Category: Fireplaces & Hearth

Fireplaces & Hearth

RADD TEST

fire-flames-yellow-orangeChimneys and Draft conditions:  The main function of a chimney is to create draft for combustion and to transport the flue gases out of the building. A good draft is vital for a good combustion. We consider a normally good draft to be between 10-20 Pa (1-2 mm VC). The chimney creates the draft, not the appliance. Essential for the draft is the construction of the chimney A tall chimney gives more draft. If the draft is insufficient it can be a solution to build a taller chimney. Read more »

Axe1. Cut the wood to length.  The wood you have purchased or cut yourself should be the right length for your stove, fireplace or furnace. This is usually about three inches shorter than the firebox width or length, depending on how you load the wood.  2.  Split the wood to the proper size for your burner. For most efficient wood stoves, this is usually no more than six inches measured at the largest cross sectional dimension. Read more »

woodburnerBe careful about what you put in your stove. Never use painted or pressure impregnated wood or plastics containing chlorine, such as PVC. This gives off highly poisonous gases. Don’t use driftwood from the sea as fuel. This contains salt which converts to chlorine when it is burned. You can wash the salt out of driftwood by leaving it outside in the elements for at least a couple of years. When lighting a fire, it is a good idea to place two thick wooden logs at either side in the stove. Place some crumpled up paper between them and create a stack of thin split-up logs on top. You can then add more paper, if you need to. Read more »

VC-ResAcclaim1A series of three break-in fires is required. The first is to raise the surface temperature of the stove to 200 degrees. Another is to raise the surface temperature to 300 degrees. And yet another is to raise the surface temperature to 400 degrees.  A stove top thermometer is required for this procedure and the stove should be allowed to cool to room temperature between fires. Note: Use less wood. You can always add more. Temperatures are ideal and should be used as a guide for proper appliance break-in. To start a fire, you need three things: heat, fuel, and air. The heat is provided by a match or lighter. For the fuel, you should use plenty of fire starter, such as crumpled newspaper and 1″ x 1″ dry kindling. Read more »

Wood-stove-install-1-005Installation of a stove must be in accordance with the particular laws and regulations in your area. Our sales staff has over 60 years combined experience to ensure that your installation is safe and legal. It is essential that a permit be pulled with every installation. Your local inspector is the person who will be checking the installation to ensure everything is to code.

determining-the-right-hearth-padWhether you decide to purchase a pre-built hearth or to build one refer to your owners manual as each stove has its own requirements for size and proper R-value. We carry a nice selection of sizes and colors in stock. We also can special order a hearth custom built to your specifications.

woodburner1There’s never been a better time to buy a new stove. But which one? You have a wide range to choose from: there are hundreds of models on the market, some very different from others. To narrow the field, first answer some questions: What are your heating needs? If your stove is going to be the only heat source for your house, you’ll need a powerful, efficient model. If you are looking for a secondary heat source, mostly for coziness on cold winter days, then a smaller, one-room heater may be appropriate. Do you have size constraints? Read more »

gas_logsVarious models differ from one to another, but the concept is very much the same. First locate the pilot knob on the side of gas logs. It will say “ON” and “OFF”. But in-between is the pilot position. If the knob is in the “OFF” position, start to turn it slowly towards the “ON” position and while you are turning push in. It will push in about an 1/4 inch or so when you get it about half way in-between “ON” and “OFF”. That will be the pilot position. While pushing the knob in, take a long lighter or long match and light the pilot at the pilot assembly. Read more »

gas-fireplaceAs with any vented hearth product, please rely on the expertise of a hearth professional for installation. All installations must be done in accordance with the owner’s manual and the local building codes. For installation requirements not specifically addressed in the owners manual or by building codes,refer to theNFPA 54. Our sales staff has over 60 years combined experience to ensurre that your installation is safe and legal. It is essential that a permit be pulled with every installation. Your local inspector is the person who will be checking the installation to ensure everything is to code.

Gas-Fireplace-InspVarious models differ slightly from one another, but the concept is very much the same. First locate on the unit where the pilot knob is (it should say “OFF”, “ON”, and “PILOT”).  There is also an ignitor button under there (it should be close to the pilot knob). Turn the pilot knob from “OFF” position to “PILOT” position (you might have to push in on the knob a little to get it to turn).  While holding the knob in, push the ignitor button until the pilot lights.  Continue to hold the knob in for about 60 seconds after ignition, then release slowly. If the pilot stays lit, push in the pilot knob and turn it to the “ON” position. Your fireplace is now set to burn. For any questions please refer to the owners manual.