Fireplaces in the Columbus OH Area | Reading Rock, Inc.

Taking Care of Your Hearth

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:16:36 GMT

A fireplace could either be the best thing you have in your home or its bane depending on how you take care of it, a wood and gas fire place each have their own procedures. Maintenance should be done in the accordance to procedure to ensure both the safety of your home and you.

When dealing with a wood fireplace, it is important to have the chimney swept regularly to clear out creosote (a dark/black colored substance) and soot which are both flammable residues the build up with time to avoid a fire a hazard. It is advisable to have a professional certify it every year to avoid a fire hazard. When the fire is out and the ashes are out you can use a soft brush and a dust pan or a vacuum cleaner if available, make sure the ash is cold before you carry this out. When lighting a fire always make certain the damper is fully opened and free from blockage to prevent the smoke from building up.

If you have a gas fireplace make sure the gas valve indicates cut off from supply before proceeding. Use a soft brush, soft cloth or vacuum to remove the cold residue from the gas logs to avoid damage. Make sure you regularly check for damage or corrosion to avoid a fire hazard or leaking gas. Ensure you thoroughly clean the internal pipes as frequently as you can to avoid internal build up, a credited professional should do a regular safety checkup.

Regardless of the kind of fireplace you have ensuring the right kind of fuel is important. When using wood hardwoods are the best option; they burn longer making them cheaper to use, generally have a hotter flame and have a lower residual effect. Always use scented gas that is easy to identify in case of a leak. Encase the area using fireproof glass to prevent heat loss and as a protective measure as well.

Always use a mask during cleaning and maintenance for health reasons and when in doubt contact a certified technician, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with a Fireplace Insert

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:14:24 GMT

While finding a home with a fireplace is one of the most sought after features when shopping for a home, most traditional wood-burning fireplaces can be very inefficient at keeping your home warm and comfortable. Due to the nature of design with most fireplaces, you may be losing up to eight percent of the warm air produced by your home’s heating system--right up the chimney. However, homeowners have found a way to fight back and increase the efficiency of their fireplaces.

Homeowners are choosing to increase the energy efficiency of their homes by upgrading their fireplaces with fireplace inserts . When professionally installed, a fireplace insert can help prevent this heat loss within your home. It can also extend the life of your fireplace by keeping the heat away from its masonry work.

There are different types of fireplace inserts that use wood or other types of fuel, including natural gas, pellets, and biofuels like corn or sunflower seeds. Many inserts offer additional options such as blowers, electronic ignitions, and remote controls. For those who wish to forego having to keep a supply of fuel on hand that includes firewood or pellets; natural gas may be the way to go. If you have an existing natural gas supply, a natural gas-fueled insert can be connected to the supply in your home to provide you with effortless comfort in your home.

To ensure that you are getting the most from your fireplace insert and to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty, it is in your best interest to have it professionally installed. A professional installer will inspect your existing chimney to make sure it does not require any repairs before the installation, in addition to making sure your new insert is properly vented.

A Gas Fireplace Will Increase the Value of Your Home

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:11:43 GMT

A fireplace, even if never used for heating, is a big selling point for buyers and renters alike. Gas fireplaces are a wonderful choice because of their ease of use; they literally work with the flip of a switch.

Aesthetically, they are almost identical to wood burning fireplaces, and it is the looks and home-like quality of a fireplace that people love so much. A nice mantle will complete the appeal and liven up any room in your home.

With the cosmetic advantages being equal, a gas fireplace is the way to go. Cleaning up after a log-fueled fire is extremely messy, and if your floors are carpeted, you will spend a lot of time trying to remove soot and ash stains. Depending on the type of carpet or rugs in your home, this may prove impossible.

Wood burning fireplaces require a lot of work. Such as the gathering or chopping of wood, an elaborate fire starting process, constant vigilance to keep the fire going, and regular chimney sweeping. A gas fireplace is clean, efficient, and does not require chimney sweeping. Stopping the fire is as simple as flipping that switch in the opposite direction.

