FIREPLACES J. Carlson GHS 2010

Fireplaces

Parts of a Fireplace  The fireplace damper  The damper regulates air flow into the firebox and up the flue.   The flue is the lining of the chimney that extends from above the damper up.

Parts of a Fireplace  The hearth  is the front face of the fireplace, usually called the mantle.  The firebox  is the open space that makes up the fireplace and is where the fire is built. The back wall of the firebox is sometimes called the fireback.

Types of Fireplaces  Wood Fireplaces  Gas Fireplaces  Stone Fireplaces  Cast Iron Fireplaces

How to Build A Fire  Gather wood and firewood starter and place it in the firewood rack near the fireplace before starting the fire.

How to Build A Fire  Open the fireplace flute.  If you do not open the flute (some call it a damper), all of the smoke and soot ( i.e. creosote) will blow back into your house causing a smoky and black mess.

How to Build A Fire  Start with a clean space. Sweep the floor of the hearth and clean out all ashes.  Layer kindling about 2 inches thick. Include small twigs.

How to Build A Fire  Add hard wood on top or around the starter log on the grate.  Hard wood, such as oak, maple or birch burn longer and makes a better heat source.

How to Build a Fire  Strike a match and touch the flame to the starter logs, chips or wood.  Put the fire screen in front of the fire and enjoy your fireplace fire.

Chimney fires  Statistics suggest that over 22,000 home fires a year are caused by chimney fires.  Chimney fires are caused by buildup of material inside the flue of a chimney.  Smoke flowing from the hot firebox of a fireplace into the cooler space of the flue can cause condensation.

Chimney fires  The moisture from the condensation combined with deposits of unburned material in smoke attach to the sides of the flue as it rises up to leave the chimney.  The unburned portions of the wood that float in the smoke and then attach to the walls of the flue are called creosote.

Chimney fires  Creosote is a substance that can catch fire and burn at remarkably hot temperatures (approximately 2,000 degrees), causing much damage.  Creosote builds up when the conditions in the flue of a chimney are too cool, blocked up so not enough air can get in or from burning unseasoned firewood.