Archive for February, 2009

How do I clean my fireplace after using a fire extinguisher to put out a fire?

Thursday, February 26th, 2009

JN asked: Long story short....I forgot to open the vent. My husband has banned me from starting any more fires in the fire place. But he will still use it. What steps do I need to take to ensure it is safe to use the fireplace ...

Fireplace - any tips on reducing smoke coming in instead of going out?

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009

asked: im renting a house with a fireplace, ive used it once but had alot of smoke coming in, was the fire not hot enough to assist in the smoke rising? is some smoke coming in normal? any tips or tricks ? oh before someone asks, yes the damper in ...

How often should you get your fireplace cleaned out?

Friday, February 20th, 2009

Amber K asked: I know you’re supposed to get someone to come in and clean the fireplace out because it can cause fires but I don't know how often and I don't want to ask a company because they'll probably tell me whatever is going to benefit them most. ...

How do I open my fireplace up for the first time and tips on using it properly?

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

lisalou asked: We have lived in our house for some time now but never used the fireplace. In fact, the fireplace has never been used before. I don't want to burn my house down. I have never been very good at building fires. What things do I need? Thanks!Alice

How do you know if a house has a fireplace chimney vs just a chimney?

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009

Bada Bada asked: I just started working as an exterior home inspector. I'm having trouble distinguishing between when a chimney has a fireplace below it and when it doesn't. Since chimneys don't always have fireplaces below them, how can you tell for sure? Thanks. Asking an owner isn't an option....since much of the ...

How can I stop the drafts coming from my fireplace?

Tuesday, February 10th, 2009

*SaL* asked: I tried to cover up the fireplace with a cardboard taped all around it but the room is still cold. Is there some way to close the fireplace from the inside since i dont really use it?? Thank you!Lynn

Fireplace?

Monday, February 9th, 2009

gurlndixie asked: My house has a fireplace which is approximately 13 years old. (the house is 13 years old). Anyway, when I build a fire in the fireplace there is smoke in the house. What could be wrong with it? Could it be clogged up or something. It is a ...

Is it possible to add a see-through fireplace in a wall between the tub and bedroom?

Saturday, February 7th, 2009

AV asked: My bathroom is small and no space is available to borrow from anywhere else. I want to remodel the bathroom where the bathtub (not sunken) is next to the wall that divides the bathroom and master bedroom. That dividing wall is where I want to put the fireplace. ...

Is it safe to use a fireplace with cracks in the back firewall?

Friday, February 6th, 2009

dsjnix asked: We live in a 20 year old home taht we heve been in for 3 years. It has a pre-fab fireplace. We have noticed cracks in the back firewall. Is it safe to use the fireplace with these cracks?Shannon

I need to remove the marble on a fireplace face?

Thursday, February 5th, 2009

windyy asked: I am going to replace a prefab fireplace box. I need to remove the marble that surrounds the existing one. I was planning on using piano wire to cut the adhesive holding the marble to the fireplace box. Is there a better way? I stuck my pocket knife behind the marble ...