A wood fire has to burn itself out, and that will take many hours. Then the time consuming and tedious task of clean up begins. Wood burning fireplaces are great for a cabin or nature getaway, but gas fireplaces are simply more practical for a home or rental property.

Keep your Marble Fireplace Mantels Fresh and Clean

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:09:27 GMT

It is always a struggle to keep marble fireplace mantels looking as gorgeous as the day they were installed, but with these tips, you should be able to keep your fireplace shining like it always did. Remember that much of the maintenance is preventative, such as keeping scratches from ruining your marble surface. Marble can be a fairly difficult stone to keep fresh looking, mainly because it is highly porous and is soft. Too much water can damage marble and it is possible to also damage it with most household cleaners.

The best route to go with your marble surfaces is to use a little warm water with a soft sponge. A hard sponge can etch the marble and damage it. You should also use a little water and a sponge whenever any liquid touches the marble, especially colorized liquids like coffee or wine. Even strongly pigmented household items, such as spices or leafy greens, should be removed immediately upon touching the marble. Make sure nobody uses the mantel as a resting place for their drinks or for any sort of liquid container.

For heavy duty stains that absolutely require a solution, your best bet is hydrogen peroxide. Do not use vinegar based solutions because this will corrode the marble. That is absolutely the last thing you want to do. Corroded marble can be extremely difficult to restore. Use the hydrogen peroxide with a soft sponge and scrub gently over the top of the affected area.

If, in the course of its existence, your marble fireplace mantel does get a scratch; there is a routine to treat it. Start by gently cleaning the affected area with warm water and a soft cloth, being sure to gently treat the scratch. This method usually buffs out the lightest scratches. For more intense scratches, it is sometimes necessary to use finely grained sandpaper to treat the affected area. Be sure to only use fine grain sandpaper. If these methods do not work, you may have to consult a professional.

Dollars and Sense with Granite Fireplace Mantels

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:05:17 GMT

Most home buyers want a home with a fireplace, according to real estate industry experts. Surveys of prospective home buyers by the National Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reveal that the majority of home buyers want a fireplace and are willing to pay more for a home with one. This means that now is the perfect time to add value to your home by upgrading your old fireplace with granite fireplace mantels and surrounds.

Natural stone mantel benefits:

Increase your home resale value
Greater durability and lasting eye appeal
Naturally fire and heat resistant
Wide range of colors and patterns

You fireplace is the central element for a living room, great room or den. Everything else is positioned in relationship to it. It makes sense (and $$) to let that focal point be as attractive as possible to create a powerful impression on everyone that sees it. Professionally installed granite fireplace mantels deliver a sense of solid comfort, security and warmth to the room like nothing else and offer definite benefits over traditional wood or man made material mantel pieces.

Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, granite mantels and fireplace surrounds fit and enhance nearly any color scheme. They won't suffer the effects of heat and age like metal or wooden mantels. Granite doesn't rust, rot or warp and a stray spark from the fireplace won't start a fire if it lands on it.

Granite is a good choice for financial reasons, too. A granite fireplace mantel will keep the same beautiful look for decades with little more maintenance than a regular dusting with a damp cloth. The value it adds to your home will remain and could even increase over time. If you are planning to upgrade your home, it makes dollars and sense to begin with a beautiful professionally installed granite mantel.

Advantages of a Gas Fireplace

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:03:07 GMT

Gas fireplaces have been around a long time, just as many other types have. Over time, improvements have been made and features have been added. Today, you will find many options available at local fireplace dealers , including style, features, and overall construction. Understanding the component options provides you more choices and the potential to find the right one for your home.

Construction

Gas fireplaces are available in self-standing units, as well as in wall units. There is also a handful available that provide dual display, which shows a view from both sides. This can be great for a wall that splits two rooms. It saves you money by needing only one. The construction of gas fireplaces is also built from many materials with some nice, decorative finishes.

Flame Options

Because of the design of each gas fireplace, the look and feel of the flame can offer many options. These can vary but include adjustable flame controls, number of burners, layout of burners, etc.

Efficiency

Gas fireplaces have the potential to run without virtually any noise and they also provide control on the amount of gas used/needed to present beautiful flame appeal. With the high tech design and styles of today’s modern gas fireplaces, they run much more efficiently and there is also no need to go hunting for wood or worrying about the electrical usage.

