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tar should not be used because they may leave a
combustible residue in the fireplace and chimney.
Use of seasoned wood is preferred.
The amount of heat available from logs will depend
on the type of wood, its dryness, quantity of wood
and the size of the logs. Ten pounds of twigs will
produce as much heat as a 10 pound log, but will
produce it much faster because the air supply is more
available.
5.4 Softwood vs. Hardwood
Wood is divided into two classes, hard and soft
woods. Each has a use in a fireplace and each has
advantages and disadvantages.
The hardwood category includes such woods as oak,
walnut, birch, elm and maple. Softwoods include
pine, fir, cedar and spruce.
Selection of wood depends on the type of fire you
want. Softwoods are good to offset a morning chill
because the fire develops faster. Hardwoods are
preferable for a slower burning and uniform heat
output.
Softwoods contain a highly flammable resin that will
leave creosote soot in the chimney flue. This often
results in sparking. Burning softwood exclusively
will require more frequent inspection and cleaning of
the chimney.
Experienced fire builders often use small amounts of
softwood kindling and newspaper when starting a
split hardwood log fire.
5.5 Seasoned Wood
Most freshly cut “green” wood will not burn well
and will smoke. The pressure of moisture and resin
inside green wood will build under heat and explode
as sparks. Therefore, it is recommended that only
seasoned wood be used in your fireplace.
Most wood requires 9 to 12 months of seasoning and
drying to reduce the moisture content enough to pro-
duce good steady fires. Ensure that you buy only
seasoned wood, or if you buy green wood (usually
cheaper), store it properly to aid in the seasoning
process. The following steps will assist in the sea-
soning process.
A. Stack wood loosely to permit maximum air cir-
culation.
B. Do not stack wood on the ground. Use a wood
rack or stack on scrap lumber. Storage on the
ground will cause rotting and insect infiltration.
C. Cover wood stacks with a tarp so that it is not
excessively exposed to the elements such as snow
and rain.
D. Do not stack wood against the walls of your
home.
5.6 Building a Fire
A. Use a log grate (sold separately) with your fire-
place. This will contribute to good air circulation
around the wood, and keep the wood out of the ash.
This grate is shown in Figure 38.
B. Close windows located near the fireplace when
first lighting a fire to reduce the possibility of
smoking. It can be reopened once a draft has been
created through the chimney.
WARNING: NEVER USE GASOLINE,
GASOLINE-TYPE LANTERN
FUEL, KEROSENE,
CHARCOAL LIGHTER FLUID
OR SIMILAR LIQUIDS TO
START OR “FRESHEN UP” A
FIRE IN THE FIREPLACE.
KEEP ALL SUCH LIQUIDS
WELL AWAY FROM THE
FIREPLACE WHILE IT IS IN
USE.
C. Do not overload the wood grate with wood.
Three to four logs on the fire at one time are suffi-
cient. Too much wood on the fire at one time can
result in “over firing,” and too much heat in the
firebox, causing damage to the fireplace.
D. When lighting a fire in a cold chimney, a
downdraft may be created, letting a little smoke
into the room. To correct this, hold a wadded
newspaper in the firebox and light it. This will cre-
ate an updraft and clear the flue of cold air.
The following steps are recommended when starting
a fire.
Figure 38. Log Grate
Summary of Contents for Caminetto SA-CMO63
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