| Frequently Asked
Questions |
Why should I
use firestarters?
|
They are safe, quick,
easy to use, and minimize or eliminate the need to prepare kindling.
They
are a great replacement for crumpled up newspaper which can flare up and
send burning bits of paper up and out the chimney. Those bits of paper
sucked up the chimney can also clog catalytic combustors (in some woodstoves)
and clog chimney cap spark screens. |
Can I clean
my own chimney?
|
Yes, the investment is
minimal; a brush matched to the size and shape (round/square/rectangular)of
your chimney, and one or more flexible rods that screw onto to the brush.
Our staff can give you instructions and tips to do it yourself.
Even if
you clean your own chimney, we recommend a periodic cleaning by a chimney
sweep professional. In addition to the cleaning they will give your
chimney an important safety inspection to help keep it in tip top shape.
|
Why are
firescreens important?
|
| They serve an important
safety function, keeping burning embers in the fireplace and from popping
out onto floors and nearby objects. |
How do I
dispose of the ashes?
|
Ashes, even from an
apparently dead fire, can contain hot burning embers for up to 48 hours.
A proper ash bucket is the safe way to handle ashes. A tight fitting
lid keeps the ashes from drifting out when the bucket is moved and the
raised bottom keeps the possibly hot ashes from coming in contact with
whatever the ash bucket is sitting on. |
What does a
fireplace grate do?
|
A fireplace grate serves
several important functions. It allows embers to drop down below the
logs so the coals can continue to burn and provide heat. The grate
also allows air flow to the logs so they can burn more completely.
High
efficiency woodstoves are designed differently and do not require the use of
a fireplace grate. |
With a gas
fireplace, why have a toolset?
|
| A gas fireplace does not
really need one, but a nice toolset on the hearth next to a gas fireplace
adds to the ambiance and illusion of a wood fire. |
What's the
best way to clean my stove or fireplace glass?
|
- Wood burning - Since most household cleansers are grease based
cleaners, they don't work on the creosote that accumulates on a
wood stove or fireplace door. A product such as Rutland's Glass
Cleaner is specifically designed to dissolve the material that collects
on the glass from woodburning. Just gently rub on and wipe off
with a clean rag.
- Gas - The whitish haze on the glass is a by-product
of gas burning and also requires a specific cleaner such as the Rutland
Glass Cleaner.
TIP: Never use any type of abrasive cleanser on your glass. It
leaves minute scratches that collect the creosote and become almost
impossible to clean.
|
