An independent reference about fireplaces and stoves at home. It sells nothing, is not an installation company and is not connected with the previous website on this domain.
Care
A hearth lasts long and stays safe when it is looked after a little but regularly. Most of the care is simple habit: clearing cold ash, wiping the glass, pressing the test button on the alarm. Chimney sweeping and repairs are left to professionals. Below is what to do with each part of a fireplace or stove and what to check before the season starts.
Soot builds up in the chimney quietly and cannot be seen from the room. That is why sweeping is planned by the calendar rather than left until the hearth starts to smoke.
How this section works: we give general advice on caring for each part of the hearth and note what the owner does and what is left to a professional.
Six tasks that add up to trouble-free use of a fireplace or stove.
The Fire Safety Regulations of the Russian Federation require stoves and chimneys to be cleaned of soot before and during the heating season; other countries have their own rules, so check locally. Sweeping is done by professionals, who will also check the draught and the condition of the chimney.
Clear ash only when it is cold, with a shovel into a lidded metal container, and take it to a non-combustible spot away from the house. Do not tip it into a bin bag or compost until you are sure no smouldering embers remain.
Clean the glass when the hearth has cooled completely, with a soft cloth and the cleaner recommended in the manual. Glass that darkens quickly is a common sign of wet firewood or weak draught.
The seal around the door stops smoke escaping into the room. If the door no longer closes tightly or the rope seal is worn or has come out, show it to a professional: replacement and adjustment are best left to them.
Regularly press the test button on the carbon monoxide alarm and the smoke alarm, replace the batteries and keep track of the devices' service life. Dust and cobwebs stop an alarm working properly.
Before the first fire, inspect the firebox, surround, door and visible part of the chimney, and check the alarms and extinguisher. Anything unusual, such as cracks, soot marks or a burning smell, is a reason to call a professional before lighting.
How to light a fire and how to store firewood, plus the stove, gas and chimney work you should never do yourself.
What is useful by the hearth, no brands: a fireside tool set, ash bucket, log holder, carbon monoxide alarm, fire extinguisher and gloves.
How to plan a fireplace or stove: the type of hearth, what the house needs, the design, professional installation, a draught check and alarms.
Specific requirements are summarised in general terms from the Fire Safety Regulations of the Russian Federation and Russian rescue-service guidance on stove heating. Other countries have their own chimney and fire-safety rules, so check your local regulations. Dimensions, clearances, fire separations and installation methods are set by the design, the applicable regulations and the professionals who install and service your fireplace or stove.