Overall, gas fireplaces combine elegant beauty and appeal with efficiency and comfort. They add a gorgeous touch to any home and increase the home’s value too!

Deciphering Wood Stove Types, Shapes, and Sizes

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:52:45 GMT

A wood stove is a clean and easy alternative to an indoor fireplace. Wood burning offers a quiet method of heating without the dependence of electricity. Your wood stove dealer will have a wide selection of options to choose from. Not just for cabins anymore; wood stoves come in a variety of different shapes and sizes to make the perfect fit for your home.

Circulating Wood Stoves - Circulating wood stoves are essentially a standard wood burning stove with a fan. As air circulates over a heated area, it is warmed and then blown to other parts of the house. This can be especially helpful for heating a larger area, or areas with lots of drafts.

"Pot bellied" Wood Stoves - These stoves are also called radiant heaters. They were effective historically for both heating and cooking. The original pot bellied stoves were free standing cast iron material that could burn either wood or coal and radiate heat throughout the dwelling. Modern stoves have changed very little yet have improvements like newer style cook tops and ash emptying options.

"Franklin" or Combustion Stove - This type was Invented by Benjamin Franklin himself. The stove is a metal insert that more closely resembles a fireplace. Unlike a fireplace however, these stove inserts contain a hollow baffle. They also have a siphon that acts to reduce the amount of smoke involved with a traditional fireplace, but with all the heat.

Pellet Stove - Pellet stoves are another form of circulating wood stoves with one primary difference. These stoves do not take traditional logs or cord wood, but take fuel in the form of pellets made from sawdust. The pellets can be purchased at most lumber and building stores and are a clean and low maintenance option for those who don't want to chop wood outside. Keep in mind that pellets need to be stored in a dry location, or else they will revert to their sawdust form and be unusable in the stove.

The best stove for your home mainly depends on your energy needs and space. Consult the fireplace experts to help you make the best choice.

Exploring the Types of BBQ Grills

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:50:31 GMT

Having cookouts can fun and a way to spend quality time with the most important people in your life. It’s also a good excuse to enjoy the outdoors. Many people enjoy the fabulous flavors originating from a barbecue grill. Grills come in many different looks, designs, and styles. They also come with many different options. So what are the differences in grills?

Barbecue grills are available in the most common options of propane and charcoal. You can also choose natural gas grills if you have a supply to the house. Charcoal grills have their own distinct flavor in foods and there are many options to enhance the flavor, like wood chips, flavor blocks, and smoked charcoal briquettes.

Propane grills usually run off of 5 gallon propane tanks that are refillable at your local store or supplier. They can be hooked up on larger tanks, but are designed to hold a 5 gallon tank on their underside. Propane grills have that flame broiled flavor to food and allow you full control over temperature by reducing or increasing the flame level. When it comes to propane grills, they have options for lava rocks to distribute heat better and multi-level cooking grates for different levels of cooking like your stove in the kitchen. They usually have a heat plate over the flames to also help prevent flaming food and to distribute heat better.

Natural gas grills allow you to hook up your gas supply to the grill and you never have to worry about running out of gas or replacing the tank. Features are very similar to propane grills, but the natural gas burns a little different so if you are used to cooking with propane, you may need to adjust. No matter, you get the advent age of the cost saving for using natural gas over propane. In addition, you don’t pay for the tank that holds the gas like you do with propane.

When it comes to grills, propane, natural gas, and even charcoal have their own distinct performance and benefits. It’s just a matter of what suits you best and then you can go shopping from there.

Where Should Your Wood Stove Go?

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:48:29 GMT

If you are looking to have a wood stove installation done, you need to think about some factors required to do determine the best location.

Wood stoves are best in larger rooms somewhere within the middle area of the house if possible. This allows the heat to distribute more efficiently and effectively.

