Fireplace Maintenance and Safety (#5221)

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A fire in the fireplace can add a lot to any room. It adds charm, atmosphere, and warmth. A lot of people think all they need to do to keep the fireplace going is throw a log on the fire every once in a while.
Firewood is an area where you can have great influence over how well your system performs and how enjoyable your experience will be. Quality, well seasoned firewood will help your wood stove or fireplace burn cleaner and more efficiently, while green or wet wood can cause smoking problems, odor problems, rapid creosote buildup and possibly even dangerous chimney fires.
Seasoned Wood
All firewood contains water. Freshly cut wood can be up to 45% water! Meanwhile, well seasoned firewood generally has a 20-25% moisture content. Well seasoned firewood is easier to start, produces more heat, and burns cleaner. The important thing to remember is that the water must be gone before the wood will burn. If your wood is cut 6 months to a year in advance and properly stored, the sun and wind will do the job for free. If you try to burn green wood, the heat produced by combustion must dry the wood before it will burn, using up a large percentage of the available energy in the process. This results in less heat delivered to your home, and literally gallons of acidic water in the form of creosote deposited in your chimney.
Well seasoned firewood generally has darkened ends with cracks or splits visible, it is relatively lightweight, and makes a clear "clunk" when two pieces are beat together. Green wood on the other hand is very heavy, the ends look fresher, and it tends to make a dull "thud" when struck.
Storing Firewood
Even well seasoned firewood can be ruined by bad storage. Exposed to constant rain or covered in snow, wood will reabsorb large amounts of water, making it unfit to burn and causing it to rot before it can be used. Wood should be stored off the ground if possible and protected from excess moisture when weather threatens.
The ideal situation is a wood shed, where there is a roof but open or loose sides for plenty of air circulation to promote drying. Next best would be to keep the wood pile in a sunny location and cover it on rainy or snowy days, being sure to remove the covering during fair weather to allow air movement and to avoid trapping ground moisture under the covering. Also don't forget that your woodpile also looks like heaven to termites so keep it away from you home.
Buying Firewood
Firewood is generally sold by volume, the most common measure being the cord. Other terms often employed are face cord, rick, or often just a truckload. A standard cord of firewood is 128 cubic feet of wood, generally measured as a pile 8 feet long by 4 feet tall by 4 feet deep. A face cord is also 8 feet long by 4 feet tall, but it is only as deep as the wood is cut, so a face cord of 16" wood actually is only 1/3 of a cord, 24" wood yields 1/2 of a cord, and so on.
Artificial Logs
Many people also have questions about burning artificial logs. Convenience is their strong suit and in general they are fine when time is an issue and you want a quick fire without all the muss and fuss of natural firewood. Usually they should be burned only one at a time and only in an open fireplace. One should be careful about poking them and moving them around once they are burning since they may break up and the fire may get a bit out of control. Be sure to carefully read the directions on the package.
Fireplaces come in two general types, masonry fireplaces built entirely of bricks and mortar, and factory built fireplaces consisting of a lightweight metal firebox and a metal chimney. (There are a few hybrids too, the most common being a heavy metal firebox and smoke chamber coupled to a regular brick chimney). To figure out which you have will take only a moment of detective work on your part.
A masonry fireplace has a firebox built of individual generally yellowish firebrick, a brick chimney above the roof, and if you look up past the damper you will see a roughly pyramid shaped affair also built of brick. A prefab fireplace generally has a firebox of cast refractory panels, and usually some metal is visible in the room all around the firebox. If you look up past the damper you will see a round metal chimney. And above the roof is more round metal chimney, sometimes surrounded by a simulated brick housing.
Segment #5221 from "Michael Holigan's Your New House" Home Improvement TV Show

[@JosephSpurlockRealtor]

I shot this video and a huge amount of "Your New House". Al Carrell was the best! Fun to work with, always knew what he was doing. Filmed in the late 90's, not 80's

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

Well done, Joseph!

