Fireplace Accessory Ideas

Archive for the ‘Safety’ Category

You should always give your fireplace a quick inspection before the holiday season when you will be more than likely using it a bit more than normal.

It’s Christmas, and time to hang your stockings from the mantel with care. It’s also when more attention placed upon your fireplace as focal point of your room. Below is a quick checklist for your fireplace to help get ready for the season:

1. Fireplace Tools: Check the handles to ensure that they are secure and safe. If they are loose or if your tools are badly marred or rusted then perhaps it is time to replace them. During this time of year, you can find excellent deals on fireplace tools.
2. Fireplace Screens: Inspect your fireplace screen to make sure that it is not only functional, but also attractive. If you dread having to move your screen every time you want a fire, then consider purchasing a new screen that has access doors. On the other hand, perhaps a flat, single panel screen that fits against your fireplace. During the holiday season, many fireplace dealers offer great savings on fireplace screens. Go on line and discover the many styles available.
3. Firewood Holder: This is also the best time to inspect your log holder. Ensure that the handle is secure, and that your log holder is large enough so you’ll limit the number of trips you’ll have to make out into the cold. Several styles of log holders even have spaces to hold your kindling or fatwood.
4. Fireplace Grate: Each time you have a fire, the iron in your fireplace grates oxidize. Over time, grates can become unsafe and lose its integrity. If needed, replace your grate. Also, insure that your fireplace grate is the correct size for your fireplace. A proper size grate will better serve you more efficiently.
5. Fireback: Firebacks are an old and traditional fireplace accessory, which are usually made of cast iron or stainless steel. Firebacks lean against the back wall of the fireplace, or is braced against the wall and radiate more heat from the fire into the room. Firebacks are available in plane as well as traditional and modern motifs to complement any fireplace.

One last thing—-Don’t forget the cookies and milk!

The purpose of this article is not to frighten you so that you never use your fireplace again, but to educate you about some of the dangers a fireplace can produce.

The purpose of this article is not to frighten you so that you never use your fireplace again, but to educate you about some of the dangers a fireplace can produce. One threat is the danger of fire when a fireplace is left unattended and a hot coal, spark, or log falls out of the fireplace and onto the floor. While this is truly a potential threat and no fireplace should be left unattended, there are other more menacing threats a fireplace can cause produce. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and highly poisonous gas. It is released by the incomplete burning of carbon or a carbonaceous material, such as wood or gas. If your fireplace is not properly ventilated, this deadly gas can escape into your home.

How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

You may be surprised to learn that carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States, which is why every home should have both smoke detectors as well as CO detectors. If your home fills up with CO, because of either a clogged fireplace chimney or faulty furnace, you can become poisoned without even realizing it, because CO is a colorless and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide alarms/ detectors are not jest for homes with fireplaces. They also great with homes that have attached garages (especially if a child?s bedroom is located above the garage), gas furnaces, gas heating, or homes that have small children who are more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning. These alarms will alert you if the carbon monoxide level in your home reaches a dangerous level. As with smoke alarms, CO detectors should be placed on every level of your home as well as in the garage.

The first step in preventing carbon monoxide problems is having ensuring that your fireplace is properly ventilated and having your chimney and fireplace cleaned regularly. Remember, if smoke or other gases are spilling into your home, chances are carbon monoxide is also. In many areas, you can contact your local Fire Department to inspect and ensure your fireplace is properly ventilated. If the Fire Department does not provide this service in your area, then check the Yellow Pages for professional chimney sweeps.

Fireplace doors are an easy solution to keep the fire in the fireplace and protect your home, family, and furniture from the popping coals.

Fireplaces are a fantastic amenity to any home. However, for anyone who has ever had a fireplace, you’re familiar with the possible inherent dangers that are always a threat. In my grandparents house, the wood floor in front of the fireplace was marred with tiny scorch marks made from popping hot coals from the fireplace. As a child, I learned very quickly not to sit too close to the open hearth, or else I’d be popped by a hot ash, which is the main reason why all of the fireplaces in my homes have fireplace doors.

Adding Doors to Your Fireplace

Fireplace doors are an easy solution to keep the fire in the fireplace and protect your home, family, and furniture from the popping coals. Fireplace doors also help to keep smoke from entering into your room, and are very handy at regulating the amount of heat coming out of your fireplace. You can locate several wonderful types of aftermarket fireplace doors. However, keep in mind that most doors are designed for a specific type of fireplace, therefore ensure that you purchase doors which will fit your fireplace.

Glass fireplace doors are possible the most elegant solution, allowing you the enjoyment of watching the fire while the doors are closed. You can find glass doors in a verity of shapes and sizes, to fit nearly any traditional fireplace hearth. Some fireplace manufacturers provide glass doors, which will only to fit their fireplace models. Therefore, you have to make sure to verify that the doors you’re purchasing are suited for your fireplace.

Another excellent solution is cast iron fireplace doors, which offer the best heat conduction possible. Through you will not be able to enjoy the view of the fire the cast iron doors do transmit more heat from the fireplace into your room better than glass doors.