chimney-solutions

3 Reasons Why Adding a Fireplace Can Increase Your Home’s Value

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 21:05:27 GMT

Did you know fireplaces are among the most popular home features found in homes for sale? Not only do they serve the functional purpose of providing additional warmth in your home but by adding a fireplace, you may also be helping increase your home’s value. Regardless if you live in sunny Las Vegas, NV , or cloudy Pittsburgh, PA , a fireplace is a simple way to add exciting architectural details to your home.

1) On average, homes with fireplaces are listed for 13% more than the national median sale price

If you're getting ready to put your home on the market, a fireplace is one of the better return on investment features you should consider including in your home improvement projects before selling. Fireplaces may be a common feature in many homes nationwide, but they are especially apparent - and expected - in regions that experience seasonal weather like, Minneapolis, MN . Homes with fireplaces also currently boast a 99.9% sale-to-list ratio. Meaning homes with this feature currently going under contract are selling for 99.9% of their list price. So, if you're a seller that already has a fireplace installed, make sure to spotlight it during home tours to add that extra aesthetic appeal and make your home stand out.

Blog by REDFIN | Full article here

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN HAVING YOUR CHIMNEY SWEPT

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 21:05:27 GMT

It is best practice to have your chimney swept at least once, if not twice, per year if you own a wood-burning fireplace. Scheduling chimney service is important and booking before busy season in the fall is a good idea. A chimney sweep will be able to provide feedback on the health of your fireplace and chimney and even give you pointers on increasing the efficiency of your wood-burning fireplace and how to use it properly. This is what you can expect when having your chimney swept.

WHAT IS CHIMNEY SWEEPING?

Chimney sweeps are certified technicians who have an array of equipment used to clean the inside of your chimney and flue of a wood-burning fireplace or wood stove. Over time, a chimney can get clogged with debris and gunk and even creosote; you don’t want this to accumulate. Creosote is a thick, hard coating of toxic debris that is created when wood, fossil fuel, or tar is burned. It needs to be removed to ensure your safety when lighting a fire.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The main tool that a chimney sweep uses resembles a giant bottle brush. it is a heavy rod with metal bristles around the top that are used to sweep down the inside of the chimney. They will put down a drop cloth and use a shop vac to decrease soot levels inside the home. A mask and goggles protect their eyes and nose.

Starting from the bottom up or top-down their goal is to scrape away the dirt and debris that has built up in your chimney over time to ensure that you can use your wood-burning fireplace safely.

CRITTERS AND JITTERS

When the chimney isn’t in use, birds, bats and other critters can make a nest in your chimney. I have had two incidences where animals made their way into an unused fireplace and chimney. Once a whole family of raccoons moved in. They ate a hole right through the wall into the living room from inside the soot hatch. Then there was the incident involving a goose at the cottage. He made it down the chimney and into the basement. I arrived at the cottage to find a very cranky goose waddling around. Animals like the chimney for a home because it’s dark, safe, and dry. Having a chimney sweep in once or twice a year can help you keep furry and feathered friends away while maintaining a clean and efficient fireplace.

Blog by Napoleon | Full Article Here

COOKING ON YOUR WOOD STOVE

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 21:05:27 GMT

We all know how convenient a stove is at providing heat, whether it’s a gas or wood powered unit. And the fireplace is a wonderful place to gather your family. But did you know that stoves can also be used to cook a meal? The most common use of the top of the stove is to boil water but there are so many other things you can cook on it. Find out more about using a gas or wood stove for making meals – a handy thing in the event of a power outage or when preparing a slowly simmered meal on a cold winter’s day.

HOW AND WHAT TO COOK WITH YOUR STOVE

The most typical meals that you can make on wood or gas-powered stoves are soups and stews which utilize the radiant heat from the top of the unit. These are ideal on cold and blustery days. You can also use them to boil water for hot drinks and pasta, and you can sometimes even use a cast iron frying pan on top.

Wood-fired stoves are even more versatile as you can also wrap vegetables and potatoes in foil to cook them. Use a cast-iron dutch oven to roast and braise when the fire is low, or, as long as you use untreated wood in your fire, cook meat directly on some hot coals if you are experienced and careful. Both of the solutions above are fantastic options in the event of a power outage.

Blog by Napoleon | Check out the full article HERE