Tag Archives: fireplace safety

Some Simple Gas Fireplace Repair Information

Posted by Mark on May 26, 2011 Comments Off

A word of caution right at the beginning of this article: the repairs we are talking about here involve only very simple operations at easily accessible areas of a gas-burning fireplace. Any repairs that are more involved or that require special gas fireplace repair parts should always be performed by a trained specialist. That being said, when a gas fireplace stops working, it is very often due to a simple problem that can be solved by a competent owner using the following gas fireplace repair tips without any difficulties.

First, it must be said that different types of gas fireplaces exist which experience problems specific to their design: gas fireplaces can consist of gas logs or full firebox inserts for existing fireplaces, and they can be either vented (directly or by natural draft) or ventless. Independent of these specifics, however, there exist problems common to all these variations: the flame may not ignite or go out again quickly or there may be unpleasant odors or dirt and soot near the fireplace. We will look at each of these topics in turn. Before going into the details, another word of caution: always make sure that the house gas supply to the fireplace is turned off before attempting any gas fireplace repairs.

If the pilot flame does not start or goes out again quickly, this could be caused by a down draft from the chimney into the fireplace due to problems with the vent cap on top of the flue. Check for damage or obstructions at the top of the chimney which lead to high pressure and down drafts in the chimney. Or, the draft spill switch might be open. This switch acts as a safety gas shut-off, is located at the draft hood and usually has a manual reset switch which needs to be pressed. The draft spill switch could also be loose or covered in dirt. Finally, the thermocouple or thermopile which checks for the presence of a pilot flame may have a malfunction and be unable to deliver enough voltage to keep the gas valve open. Check the thermocouple output with a Voltmeter to be sure it corresponds to the design value.

If the main burner flame does not start, the primary cause will likely again be the thermopile. Its expected life span is only about 3 to 5 years, therefore it needs to be replaced occasionally. The lack of voltage required to power the main gas valve could also be due to shorts in the system, bad or loose wiring or even damages in the control electronics (the wall switch and thermostats).

If you notice an unpleasant odor while a gas fireplace is in operation, for ventless gas fireplaces the cause is in most cases dust or other dirt that has settled on parts of the fireplace. Make sure that the fireplace parts are all clean and free of dust and ensure sufficient room ventilation. With a vented fireplace, the problem may be due to dirt or obstructions in the chimney. Check carefully, and consult an expert if unsure.

Dirt and soot in and near the fireplace are almost alway due to a flame burning too rich, that is with the wrong air/gas ratio. Most gas fireplaces use as little air as possible in order to create a nice-looking yellow flame which, however, is very soot-rich. More air leads to cleaner, more efficient blue flames. If you experience any trouble with soot, you might want to reconsider this trade-off.

Finally, some special propane gas fireplace repair tips: always check first if the propane tank valve and the valve at the fireplace are open. If your model has -like most new propane fireplaces- an igniter instead of a pilot flame, this unit should now produce an ignition spark. If it fails to do so, it needs to be replaced.

The causes mentioned in our article make up the vast majority of gas fireplace repair troubles. As long as these problems can be removed without any difficult repairs, doing these gas fireplace repairs yourself will save you time and money.

Built-in Outdoor Fireplace Designs

Posted by Mark on May 10, 2009 Comments Off

If you are looking for an outdoor fireplace which is closely integrated with the design and layout of your patio and garden while giving you the full flexibility of designing an individual solution, then a built-in outdoor fireplace design is likely to be the right solution.

The simplest option is a version of the fire pit which is integrated into the ground. These models are available in several varieties based on metal and stone-made bowls and can be purchased starting from about $500.

Most people looking for built-in outdoor fireplace designs are however thinking of an individual model designed to look very much like the more common indoor fireplace. These fireplaces need to be built on-site, which can be done in two ways: either as a completely individual do-it-yourself project or with the help of a pre-configured fireplace kit. These kits are available from several manufacturers and can be installed by yourself or by a local professional fireplace builder. Often, the manufacturers are happy to point you to available help in your area.

