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 for chimney liners 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 using a chimney insert 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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Copper Fire Pits

Copper pits are a delightful addition to your backyard or for a campsite. There is a growing demand for these fire pits because not only do they have a decorative advantage, they also are very functional. They enable you to create an outdoor fire without having to set your firewood on the ground. They can also be used for barbequing either in your backyard or when camping.

Top Selling Copper Fire Pit

Landmann 28472 Scroll Series 30-Inch Copper Fire Pit with Spark Guard

This easy to assemble fire pit features a large cooking grate so it’s perfect for outdoor gatherings. It has a rust-resistant finish and a beautiful design, making it our top recommendation for anyone seeking a durable and attractive pit.

Scroll to the bottom of this page for more top selling copper fire pits.

Portability

They are movable which means you can carry them with you on a trip as long as you have some space to spare. They can also be moved around the house which allows you to change the positioning of the copper fire pit bowl. You can place it wherever you see fit as long as you choose a safe location.

Durability of Outdoor Copper Fire Pits

Copper pits are very durable because the metallic material is able to withstand high temperatures without corroding. They are better quality than other metals and it is for this reason they may be a little bit expensive. However, it is worth it to pay for a product that could easily give you a lifetime of service.

Fire Pit Designs

The copper varieties of fire pits come in a wide array of designs, which means that in addition to being practical, they also serve as decorative pieces of furniture. Some people actually do not use them for fires and instead choose to place them somewhere around the house for decorative purposes alone.

Cleaning Copper Fire Pits

Although it may sound like a daunting task, cleaning is actually fairly straightforward. There is a special copper cleaner that is applied to fire pit copper in addition to a specific polish. This will enable you to maintain a clean radiant look for the fire pit’s copper when it is not in use. Periodic cleaning will remove any stains while preventing the copper material from developing a different unnatural hue.

Instructions for Cleaning
• Remove debris and all residue and then wipe down with a dry cloth or paper towel
• Apply a little copper cleaner (It is usually available in hardware stores. ) If you cannot find any copper cleaner, you can use lemon juice or vinegar
• Use water to rinse out the copper and dry immediately because any retention of moisture will lead to a reaction that makes the surface change color.
• Use a buffer to give the surface some shine.

Copper Fire Pit Accessories

Copper fire pits sometimes come with additions either for functional or decorative purposes. For example, some come with grills or protective mesh covers. Decorative leg designs can be added to a pit to give it some appeal.

Buying a Copper Fire Pit

You may be spoiled for choice when you go out looking for a copper fire pit so you should have an idea of what you want in mind beforehand. Amazon has a huge resource of copper fire pit models and it may be the best place to begin because you can see photos and reviews as well as read the specifications and sizes. You can often find copper fire pits with free shipping. Click here to see copper fire pits on Amazon or click on any of the top sellers below.

Best Copper Fire Pits

CobraCo SH101 Hand Hammered 100% Copper Fire Pit Tub with Screen and Cover

This option features a deep bowl which means longer lasting fires and comes with a screen and cover.

CobraCo FB6132 Round Cast Iron Copper Finish Fire Pit Bowl with Screen and Cover

The intricate legs add a touch of elegance to your outdoors and the copper finish is stunning.

Landmann 28472 Scroll Series 30-Inch Copper Fire Pit with Spark Guard

30? Copper Hammered Fire Pit

This fire pit is as beautiful as it is functional.

Camp Chef FP29LG 30-Inch Del Rio Copper Gas Firepit

This gas fire pit uses lava rock and creates a fun outdoor party atmosphere.

Good Directions 772 Large Copper Fire Pit

This copper fire pit bowl features hammered copper and a deep basin along with a beautiful wrought iron stand.

Smith & Hawken® 33″ Copper Fire Bowl

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Help for a Chimney Brush Stuck in the Chimney

If you have a chimney brush stuck in the chimney, the first thing you should do is remain calm. It happens more often than you think. Even the most meticulous planners can occasionally get the measurements wrong for chimney liner brushes. Besides, your chimney liner might not be uniform in size or it could have become bent due to usage. So although this is not what you were hoping for, be assured that it’s an easy mistake to make and there are a few ways you can solve it.

The easiest way to retrieve a stuck chimney brush that has become lodged during cleaning is by accessing it from underneath. If you can reach up into the chimney from the fireplace, this should solve your problem fairly quickly. Be sure to wear heavy duty gloves that cover your arms because it is easy to scratch yourself when reaching up into a chimney.

