Gray-Fox Cleaning Solutions, Inc.
Gray-Fox Cleaning Solutions, Inc.
Your Preventative Maintenance Solution!
Fireplace Operation
DO’S ...
Open damper to insure proper operation.
Keep base of fireplace clean from any excess ash accumulation.
Always dispose of ashes in an approved metal container.
Keep fire screen closed at all times, except to add firewood.
Keep all combustible materials away from front of fireplace at least 36”. (Drapes, paper products, furniture, etc.)
Keep all flammable liquids away from fireplace.
Burn only dry, seasoned wood to prevent creosote build-up. For best results: use oak, maple, birch, hickory, or similar hardwoods.
Check hearth and the interior walls of the fireplace for cracks and damages. Only use if these are repaired!
Always keep a fire extinguisher on hand; type ABC.
Use only accessories made by the same manufacturer in order to keep the warranty valid.
Always have on hand the proper tools to utilize the fireplace.
Call the office immediately anytime there is a smell of gas, and turn off if possible.
NOTE: If you are having any difficulties or problems with the use of the fireplace, do not continue. Contact the management office!
DON’TS …
Do not attempt to repair or make any modifications to your fireplace.
Do not overload the grate, this could cause uncontrollable smoke to enter the room.
Do not block vents. This will create a serious fire hazard.
Do not burn waste paper, cardboard, or scrap lumber.
Do not burn plywood, particle board, or artificial logs, as these produce extremely high temperatures.
Never use flammable liquid to start or freshen a fire.
Never close the damper until there are no more warm embers.
If you have a gas starter, Do Not convert to gas logs.
If you had previously converted, call the office immediately and DO NOT BURN.
CAUTION: Do not burn scrap lumber, pine branches, trash, plastic, flame colorants, soot cleaners, or other chemicals. Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, or similar liquids to start or freshen up a fire in a fireplace!
STARTING THE FIRE...
Before starting the fire, make sure the damper is in the full open position.
Lay a sheet of newspaper on top of the logs and set it afire. This warms the flue, improving the flow of hot air.
When the newspaper is partially burned, ignite the starter paper under the kindling. Close the screens as soon as you have completed this step.
SMOKING PROBLEMS!
Damper may not be fully opened.
Flue may be cold. Warming the flue by burning a sheet of newspaper is advised.
Your fire may be to far forward in the firebox. Push your fire toward the back of the firebox with a suitable tool.
Wet or green wood often smolders and smokes.
If your home is tightly sealed and well insulated, the lack of insufficient combustion air will cause a smoking condition. (SLIGHTLY OPEN A DOOR OR WINDOW) Sometimes central air & heating systems will draw air from the open fireplace to meet their needs. This will cause the smoke to be drawn from the fireplace into your home. Slightly opening a door or window will help.