House Renovation Tips

Big or small stove?
Are you trying to choose between one large wood stove and two smaller ones? Usually one large one works better. It takes larger chunks of wood, can burn longer fires and cuts maintenance and cleaning time in half. In some cases, though, such as in a ranch-style house, two stoves are necessary [...]

 
If your wood stove is close to a wall, here’s an easy way to protect the wall from catching on fire. Attach a sheet of 1/4″-thick masonry board to the wall behind the stove. A 4′ x 4′ sheet will be adequate for any of the common wood stoves. Leave a 2″ air space between [...]

It’s easy to clean your own chimney - if you don’t mind getting dirty. You can find an appropriate-size chimney brush at a hardware or wood stove store. Lay a drop cloth in your fireplace or at the base of your chimney to catch the falling creosote. Push the brush up the chimney, scrubbing back [...]

Even if you use your chimney only for a central heating system, be sure to clean it. Soot can build up in the chimney, and birds may nest in it during the summer.
Clean your chimney prior to each heating season and when inspection reveals a buildup of Va” or more of creosote. A chimney positioned [...]

Old chimneys were built without flue liners. The mason simply applied a layer of plaster to the inside of the chimney as he built it. If you have an old chimney that’s in need of repair, consider adding a flue liner instead of rebuilding the chimney. The former approach is much less expensive than the [...]

 
If you need firewood fast, cut ash. Unseasoned, it burns better than any other wood. Seasoned, it’s excellent.
White birch burns fast but not very hot. It’s good for a quick fire to take off the chill in spring or fall. Or use it with slower-burning woods to keep them going. Strip off the bark and [...]

Don’t try to burn wood in your fire-place on andirons that are too high. Firewood will burn better and provide more heat when burned on andirons with 3″ legs. These are low enough that the hot coals that fall through the andirons can still preheat the firewood that’s sitting on top of them. Also, the [...]