[@NeerajRajput1990]

thank you for helping to make this video

[@neverstopdreeeming]

"This is one of the SidePieces".. this man was way before his time.

[@beebegotti5540]

You know this is a legit video when the old man grunts putting on a glove... this guy totally had a coors light staged behind the scene.

[@andydressler6761]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nickyj3571]

Ha ha iroon city or rolling rock lol

[@timothymcneely7869]

Oof. Describing me drinking my doors light while wearing my colors light tee. Trying to fix my fireplace. Lol

[@DiwasTimilsina]

Bought my first home and it came with a fireplace. Very excited to enjoy our fireplace!

[@khadijahdavis1572]

This is why i love KZbin for videos like this, i so appreciate you for this video my beautiful brother please don't stop making these, thank you so much, you just never know how many people need this info, my new home has a wood burning fireplace and i am very glad to have found your video, this is valuable to an amateur such as myself

[@f9w99]

Jeans shirt and jeans pants with mint condition white new balance sneaks. I aspire to be as handy and trendy as this guy one day.

[@obbzerver]

Remember - when you go up on the roof to clean the chimney don't forget to do the Step In Time dance routine from Mary Poppins.

[@JamesCline394]

Thanks for the vid. Just bought a home that has a fireplace that probably hasn't been used in 10 years.

[@jessicamariehernandez3330]

This was so helpful! My boyfriend and I just moved into an old stone home built in the 30's. Has a fireplace that no one has used in years. Id like to use it for Christmas since he and I will have the house to ourselves and I want to really have a romantic Christmas with him. Thank you so much for the great information. My boyfriend is a real safety nut and is always going on and on about us not using the fireplace because we don't know anything about them.

[@powerband5235]

How did it go?

[@NeerajRajput1990]

did your fire work out well?

[@kkorrine77757]

I love your sweet disposition and how easily you explain stuff. Me and my husband are buying our first house and it happens to have a fire place. I stumbled across your video and I’m so glad I did. Thank you so much!!

[@lindasimons691]

Sweet kindly gentleman. Glad I came across this video.

[@seeks4627]

I know its hard to find now, all the videos today are of some blond woman installing a window frame..

[@skynet7662]

Filmed in the 80s released in 2013

[@paulpaim85]

Lol

[@IPHONEhn504]

Exactly RCA Vintage RCA CC507 Crispy HQ 320p

[@isaiah92]

thanks for the video og

[@wnhulsey3]

A delight to watch!! Well done.

[@benbryan1314]

Great video!

[@an-tm3250]

OUTSTANDING!!! Thank you.

[@michaelthompson6452]

Thanks Mike 😊

[@norpmeep4455]

Really helpful video, thanks for this ! The specific words I needed to hear was "fireplace cement" - dealing with a damper where the brace screwed into the brick came out, trying to figure out how to get it back in.

[@spiffeydavenport4849]

How to replace a damper in chimney

[@grahamflatme]

This was so relaxing

[@mfeijo]

Great video,. Thanks.

[@noreenpurple645]

Wow......GREAT information! Thank you! And bless you!❤️🙏

[@chefclementine]

This was amazing. Thank you!

[@earlelzy7243]

Thank you for your tips.

[@michaelarquieta7078]

Everything check on my, first timer for this, thanks for the info Michael..

[@Rosalie13]

Thank you for this video!

[@emilywhelan4471]

Easy to setup and install regardless of the type of gas used (natural gas or propane). I highly recommend this product.

[@MSEAD123]

Great share! ❤️🙌🏼

[@knwrdeeptube]

1:12 what if there is a big ass spider up there. lol

[@quintonowens7330]

Mine has some spiders, I honestly im debating spending the money to have someone else come clean it

[@aquariuswithfire]

Do wear eye protection when brushing on TSP.

[@cyberhuff69]

good video....thanks

[@Elizabeth.384]

TY ...

[@slowsti0535]

thanks for scaring the shit out of me and not wanting to touch the thing.