Placement of the wood burning stove needs to be 3 feet away from any flammable materials like sofas, chairs, walls, curtains, etc. for safety purposes. Nevertheless, there are wall options that allow a closer perimeter that includes heat shields installed on the walls around the burner. However, they need about 1 inch of space out from the wall. Air needs to be able to flow behind the shield. With that in mint, it needs to be over an inch off the floor too.

The biggest thing to consider is how you will place the stove around everything else in the room and still look good. Burners get hot, so space is definitely important. When inserting wood into the burner, you may encounter escaping coal ashes that are hot so you need to take that into consideration as well. Nothing can be on the burner and nothing should have the potential to fall into or lean towards the stove. These are important things to think about when preparing for your wood stove installation.

Designing Your Fireplace Area

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:46:50 GMT

A fireplace in itself adds tremendous comforts and beauty to the room, but what can you do to enhance it even more than itself? The answer is quite simple. An installed fireplace that is mounted in the wall often has a mantel and a wall above it, allowing for endless possibilities with décor.

Mirrors are a great addition to the fireplace area. By placing mirrors above the mantel or utilizing mirror tiles on the wall above can make a significant impact on the view and quite possibly enlarge the feeling of the room. The reflections you see can decorate the wall alone.

A flat screen TV is also common above the mantel area, especially if the room has sofas and couches facing the fireplace.

Mantels can come in many forms, like wood, stone, tiles, etc. You can also decorate it with coverings like new tile or paint. For wood mantels, a fresh coat of stain or lacquer can make a world of difference. In some cases, the mantel goes all the way up the wall. For those situations, painting or adding some tile will enhance the appeal.

A picture is also common on the wall above the mantel to add a comforting tone and enhance the mood of the room.

When it comes to the mantel itself, flowers add a nice, colorful touch. Family pictures are also very common to place on top of the mantel and it is a great place to put them. Candelabras add to the mood with gorgeous décor. If you have ceramic figures, they also can add a nice touch.

Holidays bring other advantages, like stocking, garland, lights, etc. and in those situations, letting your imagination run free is a good thing. Unfortunately, you will have to take those items down after the holidays, which may be hard to do if you really like the look.

No matter what you do with your fireplace area to add décor, it will make the room look comforting and fashionable, while enhancing the theme of the room.

Things to Consider When Buying a Gas Fireplace

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:43:25 GMT

A gas fireplace can add a beautiful touch to your home, but there are things to consider before having a gas fireplace installed. After all, the unit will be permanently mounted into your home and you need to be sure of what you truly want before installing one. A fireplace installer may offer you suggestions or push a certain model, but it is your decision and knowing the details will guide you to getting the right one.

For starters, you need to decide on whether you want a natural gas fireplace or a propane gas fireplace. Propane fireplaces require a tank and the size will depend on how often you use the fireplace. The tank can be stored anywhere and if you have a large propane tank placed outdoors or use propane as a supply to the home, it can be hooked up to it. Natural gas is common in many home and used for heating or hot water tanks. It is a cheaper gas to use, but burns faster than butane and the fireplace can tap right into the supply to the home.

Second, you need to decide whether you want a natural vent, direct vent, or a vent-free fireplace. Some states ban vent-free fireplaces so you need to check your local codes and regulations. Vent-free fireplaces are easier to install because they simply hang on the wall or mount to the floor and hook up to the gas supply and offer great efficiency. Direct vent fireplaces vent to the outside and often have dual options for compatibility that includes top and rear venting capabilities. The advantage of direct vent fireplaces is that they bring in fresh air from outside and can mount right into the wall to add beauty and elegance without taking up space. Natural vent fireplaces use a chimney and the combustion by-products get vented up through the chimney while the air in the home is heated up. These models also get mounted into the wall and save a lot of space while adding that traditional beauty of a wood-burning fireplace.

Third, you need to decide on the materials and design of the gas fireplace . For externally mounted fireplaces, there really isn’t too many design options other than color and size, but they do offer various looks in design. In-wall mounted fireplaces provide options like masonry structures or metal structures. You can also choose double-sided fireplaces that work in a wall with views for both sides for two rooms. Aside from those options, you can choose from ceramic wood or cement logs. Some also add stone to the décor and glass designs to choose from.

