no possibility of harm to your home or family arising from the liner.

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