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...
A chimney balloon (also sold as a chimney pillow) is an inflatable draft stopper you insert into the flue to block cold air infiltration through an unused fireplace. The real problem with them isn't structural or exotic — it's simple and serious: they must be completely removed before lighting any fire, and forgetting is a genuine fire and safety...
A bird trapped in a chimney with no food, water, or way out can survive anywhere from a couple of days up to roughly a week, depending on the species, weather, and whether it has any access to light or air from a partially open damper. Without intervention, most trapped birds eventually die from a combination of exhaustion, dehydration,...
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...