Many fireplaces have dual burners and some have options for glow only if you want the appeal without needing any heat. Some also offer remote control capabilities and variable flame heights.

These elements are important because once you have a fireplace installed; it can be a challenge to replace it if not satisfied. Therefore choosing wisely will bring the results you desire and the looks you need to accent your room or rooms.

How to Clean Your Grill

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:40:40 GMT

Keeping your BBQ grill clean is important both for safety and for making the best food possible. It might seem like a lot of work, but if you do a thorough cleaning a few times during the grilling season and clean the grate after every use, you will find that it’s worth doing.

To make sure you get your grill completely clean , follow this checklist:

1. Disconnect the propane . For safety’s sake, the first thing to do is to make sure that the propane is completely turned off, and then remove the propane tank from the grill.

2. Soak the grates. Hot water and dish soap will break loose the grime on the grate and allow you to clean them well, but they will need to soak for a little while first.

3. Scrub everything. Start with the inside of the grill. Clean inside the entire hood and the interior sides. Once the inside of the grill is sparkling, pull the grates out of their soak and scrub them well. When you finish with the grates, rinse them well with water.

4. Clean the outside. Dry the grates and put them back inside the grill, close it, and set to work on the outside. Thankfully, this is usually the easiest to clean! Clean all the way around, paying particular attention to any places with grease build-up.

When the grill is completely clean, replace the propane tank, and you are ready to go! Enjoy your next grilled meal knowing that your grill is perfectly clean. Whenever you use the grill, scrape it clean while it’s still warm to keep it clean for longer.

Benefits of Fireplace Inserts

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:34:48 GMT

Love having a fireplace? You aren’t alone! In fact, the National Association of Home Builders found that fireplaces are one of the top 3 features homebuyers want in their new home.

Fireplaces are beautiful and fun, providing a wonderful feeling to a home, especially in the cold winter months. Unfortunately, standard fireplaces let air escape—including heat. That’s the opposite of what you want in the winter!

Fireplace inserts change this, though; they can take a standard fireplace and not only prevent heat loss but also turn the fireplace into an efficient heater .

Function and Style

There are some great features to fireplace inserts that make it even more desirable. For instance, turning the fireplace into a functional heat source means reducing your heat costs in the winter.

If you worry about it not looking authentic, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that it looks just as good as a standard fireplace, and sometimes better! An insert is designed to make your fireplace more efficient, and this makes for a great fire.

Plus, the inserts are designed to fit into your existing firebox and are crafted to look like a natural addition to your home.

Additionally, if you choose a gas, electric, or propane model, you can have a warm, comfortable fire at the push of a button!

Professional Installation

It’s important to remember that an insert will require a professional installation. You don’t want to risk an improperly installed insert. A professional can make sure the ventilation is working properly and also install it to guarantee maximum efficiency.

If you want the comfort and convenience of your fireplace in a way that’s going to help your heating costs while looking great, a fireplace insert is worth looking into!

Wood stoves: protect yourself from the chilly conditions

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:30:09 GMT

The decision to purchase a wood stove for your home is one decision you can never regret. Getting a wood stove equivalent of your money’s worth is certainly music to your ears. Those two are undeniable facts that every home owner has to contend with. Home owners in Ohio are no exception. During winter, the cold can bite really hard and therefore, investing in a high quality durable wood stove will help see you through the cold weather.

In Ohio, there is no better place to start your search for a quality wood stove than at the largest of showrooms that showcase the best stove brands in the United States. Reading Rock, Inc. Installation Services is the place. The best brands are showcased for you to choose from. Even better, there are friendly staff to answer all your questions regarding the different brands available and which one to choose for your home. The company has been around for a long time, they have experienced staff that is willing to answer all your questions. No question is considered too silly. All will be answered with the utmost of respect to you.

Gas prices are always fluctuating with the world economy. In the recent past, the prices are shooting upwards and hence pushing the cost of living even higher. Therefore, investing in a wood stove has never been a wiser choice to make than it presently is. If you don’t have one, visit Reading Rock, Inc. Installation Services and patio showroom and gladly make your purchase.

