A Chimney Can Do More Than Blow Smoke

( Date Added: Sun Oct 13 2002   Visits: 231)  

A Chimney Can Do More Than Blow SmokeA Chimney Can Do More Than Blow Smoke A brick chimney adds a certain warm romance to any home. And with a little imagination, a chimney can add a great deal of character as well. It can accent a home's style and individuality. A chimney can break out of its tall, rectangular mold to become short, stout and round...or double stacked. It can...

Build a Fireplace Mantel

( Date Added: Sun Oct 13 2002   Visits: 511)  

Build a Fireplace MantelBuild a Fireplace Mantel A fireplace is usually just a black hole in the wall until it is framed by decorative elements called a surround and mantel. The mantel makes the fireplace a focal point and sets the style for a room. If you have recently installed a zero-clearance fireplace or want to change the style of an existing masonry..

Built In Firewood Cabinet Does Not Pass Inspection

( Date Added: Sun Oct 13 2002   Visits: 197)  

Built In Firewood Cabinet Does Not Pass InspectionBuilt In Firewood Cabinet Does Not Pass Inspection By: Barry Stone Dear Barry: We purchased our home about 10 years ago, and one of the features we liked was the firewood storage cabinet next to the living room fireplace. Now that we're selling the property, the buyer's home inspector found a problem apparently gone unnoticed since the..

Choices Abound for Fireplace Surrounds

( Date Added: Sun Oct 13 2002   Visits: 319)  

Choices Abound for Fireplace SurroundsChoices Abound for Fireplace Surrounds In many of the rooms in your home, the fireplace serves as the centerpiece, both visually and socially. Here, folks gather on chilly winter nights to read stories aloud, watch movies or just to talk. Guests inevitably gravitate to this soothing, flickering backdrop for conversation and mingling. The...

Code For Fireplace Dampers

( Date Added: Sun Oct 13 2002   Visits: 198)  

Code For Fireplace DampersCode For Fireplace Dampers By: Barry Stone Dear Barry, The people who are buying my home, upon advice of their home inspector, have asked that I remove the fireplace damper prior to closing escrow. I've explained that this would be impractical since an open chimney would allow warm air to escape from the

Cost of Chimney Repair Stalls Sale

( Date Added: Sun Oct 13 2002   Visits: 181)  

Cost of Chimney Repair Stalls SaleCost of Chimney Repair Stalls Sale By: Barry Stone Dear Barry, My home fell out of escrow because of a fireplace problem that was found by the home inspector: The insulation plate has a small crack, and the estimated repair cost is nearly $10,000 because a whole new chimney is needed. The inspector says this is a common problem with some...

Fireplace Tips

( Date Added: Sun Oct 13 2002   Visits: 216)  

Fireplace TipsFireplace Tips When you cozy up next to a crackling fire on a cold winter day, you probably don't realize that your fireplace is one of the most inefficient heat sources you can possibly use. It literally sends your energy dollars right up the chimney along with volumes of warm air. A roaring fire can exhaust as much as 24,000 cubic feet...

Flue Shots

( Date Added: Sun Oct 13 2002   Visits: 144)  

Flue ShotsFlue Shots Unless you live in the Arctic, it's likely your chimney hasn't seen much action this summer. But with fall approaching, it's a good time to clean out the flue. Start by noting the dimensions and shape (round or square) of your flue as well as its height. Visit a hardware store and purchase chimney brushes and a set of extension...

Gas Fireplaces

( Date Added: Sun Oct 13 2002   Visits: 147)  

Gas FireplacesGas Fireplaces Everyone loves a cozy fire on a cold night, and fireplaces have always been a popular feature in homes of any size and type. But for a growing number of people, that love does not extend to the mess and physical exertion of hauling, storing and burning wood, and many have turned to natural gas fireplaces as a clean,...

Gas or Wood-Burning& Which Fireplace Works Best for You?

( Date Added: Sun Oct 13 2002   Visits: 142)  

Gas or Wood-Burning& Which Fireplace Works Best for You?Gas or Wood-Burning� Which Fireplace Works Best for You? You plan to build your dream home. You've pored through home plan books, picked out the perfect design, found a beautiful lot in a great neighborhood and worked out a deal with a well-regarded builder. After years of rental apartments and settling for less, you've earned this home..