A large variety of options exists for a built-in outdoor fireplace. First of all, it can be either a freestanding construction or it can be attached to a wall or the house itself. Also, the choice of building materials is correspondingly large: The majority of these fireplaces is made from bricks and/or concrete, while the smoke chamber and the flue can be manufactured from metal, often aluminum or copper. Given the available options, the price range for these fireplaces is open-ended. A reasonable lower limit can be set at about $5,000. Fundamentally different from these options are the possible outdoor gas fireplace designs, which are very similar to the options for indoor gas fireplace inserts.

However, the outdoor fireplace designs not only concern location and material, the style of the fireplace is also very important, as it should reflect the style of the surrounding garden and house. Many outdoor brick fireplace designs such as English or Eastern brick are available. Outdoor stone fireplace designs like Old World Traditional are also very common. Yet, far more options are available, for example Southwestern Adobe, and are shown in many books on the subject. Common to all built-in fireplaces is their basic setup, which consists of a firebox, a smoke chamber and a flue. The only significant difference to indoor fireplaces is the missing damper, which is not needed for an outdoor construction.

One word of caution: if you decide to build an outdoor fireplace yourself, you should be aware of the fact that safety is of critical importance to avoid serious injuries or damage from fire during operation. This is especially true for any outdoor gas fireplace designs. It is also important to check for local regulations before starting such a project, as the rules for outside fireplaces vary significantly between different towns and regions. While an official permit is required only in some places, it is generally advisable to contact your local authorities beforehand.

In summary, make sure you have a clear understanding of the following topics before starting: location, material, style, fuel, use (grill or heating only), maximum costs and legal regulations. This will help you get the most out of your individual fireplace.

Operation and Maintenance of Your Outdoor Fireplace

Posted by Mark on May 10, 2009 Comments Off

stone_winterDepending on the type of your fireplace, the effort needed to keep it clean and in good shape during its life varies greatly. The tasks you have to consider here are cleaning the fireplace, protecting it from adverse weather, and possible repairs. Keeping your fireplace clean and well-maintained is not only important to make it last longer, it also increases the safety during operation, as damaged components and residual ash are among the main causes of accidents with fireplaces.

First, for the cleaning itself: From time to time, you should remove the ash that accumulates in the firebox. Depending on the type of wood you use, this may be necessary only very rarely. The tools you need for this are a small, very sturdy broom, a flat shovel, an ash can and, of course, robust gloves, ideally with long arms. Once or twice a year, usually in spring and fall, you should clean the whole construction, usually with water and other cleaning material as suggested by your manufacturer.

Outdoor fireplaces should be protected from rain and snow, especially in very humid and in very cold environments. Portable fireplaces made from metal should be stored indoors or under a roof during winter, especially if they are made from iron or copper. Another option that is also helpful during summertime is the use of covers and chimney caps. Covers are available for most types of fireplaces and can be used for quick rain protection. Chimney caps keep the flue and firebox free from leaves and other dirt, thereby helping to avoid possible risks from fire and sparks while in operation. Iron fireplaces can be protected from rust by coating them with a temperature-resistant paint, especially in areas where water may collect after being exposed to rain.

Repairing your fireplace has to follow the individual manufacturer’s advice, however, one tip is useful independent of model-specific properties: it is usually a very good idea to pre-purchase certain replacement parts together with your fireplace which are likely to break after a few years of operation. This helps you to avoid the situation where you need to buy a replacement, only to find that your model went out of production years ago.

There are also some things to consider during regular operation of your outdoor fireplace: First, you should ensure that the smoke can always rise freely. This means that the chimney needs to be tall enough, and that its top should be sheltered from wind as much as possible. Second, always check that the ventilation is functioning without dirt or other objects restricting the flow of air. Finally, and most importantly, always observe the following elementary safety rules:

  • use your portable fireplace on fireproof surfaces only, and keep a fire extinguisher or water at hand
  • never use it under trees or bushes
  • never leave a burning fire unattended, and always extinguish any remaining embers before going inside
  • use gloves for heat protection when handling a hot fireplace, and watch out for sparks when opening the firebox
  • keep your fireplace a safe distance away from your house, and definitely never use one indoors

These tips should help you to enjoy your fireplace for many years with minimal effort.