Questions about fireplace designs, installations and more?

Safety Check-List:

• Keep all combustibles, including logs at a safe distance from the hot stove.
• Always use the correct fuel for the Fireplace – as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Make sure any external air ventilation grills are not blocked.
• Always use a securely fitted Fire Guard when children are in the house.
• Never leave an open fire unattended without a Spark Guard.
• Get your Fireplace serviced, and necessary maintenance done regularly by Fire and Gas Lifestyles.

Chimneys should be swept at least once a year when your stove is in use. The best time to have your Chimney swept is just before the start of the season or after pro-longed shut down If you are sweeping twice in the year, the second time should be after the peak of the heating season.

ASH – DO’S AND DONTS

Just to remind those of you who have already have a stove (closed system fireplace), that Spring is now well established and if you are planning not to use your stove for a few weeks then please remember to empty the ash out.

At the end of the heating season, it is appropriate to remove the ashes from your stove because the ashes actually have the potential to draw moisture that can cause rusting of metal components. The acidic nature of the ash combined with moisture can be very destructive to the metal components.

6 USES FOR WOOD ASH:

• Febreze for pets. A handful rubbed into the coat neutralizes the lingering odour.
• Enrich compost. Before the organic compound gets applied to the soil, increase its nutrients by adding in a few ashes. (Too much, will ruin the mix.)
• Block garden pests. Spread evenly around garden beds and pots, slugs and snails don’t like it.
• Melt ice. Some people find it adds traction and de-ices without hurting soil or concrete underneath.
• Cleans stove glass. A damp sponge dipped in the dust then rubbed onto the glass cleans away the build-up. (More stubborn marks – contact us).
• Shine polish. A paste of ash and water makes a nontoxic metal polisher.

Please note: Wear gloves when mixing ash with water.

TIP:

If you’ve now cleaned out your stove and it’s going to be left for a few months, leave your stove door ajar to allow air to circulate within the stove and the flue or at the very least leave all your air vents open to their fullest setting. This will allow any moisture to evaporate.