[@andydressler6761]

Lol yup

[@dustincleveland4201]

Where did you get the andirons? Good video

[@chrxnxmn7624]

A TARCH (O_o) lol love this man

[@barrynzay]

Like #1000 right here

[@anniemeyer87]

Super better than four eyes

[@Mrtiguan09]

TMI, thank you very much:-)

[@thelariafamily5276]

Your light needs some tending too. Lol

[@walkaboutwithross8034]

He put a rubber glove on one hand, and put his bare palm on wet scrubbed area and touched the whole thing, Lol He reminds me of my father in law.

[@weskarcher483]

My fireplace doesn't have a flue. Is this normal for an older masonry fireplace with a huge welded steel firebox?

[@witenoise78]

No

[@0987__]

This is just a good old fashioned American man. You don’t see people like this anymore it seems.

[@dominicc.3864]

As a certified chimney professional I have to mention a few things. First off I'm all for homeowner DIY, but this video overlooks several issues. First there was no inspection of the flue or smoke chamber in the masonry chimney. Defects in these areas are serious potential safety risks, as exhaust byproducts can escape (just like what was mentioned about the firebox area). A homeowner isnt able to properly inspect/diagnose these areas without specific training, expertise, or equipment. Regarding the prefab fireplace. This fireplace did not have a proper non combustible hearth extension in front of the fireplace. If sparks or embers should fall out of the fireplace opening and land on the carpet this can create a fire hazard. Also it appears this flue does not meet minimum code requirements for termination height. The flue must be at least 3' out of the roof and 2' taller than anything within 10'. This would include the second story of the home that looks much closer than 10'. It could be perspective or an optical illusion, but I think not. And lastly the flue pipe sections are designed to snap lock together....they should never be able to be pulled apart this easily! This is potentially very problematic as it's an indication that the flue sections were not installed correctly. Just my 2.5 cents.

[@looseemonnn1973]

Dominic C. Just tell me wat 2 do. Should i hav a firman check my shit every day¿

[@witenoise78]

Code code code %:%) (% /'%/-_) ((@

[@mspepurvis7841]

Hi Dominic, I have mold on the wall of my fireplace inside the house. What would u recommend me use to clean it off thanks my email [e-mail]

[@psmithphil]

I found it alarming that he could pull that pipe flue up so easily. I had a professional chimney sweeper clean my chimney yesterday. He didn't seem concerned about the flue coming apart, and it didn't.

[@derek8742]

This brought my attention to something I hadn't considered: deteriorating mortar. Can anyone tell if I should be worried about repairing that if I will be installing an insert (without a stovepipe; it's built to vent directly into the firebox).

[@hhiippiittyy]

I'm just a gas fitter in Canada, but I can tell you what I know (very little) just to give you an idea. The basic rule is that if the mortar is in good shape, a corrugated insert is often sufficient. But, if the mortar is crap, you should run double walled stainless steel (class A vent I believe) the entire length of the chimney. It's damned expensive, but if a fire starts and you haven't done it properly, your insurance will be void. That's a heavy gamble, imo. Good luck :)

[@derek8742]

@@hhiippiittyy Thank you for your insight! I'll get this set up the right (safe) way.

[@hhiippiittyy]

@@derek8742 You're very welcome. I took my gas ticket courses with a guy who specialized in wood fireplaces. If you can find a good and honest company/"guy" they can sort you out well. All the best!

