General Chimney Questions, Tips, and Answers
What are the best types of wood?
There are may types of wood that can be burned in your system. Regardless of the choice, you want to make sure that it is well seasoned as this will help the fire start, burn cleaner, and produce more heat. You should always store your wood at least 6 inches off the ground and keep it protected from the rain or snow. Cover your wood with a tarp or store it in an outdoor shed. It is also important to store the wood away from the house. These tips are important because wet wood will cause smoking problems, odor problems, and rapid creosote build up. Wood also attracts termites and is obviously used as a catalyst in aiding fires.
When it comes to wood, we all have our personal favorites. As someone that loves the outdoors, fireplaces, fire pits, and cooking on the grill here is a list of my favorites in no particular order:
When it comes to wood, we all have our personal favorites. As someone that loves the outdoors, fireplaces, fire pits, and cooking on the grill here is a list of my favorites in no particular order:
- Juniper
- Maple
- Mesquite
- Hickory
- Oak
- Pecan
- Pine - It does all of the fun stuff; sparks, crackles, and pops. However, it puts off a lot of creosote and is a real nasty wood to burn. It is only recommended to use small pieces to help your fire get started as it will burn quick and generate a lot of heat.
What about pre-compressed or artificial logs?
These logs are very convenient for use as they are very easy to handle and light, unlike real wood. It is recommended to generally burn (1) log at a time and do not mix them with regular firewood. Either one of these concerns could cause too big of a fire and become a potential hazard inside your system. Please be sure to read the details on the instruction label when using artificial logs. Always aerie on the side of caution and be smart and safe.
Why are my gas fireplace logs turning black?
Vented fireplaces will have a little black soot on them as there is no way around the burning process known as combustion. However, this is not the case for non-vented systems. Large quantities of soot generally means:
- There is an imbalance in the ratio of gas and oxygen. Systems that use propane gas will likely have higher amounts of black soot residue the logs.
- The logs are not positioned correctly.
- The burner is old, clogged, and in bad shape.
Tips for starting a fire using wood.
- Make sure you damper is open.
- Clean out the bottom of the firebox from all ashes and debree.
- Place your grate towards the back wall in the firebox.
- Place a few small pieces of kindling on the grate and then apply your wood. Be sure to place some of the wood horizontal and others vertical with small gaps in-between the logs as laying them all flat on the grate will not allow your fire to have the proper circulation needed to catch fire. This can also cause smoking problems.
- You may need to preheat the flue and this can be done by rolling up a newspaper and burning it like a candle.
- Have plenty of kindling ready to burn for the first 5 to 10 minutes of the beginning of the fire.
- Place a little rolled newspaper under the grate and you should be off and burning with no problem.
Why is smoke coming into the room when I burn?
There are many reasons why people encounter this issue when using there system. Although it is not uncommon for this to happen, this could be an indication of a problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Here is a list of general scenarios that may cause this problem in no particular order.
- The flue is closed or not all the way open.
- There is too much debris and ash underneath the grate diminishing the amount of proper airflow for your chimney to be able to circulate the airflow into the smoke chamber and out of the system.
- A ceiling fan is on in the room or an air return comes on and is disrupting the systems draft.
- There is a nest or obstruction in the flue.
- A chimney cap has been installed that is not adequate for the system to function and diminishes airflow.
- The chimney needs to be cleaned. Creosote build up in the chimney can reduce the flow of air.
- Not having a flue tile can create a back draft allowing air to be pushed back into the house.
- The damper is located too close to the lintel area (typically seen in historic homes.)
- A smoke guard needs to be added to the system.
Why does my fireplace have an odor?
One indication that a fireplace needs to be cleaned is when the room has a mild stench or odor. After your system is cleaned, it could take several weeks for the odor to dissipate. You could also have a dead animal, bird, or rodent in your system. This smell is horrible and quite distinct. It may also be accompanied by flies and maggots. Give us a call ASAP!
I hear a bird in my fireplace?
This is a very common problem, especially if your system does not have a chimney cap. Birds, animals, and rodents have been know to get trapped inside the smoke chamber of a fireplace. They can be difficult to get out at times, but there are safe ways to help free these unwelcome visitors. If you have a chimney cap that is damaged or had one installed on your chimney that is not adequate for your particular system, there may be breached areas for entrance. Call us to install mesh wire screening or offer suggestions regarding the proper type of cap to install in your system.
Why do need a chimney cap?
A chimney cap serves three purposes:
- Keeps rain water from entering the system and rusting your damper along with many other problems.
- Keeps, birds, animals, and rodents from being able to escape.
- Keeps sparks from exiting the the system.