Some of our favorite decor tips for fireplace mantels are:
Choose accessories in colors that will complement your overall color scheme.
If using a large piece of art, choose a frame that complements the colors in the room.
Use coordinating frames for a more budget-friendly option.
Select accessories that fill the space and are relative to one another- check...
Choosing a waterproofing product is important, as is understanding the porosity of the material being waterproofed
Different types of bricks vary in porosity, so it's possible that a chimney will need to be waterproofed more than once
If the brick faces are popping off, it's too late to waterproof the chimney and it should be rebuilt instead
Waterproofing...
If your chimney crown is cracked or deteriorating, you may need to have it repaired or replaced
Freeze-thaw damage is a common problem that can happen to chimneys. The crown of the chimney is especially vulnerable to this type of damage, as it can crack and deteriorate over time.
This is caused by the freeze and thaw cycle...
Creosote is a dangerous build-up of soot and tar in your chimney, and can cause chimney fires.
Signs that you have creosote in your chimney include a campfire smell, black staining around the fireplace, and poor draft.
If you have glazed creosote, which is the most dangerous kind, it's important to call a professional to remove it.
There...
Chimney balloons are often used as a stop-gap method for fixing drafty chimneys, but they are not an effective long-term solution
A professional chimney sweep can clean and inspect your chimney, and may be able to suggest more effective solutions than a chimney balloon
Replacing or installing a damper can be a more effective way to improve the...
A bird can live in a chimney for up to a week as long as there is no fire
The bird will eventually die from thirst or hunger
If the bird lives on longer than expected, it's likely because it's receiving fresh air and has access to a water and food source (Source)
It was a dark and stormy...
Homeowners with wood or pellet stoves should maintain them and may need to provide documentation to their insurer that the stove is in good condition
If a fire caused by the stove is not the policyholder's fault, they may be covered
Homeowners insurance policies may have specific provisions excluding coverage for damage caused by a faulty or inadequate...
When a chimney does not have to be beautiful, wrapping it up with a rubber membrane is the most cost-effective method to seal it
There are few roofing contractors who would offer this service, but anyone that knows how to perform a torch down roofing system should be able to do so- this article is a good resource
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Hardwoods are generally the best: they burn longer and hotter than softwoods
The best type of hardwoods for long and hot burn times are ash, maple, oak, birch, and for the most part all fruit trees
Seasoned wood with less than 20% moisture content is easier to light and burns more efficiently than green (wet) wood
Firewood should...
A Solo Stove should never be used directly on a wood deck, unless you're sitting it on a fireproof mat
The short answer to this question is yes, you can use a Solo Stove on a wood deck. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to do so safely. In this blog...