[@426superbee4]

These Creosote Logs works good. After 40 fires. throw one in. Ever will have to sweep out your chimney again

[@426superbee4]

Also it helps to have a double line chimney pipe. Rather than a title flue

[@ReneeBrown-ur3ej]

I made my fire there's no smoke in my apartment so it is okay right

[@s135418]

If you're tuckpointing your firebox you should just slap some refractory mortar on the joints and just rinse It of with a sponge it looks 100% better & it helps to scratch out the joints out with an old flathead first

[@charliebrown4007]

how many logs can you safetly burn in the fireplace

[@witenoise78]

That's a dumb question. Depends on the size of your fireplace /chimney. It's like asking how many miles will my car run without specifying the type make model of your car

[@elconquistador98]

37

[@nickyj3571]

I have a pre fab heatilator unit installed 1991. The back slab of brick is cracked behind it is metal. Isnt the brick just for show. Doesn't seem to serve much purpose other than aesthetics

[@stevenboss1019]

Ashes and water will do

[@dicerepresentative4760]

RIP Al

[@powerband5235]

???

[@adellsinclair8797]

If you have a wood burning stove that need's to be cleaned up the chimney pipe. We had one in a rental house. First night we lived there down to 30s. Put wood in stove and started fire opened flue in pipe. Just stopped ticking and was getting hot. All of a sudden the chimney blew up and shot sheet metal screw off into my cheek bone below my eye!!

[@2fas4ya]

OMG!! Are you okay? I mean I guess you would have to be, to be able to post this comment. Did the chimney blow up because it needed cleaned/inspected? Do you know why the fireplace was “ ticking” before it got hot? I’m just trying to understand your comment. I do hope you’re okay from what sounds like a horrible accident.

[@michaelsacy5849]

Great video but 1836 flashlight

[@miguelsalazar3239]

Poor guy and his toy flashlight

[@jimmyhenrikson3212]

Nice,, but i couldn't see what kind ,,, the name brand of the omg the stuff you,put into the call gun?? What's it called? Thank you,,, jimmy in jersey,,, sorry,, I'm had open braid sugary last May An i need it again this May in 2018,,,29 steeples in my head with also 7 stitches,, lol ya i have 4 altogether Brain anerizumes,, can't spell it,, 2 on each side of my brain,, but,, enough about me,, thank you sir,

[@1Bigdawg100]

The most important part you showed everyone was the part about being careful about the center liner. These can pop out easily. You have done a good job of explaining the prefab unit. Just tell everyone when pushing the brush down and pulling up, put your hand on the top of the center can and push down on the liner at the time your pulling up the brush, this will give you a good Idea that you don't pull it apart while pulling up. Well done sir!

[@1Bigdawg100]

There are a few types. I like Rutlands mortar caulk

[@taylorlan3754]

That's the worst flashlight I've ever seen lol

[@patrickgoodwin4255]

The next video will be on how to change the batteries in your flashlight.

[@am44_67]

Squirrels make nests?

[@NertkyChhuom]

I guess if the T.s.c. gets in your eyes it fine. Not wearing any goggles. Just kidding but be safe and thanks for the info!

[@psmithphil]

I was wondering about eye protection for that too, considering he said it could be harmful on your hands. That brush can send out the TSP in all directions if one isn't careful enough.

[@apparition1874]

Love how it's a fake gas log set.

[@hdckdsadd]

the smoke shelf is the other way around.

[@albertoroman8349]

Hello , the chimney fire box looks really beat up the patches coming up part should be a warning!! To you carbon monoxide travels through cracks and walls and you can always do a video inspection for the non visible areas

[@Chriswasreigns]

This, what he holds in the hand @ 2:19 won't resist the heat of 1800-2300°F when the soot is burning. I do not recommend to use it.

[@psmithphil]

Well that is scary. It is misleading for the manufacturer to call it Fireplace cement then.

[@visaliatoyotatrd6344]

Old ads flashlight

[@danieljimenez9242]

My cell phone light is brighter than that antique flash light.

[@neverstopdreeeming]

Shame on ALL of you. Not one of you caught,..."Varmints". I was in a Looney Tunes episode the moment I heard it.

[@megmclachlanvoiceovers1103]

I noticed it right away and was delighted to hear him say it a few more times after THAT, just in case the first time was a mistake.

[@keithcastleberry3993]

You need a new flashlight. That thing was worthless

[@pashahaletskiy4520]

I can e you can build it too guys. Just look for woodprix page