FIREPLACES

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Fireplaces are installed for many reasons. Some use them for recreational or entertaining purposes; some for a backup heating system or decorative enhancement. Fireplaces being used as supplemental heating will get the most use and a higher quality (and more often than not, more expensive) unit. Higher quality fireplaces are the best choice because they will offer greater efficiency and usually are more attractive.  Fireplace designers recommend low-end, builder-grade fireplaces for occasional or recreational fires, such as entertaining or family gatherings. If you anticipate using it once a week or more during the winter, choose a higher-end model that will last for years because replacements are costly and time consuming.

Before purchasing your new fireplace here are some questions that will help you decide what kind of fireplace you want:

            What features do you want?
            Can your home accommodate the required venting needs?

Do you have adequate space for the fireplace and the needed framing and hearth required by the model?

What hearth and surround design do you want to use?

What style of mantel meets the clearance requirements?

Shop at a business where fireplace knowledge is available.

Wood-burning Fireplaces

Wood-burning fireplaces put the most restraint on the design. The chimney system must run vertically, clear the roof by local code which is usually 3 feet. These systems can be more dependent on the roof pitch and the home design. They should be placed near a door to the outside. This makes bringing in wood and taking out ashes easier. There is a greater requirement for the hearth to protrude into the room and for side and top clearances. Choose high-end, energy efficiency fireplaces which have tightly sealing doors for long burn time, more heat and cleaner burning, and upgraded designs for high heat output or it could lose more heat than it produces. Open-front, decorative fireplaces are banned in some areas that are prone to air quality problems.
A good supplier of firewood and space to store it is needed. The type of wood to be burned and how it is stored and cared for greatly affect wood burning. A wood-burning fireplace is best left to the professional to install.

Gas Burning Fireplaces

Gas burning fireplaces offer a convenient, realistic flame at the touch of a button. It has remote control devices. Many have thermostat controls to adjust the flame or turn it off or on. Venting options allow installation in any room on any floor. There are a variety of styles, sizes, designs and venting options. Every model from every manufacturer is different. Check the installment requirements carefully. These fireplaces are designed to burn natural gas or liquid propane (which can be stored in a tank somewhere else on your property). Installment requires the services of a licensed plumber or HVAC technician. Check the local building codes before running gas lines and installing. This is also a job for the pros.

Electric Fireplaces

Electric fires are very popular now. They have 100% efficiency, require no venting and can go anywhere in your home. Designs run from small to large, traditional to contemporary. Most include a heater that provides plenty of warmth for small areas. There are no special requirements and can be done by do-it-yourselfers.

Plan Your Project

Draw on a piece of paper the accurate measurements. Create a template on the floor and wall to visually see the amount of space needed for installation and how close furniture will be placed. Get the proper permits from your local planning and building department. After the final inspection sit back and enjoy your new fireplace. You have just made a great investment in your homes value.

Your Garden-of-Eden

You can add value and beauty to your yard by putting a patio cover over it. Patio areas enjoy great popularity with most households because they provide an extra space for seating guests and relaxing in the evenings. If you too love to spend leisure time in the garden, make the most of it by selecting the best patio cover.

The chief purpose of patio covers is to shade you from the sun in the hotter months.  They also provide protection against sudden bursts of rain when your guests are enjoying themselves in a backyard party. They could be either an extension of your main roof or as a separate structure. Or you could choose a canvas or vinyl roll-out awning. They serve the same purpose.

First of all, decide how much coverage you want. Secondly, the patio cover you are opting for should match the style of your house. Thirdly, it must also match the theme of your garden.

It is not wise to shield off the entire sunlight from your garden area. For partial coverage opt for weatherwood slats, often called open-grid awnings. They offer some sunlight or moonlight but you have some protection from the elements. For full coverage, regular roofing is a better idea. If you have to match the patio cover as an extension of your roof, it should be made from the same material and the same color.

Insulated patio covers are best for winters because these can support a heavy load of snow.   These are also good for tackling heavy rainfall.  Generally these insulated covers come with a warranty against paint peeling, chipping, fading and discoloring. Metallic patio covers do not usually peel or chip but they do fade. These are also not the best choice in an area with frequent high winds. However, next to open-grid or lattice awnings they are relatively inexpensive.

Similarly, you can enhance the look of your garden by touching up your lawn with colorful rocks, pebbles, stepping stones, garden gnomes, plants and trees. There are so many things you could utilize in this space. Some of them are birdhouses, tree houses, decorative dog houses, tree swings, porch swings, wind chimes, hammocks, outdoor fireplaces, chaise lounges, patio dining sets, umbrellas and fountains. You are only limited by your imagination. So make your garden area your own Garden of Eden. 

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