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B6 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday October 13, 1999 Homes & Gardens An Oakville Beaver Feature To reach this section call 845-3824 Fax:337-5567 R ID LEY "Leading The Way" * 8 3 8 8 3 1 1A ffordable E legan cfWINDOWS & DOORS RIDLEY SHOWROOM 35 Crawford Cr., Campbellville • SALES • SERVICE For All Your Window, Door, Column & Moulding Needs 9 0 5 -8 5 4 -2 2 2 8 I Treat fireplace with respect Fall maintenance essential for efficient, safe operation For many homeowners, a fireplace is a much-desired feature especially around this time o f year! In addition to providing a cozy atmosphere, a fireplace can add to the decorative value o f a home. Properly maintained and used, it can also increase overall heat efficiency. Fireplaces come in a variety o f shapes and sizes from the traditional masonry type made of brick or stone, to the pre­ fabricated metal and free-standing models. For a fireplace to work efficiently, the firebox (area above the hearth where the fire is built) must be large enough to contain a fire, draw sufficient air for combustion, have a smoke shelf to prevent downdrafts from pushing smoke back into the room, and a dam per to close off outside air when not in use. The chimney should be smooth and relatively straight with a cap rising above the roof to avoid downdrafts. There should be no large trees or buildings near the chimney that may divert airflow. Regardless o f the type of fireplace, it will only heat effi­ ciently if it was built correctly and is well-maintained. For instance, a fireplace that was built 30 or 40 years ago will often suck more heat out o f a home than it contributes. Some fireplaces can be made more efficient simply by installing one or more heat-saving additions such as: Mantel If your fireplace has no mantel, you should add one. A mantel above the opening aids heat retention from the fire­ box. Instead o f the heat rising straight to the ceiling, the man­ tel acts as a deflector, sending warm air into the room. Outside air intake W hile a fireplace may throw heat into a room, great quan­ tities o f warm air will also be taken away if it only draws air from inside the home. To preserve your homes heated air sup­ ply, install outside air vents to fuel the fire. There are a vari­ ety o f options available. Some building supply stores carry ready-to-install air vent kits that are set through the back wall o f the fireplace. Grates A raised grate helps to circulate air for the fire, resulting in a hotter and stronger blaze. For greatest fuel efficiency, the grate should be as wide as the firebox. Newer grate designs are more efficient than the common steel grate. One example is the convection U-shaped grate made of hollow tubing with open ends facing the room. The grate draws in normal air from the room through the bottom and forces the same heat­ ed air out through the top, back into the room. General maintenance If you have ju st purchased a home with a fireplace, you should inspect it thoroughly to ensure there are no significant structural problems. This includes checking the chimney for leaks and making sure it meets all the basic requirements. The fall is a good time to do an annual chimney/fireplace cleaning, especially if you use your fireplace regularly over the winter months. You can hire a professional chimney sweep or do it yourself. Building and fireplace supply stores usually carry basic chimney cleaning kits which will help you do the job. Chimney cleaning also means working from the roof down. So, always consider your safety when doing it yourself. Clean the fireplace and hearth at least once a week during the months that you use it. Remove ashes, then wipe down the hearth. Never store any paper, wood or other combustible materi­ als directly in front o f your fireplace. 1. Use a fireproof throw-rug in front of the fireplace to protect carpeting or other flooring from sparks. 2. Never saturate wood with a flammable liquid to start or rekindle a fire. 3. Never pour water over the fire. If it is still blazing and you are called away suddenly, smother the flames with bak­ ing soda, sand, dirt or plain cat litter. Never leave a burning fire unattended. This article was provided by local Realtors and the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). Home office modular units. 4 pc. corner :o m p u te r d e sk . LAKE ONTARIO ENNISCLARE INTERIORS 1075 NORTH SERVICE RD. WEST, OAKVILLE. Tel: (905) 825-2450 S to re H o u rs : M o n ., Tu e s ., W e d . & S a t . 1 0 :0 0 a m to 5 :3 0 p m T h u rs . & F i t 1 0 :0 0 a m to 9 :0 0 p m S u n . 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Call Shelley 845-3824 Homes & Gardens An Oakville Beaver Feature To reach this section call 845-3824 Fax:337-5567 RIDLEY *8388311 905-854-2228 Treat fireplace with respect Fall maintenance essential for efficient, safe operation DECO ELEMENTS: ENNISCLARE INTERIORS niversary Fall Sale IOO% Cotton $ 39"* STONEY CREEK OAKVILLE 800 Queenston Road 481 North Service Rd.W. Handyman YOUR AD COULD BE HERE TOO! Call Shelley 845-3824