I hope everyone has the wood chopped and stacked for a long winter. Here in the Midwest, ours has definitely already begun. We’re talking 10 degrees and in full effect. Even the ground is dusted with snow already. Fortunately I’ve got my trusty wood-burning fireplace to save the day, and a few frigid toes. What’s in your home? If you also have the benefit of a cozy, crackling traditional fireplace, then let me offer you a few tips. Oh, but first of all; have you seen those cool new decorative fireplace screens? These are the BOMB! Every household with a fireplace should indeed have one.
Okay, so you enjoy your wood-burning fireplace. Maybe it’s one that was installed in the family room for moderate heating and aesthetic purposes. These are great. There’s nothing wrong with that. Or, maybe you have one of the more contemporary efficient fireplaces that heat nearly the entire home. These are outstanding and will save you bundles in gas heating bills. Anyway, what about the decorative fireplace screens? These are an awesome addition to any wood-burning fireplace. I purchased one a few winters back for a home store and love it. You see, there can be a concern with wood-burning fireplaces. As you probably already know, when wood is burned, it crackles, breaks, pops, and even slightly explodes at times. No big deal! It’s entertaining and fun to listen to. However, you may want to invest in a few fine decorative fireplace screens in order to protect your floor and home. Let me provide an example. My fireplace is located in the living area. We make use of it regularly and coals can spring from the fire onto the floor. Most will land on the hearth, but some lunge a bit further. Twice in the past, I had red-hot coals land on the carpet. Although there was no fire, it did scar the carpet with a burn mark. That stinks! And that’s where the decorative fireplace screens come into the picture. Use these to shield your home from the fire’s wrath. Simple place them in front of your burning fire.
What else is beneficial besides the decorative fireplace screens? Hey, try scooping the ashes from your fireplace between EVERY fire you build. Not once a week or every month. This will make the process go so much smoother. Also, try burning a piece of paper up near the flue prior to lighting the fire. It will get the smoke started in the right direction.