Our fireplace has been a cold spot in our life ever since we moved in. You could feel the air move around it -- and see it because it was enough that lighted candles would flicker in the wind! A couple of years ago, we installed a fireplace balloon which helped enormously. However, there was still a draft around the bottom of the fireplace and the hearth. Last fall we were working toward winterizing the house and noted a huge vine had separated this door from the chimney. A two inch wide opening for winter air to pour into the house! How do we weatherize the fireplace? A little exploration along the aisles of Lowe's and Home Depot and we were able to solve the problem with the fireplace and a couple of other outdoor openings. The answer was a spring loaded access panel, a ... [Read More]
fireplace
Fireplace Draft Stopper Balloon
Preparing for winter. Just the thought of winterization sends shivers up my spine! But that has been on the agenda at Chez Charlene spurred on by predictions of a "brutal" winter for this area. Where we live, there seems to be more misses than hits with weather forecasts. Something about jet streams that change their mind - crossing fingers that's true again. Our fireplace damper is tightly closed, but there was always a draft. We caulked, inside and out, and still a draft. If drafts come in, then heated and cooled air can go out. So at the end of last winter we did a little research and decided to invest in a fireplace draft stopper balloon. It is just what it sounds like -- a heavy duty inflatable bag that fits across the chimney out of sight above the firebox. We ... [Read More]
Autumn Banner
I’m always delighted to find my autumn banner with the fall decorations. Hanging it announces fall is here and that it’s a good thing! We live where forests once reigned and there are still oceans of beautiful color in the fall. There is the somber brown of oak, flaming red, orange and yellow set amongst deep green in a single maple tree, brilliant yellows and chartreuse and pale russets of a dozen other varieties. My favorite is the sweetgum tree that does the whole fall spectrum itself. Its star shaped leaves first become deep vibrant yellow and orange, then turn red, crimson, burgundy and purple. My banner reminds me of all these beautiful things – even if drip and dreariness obscure the particular fall day! I made the banner two or three years ago. Sorry -- no how to ... [Read More]
