Tag Archives: log store

J Day Stoneworks Blog

Why do I need a log store?

WHY DO I NEED A LOG STORE?

Most new users do not appreciate how many logs they might burn on their new stove.  A log store where you can keep logs dry is essential to keep fuel ready to burn, or season it for the future.

It also cuts down the trips to the log pile every few hours.  Dedicated log stores come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional rattan/wicker baskets to steel boxes or racks.  We always have a good selection of log storage options in our showrooms.

For keen DIY enthusiasts recycled pallets make an excellent base for constructing wood storage.  Air needs to circulate around the wood and a cover created to protect against the weather.

J DAY STONEWORKS EXPERT RATINGS – 4/5 Useful for most stove owners.

Log store

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking to fill your new log store? We offer a range of carbon neutral wood fuel and kiln dried logs sourced from sustainable managed British woodland. We also supply sawdust logs, by-products from local furniture manufacturers, and coffee logs made from coffee grounds.

wood fuel
heatforless.co.uk

View all of our wood fuel products, prices and availability on our dedicated site:

www.heatforless.co.uk

J Day Stoneworks Blog

Do I need a fireguard?

DO I NEED A FIREGUARD

As most stoves are designed to burn behind the glass window, risks of errant sparks are very low unless the door is left open.  Fire guards or screens are useful, however, to keep pets and young children away from the hot stove.  Available in a wide variety of sizes, styles and finishes, even “child-proof” barriers are available if your child is particularly adventurous.

Pets are often drawn to the warmth of a stove, snuggling up in front of the fire to sleep.  To avoid burnt whiskers or other more serious injuries a fireguard will give you peace of mind when you leave the room.

Even with a fireguard young children should still be supervised around fireplaces. A fireguard could resemble a climbing frame to a toddler and small children love exploring areas that are out of bounds!

It’s obvious but don’t forget to keep matches, firelighters and lighters well away from fireplaces and small children. During the winter months when the fire is being regularly lit it’s easy to leave firelighting equipment within reach of small hands. A small fireproof lockable box could be useful if you don’t have a handy high shelf nearby.

Do I need a fireguard

J DAY STONEWORKS EXPERTS RATING – 5/5 if you have small children.  Children may not realise that the entire stove is hot as the glass.

… 2/5 if you don’t have small children or animals.

J Day Stoneworks Blog

Why do I need a log carrier?

WHY DO I NEED A LOG CARRIER?

Usually in the form of a canvas bag or sling, a log carrier can make the chore of getting in the logs quicker and cleaner.

If you don’t want to buy a sling you could try using heavy duty large carrier bags, or even re-use the plastic bags from kiln dried logs.

J DAY STONEWORKS EXPERTS RATING – 2/5 – Useful but not essential for most stove users.

A log basket or holder near a fireplace is always a good idea. Some stoves have integral log holders, which are very handy.

It’s not a good idea to stack wood directly next to a stove if it’s not in a properly designed holder; wood is combustable, and that process is unpredictable. The outside surfaces of stoves are too hot to touch with your hands, so avoid stacking next to them. Smoldering logs could ignite at any time.

Stoves

Why do I need a stove pipe thermometer?

Why do I need a Stove Pipe Thermometer?

A stove pipe thermometer is commonly attached magnetically to the stove pipe coming off the

Stove pipe thermometer
Thermometer attached to pipe

top of the stove (not suitable for stainless steel flues).  This clever little dial indicates the approximate temperature of the flue gases leaving the stove.  It indicates the ‘Optimum Burn Range’ to allow the stove to be burnt efficiently.

At lower temperatures, creosote and tar will form, whilst higher temperatures reduce efficiency and life expectancy of the firebricks/chamber linings.

Stove pipe thermometer
Stove pipe thermometer

Whilst purists might think it visually clutters a minimal setting, inexperienced stove users would certainly benefit from one.

An alternative version is offered for installations where the stove pipe is not available for built in stoves.  The dial can be fixed to the stove body, and it has been calibrated accordingly.

J DAY STONEWORKS EXPERTS RATING – 4/5 Useful for most stove owners

Stoves

Why do I need stove glass cleaner?

stove glass cleaner

Why do I need stove glass cleaner?

How clean the glass stays on your stove will depend on a wide range of factors, what experience tells us however, is sooner or later you will need to clean it.

We sell sprays, gels and dry wipe pads to make this chore less arduous, depending on model of stove and the severity of the dirt build up.

glass-cleaner-2For day to day maintenance use J Day Stonework’s top glass cleaning tip – when the stove is cold, dip damp screwed up newspaper into the ashes of a wood fire and use the ashes to rub the surface of the glass.

J DAY STONEWORKS EXPERTS RATING – 5/5 Essential for most stoves

If your stove has constantly blackened glass you may benefit from asking for help on burning techniques, pop in to the yard to see us, we’re happy to help.

The type of wood you burn and the temperature you burn your stove at will make a big difference to the speed in which dirt on your stove glass builds up.  Generally, burning your stove at maximum temperature will keep the glass clean, leaving it on low for long periods (overnight for example) will quickly soot up the glass.