Most people aren’t lucky enough to get their chimney brush stuck in an easily retrievable position. If the brush is stuck more toward the middle of the chimney, one thing you can do is try to feed a pair of pliers down into the chimney using a rope. Better yet, if the brush has become detached from the rod, attach the pliers to the rod. Here’s what you should do:

Chimney Brush Stuck in Chimney: Method #1

1. Pull the pliers open and tie one of the handles to the rod or rope with the jaw of the pliers pointing downward. If you have pliers that lock open, do not lock them. You might also want to reinforce your knot with a bit of duct tape.
2. Lower the pliers down into the chimney using the rod or rope with the jaws facing down. The pliers will probably fall open and this is perfectly okay. When they reach the stuck brush, they should close automatically. Force them down past the brush. After they pass the brush, the pliers will reopen on their own.
3. Now you are ready to pull the rod or rope back up. The open pliers will form a sort of hook that should be able to grab a hold of the stuck chimney brush and pull it back up to the top. Sometimes you need to make a few attempts before you manage to snag it but eventually you should succeed.

Stuck Chimney Brush Remedy: Method #2

1. Feed a rope down the chimney liner from the top all the way to the bottom.
2. Go to the bottom, or better yet enlist someone to wait there to assist with this step. Once the rope has made it all the way to the bottom, you will want to tie a bunch of old towels or rags to the bottom of the rope. Make sure they are bound together very tightly and you use enough of them to be strong enough to push the chimney brush upward. Towels or rags are recommended because they won’t scratch the inside of your liner and lead to further problems.
3. From the top of the chimney, pull the rope upward firmly and the attached rags should pull the brush upward toward you.

Getting a chimney brush stuck in chimney liners isn’t very much fun but it’s not the disaster you might think it is initially. One of these methods should be enough to help you retrieve the lodged brush and continue on your quest to clean your chimney. Once a brush has been stuck, you should discard and seek a new brush that is slightly smaller to avoid having a repeat of this pesky occurrence.

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Electric Fireplace Inserts – An Easy and Practical Fireplace Solution

Many people want to enjoy the warming glow of a fire without having to deal with the hassle of a traditional fireplace. A warm and cozy fire is a great way to set the mood but dirty ash, flying sparks, and chimney liner maintenance are quick ways to ruin the effect. Electric fireplace inserts are the perfect solution for those looking to enjoy a warm fire without the work.

Electric fireplace inserts are one of the easiest ways to enjoy a fire. In fact, while they produce heat and a simulated flame, there is no fire at all. The fireplace insert is simply installed into a current fireplace or an area where a fireplace is desired. They are even easier than using electric fireplace logs. Since there is no flame or smoke, these inserts are a quick and affordable way to create the look of a fireplace without major home reconstruction.

The biggest benefit is the ability to quickly and easily have an instant fire. All the user must do to start their simulated fire is flip a switch or press a button. Instantly, a fire using small, flickering electric lights begins. Depending on the model selected, the fire can appear very realistic. Heat is created using a small electric heater. Some electric inserts produce a crackling fire-like sound. The options available are determined by the model selected. There are many different varieties of electric inserts available and anyone can easily find an affordable insert to meet their needs.

Selecting and installing an insert is very simple. Start by measuring the available space inside your fireplace. It is wise to measure height, width, and depth. Be sure to take these numbers along with you as you look for inserts to ensure that the insert selected will fit the space available. Look at the models available within the available price and size range. The features will vary greatly from model to model which makes careful analysis of each potential insert critical. It is easy to get overwhelmed when shopping for inserts so make a list of the features you are looking for beforehand and stick to it. Ask yourself a few questions to guide your decision: How often do you plan to use your fireplace? Are you concerned about appearance? Is your primary goal to heat the room or have the look of a fire?

When buying an electric fireplace insert, you can pretty much expect to get what you pay for. People on a budget can find a basic model that will get the job done whereas those with more money to spend can find something that looks particularly realistic and offers some extra features as well. Some models will offer heat as well as blowers to help distribute the heat throughout the room. Among the most popular choices are the Dimplex electric fireplace inserts. The best place to buy electric fireplace inserts online is Amazon. Click here to see some of the best deals on electric fireplace inserts on Amazon. You can also watch out for sales at home improvement stores. You might be able to save some money on a fireplace insert by buying previous year models or purchasing during the off-season (summer).

Once an acceptable model has been selected and purchased, installation is simple. It is generally a wise choice to thoroughly clean the fireplace before installing an electric insert. Make sure that all soot, ash, and, dust is removed prior to installation. Use a chimney brush to remove built-up material. You may even want to enlist the help of expert chimney cleaners to ensure every last trace is removed.

To install, simply insert the electric fireplace insert into the space available. With electric inserts there is no need to worry about ventilation or available clearance. If the insert fits, it will work. Plug the insert in to a nearby electrical outlet and enjoy your instant fire. If you have a visible cord, you might want to try hiding it with strategically placed décor or a decorative screen.

Electric inserts make enjoying a warm, toasty fire simple and affordable. By installing an electric insert in your home you will be able to enjoy fires on demand without the hassle of gathering wood or cleaning the fireplace and chimney lining.

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