Make your home warmer with the best of fireplaces

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:28:33 GMT

Do you need to install a fireplace in your home and you don’t have an idea where to begin? Reading Rock, Inc. Installation Services is the best place to begin. Our experienced staff is always available to answer your queries any time of the day, week or year. Installation issues, design issues, your home layout issues, and queries on price ranges; whatever the issue. Our passion is to ensure you are satisfied with the purchase you make at our showroom.

Protect yourself and your loved ones from the cold weather. Invest in a high quality gas fireplace. Look no further than our showroom where we stock a variety of brands to suit the various needs of customers. We have designs and price tags for everyone. Our aim is not to get you to leave the showroom with the most expensive of fireplaces available. No. We take great pleasure in the fact that you will leave the showroom with a purchase that will best address your current needs. Trust us to deliver when matters of fireplaces are the subject.

Our relationship with our customers does not end when you make a purchase. Whatever issues that arise with the purchase you make are welcome and gladly sorted out by our staff. This is irrespective of the time frame since you made your purchase. Be it days, weeks, months or years. Even better, we have an annual check up service to ensure that your fireplace is working properly and delivering as expected.

Maintaining Your Gas BBQ Grill

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:25:55 GMT

Cookouts can be tons of fun with family and/or friends. They also provide delicious food that everyone can enjoy. But all of that depends on the quality of your grill. Leftover grease and dirt or debris can alter the flavors drastically. If someone burnt a piece of paper in the grill, it would affect the food’s flavor, just like old grease would. Regardless, destroyed grease traps, clogged and rusted burners, corroded or damaged heat plates, bent or damaged cooking grills, and many other issues can hinder your chef abilities, as well as the quality of food. It could be time for a new BBQ grill if it doesn’t perform like it should. Here is some guidance on maintaining your grill for best efficiency and results.

Clean Before and After Use : Grab the grill brush and scrape/brush the cooking grill surface clean before use. You don’t want any old grease or anything else that has clinged on to it to get into your food, whether by flavor alterations or actually getting in the food.
Routinely clean out the Bottom : You want to empty the piles of fallen food, grease, dirt, or other debris from the bottom of the grill to enhance your foods flavor and to prevent fires. If the grease catcher opening is clogged, the grease could pile up and catch fire!
Wash the Outside Periodically : If you let Mother Nature build up on your grill’s exterior surface, it can lead to rust and corrosion. It can also fade of chip the paint off of the surface. Even if you have a grill cover; you still want to periodically clean the outside of it. Moisture and living creatures can get inside of there.
Control Movement : Your grill is designed to be stationary. The more it gets moved, the more things can go wrong. This is especially true if the grill is on rough ground, like grassy areas. Bolts can get loosened, thin metal parts can get bent, paint can chip, legs can bend, etc. It is ok to move every now and then, but if you do it on a regular basis, you are providing wear and tear on your grill that can create problems or reduce the grill’s life span.
Paint Your Grill : This is really not mandatory, but who wants to show everyone a well-aged grill that looks like it is on its last lap. There is nothing like cooking on a rust bucket. They make paint specifically designed for outdoor grills that can handle high levels of heat and weather. Even if your grill doesn’t look that bad, you can bring it new life!

Cost Efficiency of a Wood Stove

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:23:45 GMT

To keep your home warm during the winter season, a heating system or appliance that is efficient and durable is absolutely necessary. A wood stove can help ensure that temperatures inside your home remain favorable throughout the cold times, while you save on your electric bill. There are many models of wood stoves on the market, so finding a good one to meet your needs should be no problem.

Can a wood stove really save you money

One of the most common questions among homeowners who wish to invest in a wood stove is whether they really save money. Studies and experiments that were carried out in various parts of the world have proven that these stoves are more economical when compared to other conventional heating options. Here are some facts on how it can save you money.

Low Fuel Expenditure

Despite the fact that the price of wood is very dynamic, it’s often cheaper than other forms of fuels such as propane gas as its ready available. More often than not, logs are relatively cheaper than wood pellets but this is largely dependent on the wood suppliers in your locality. Alternatively, you can use your own wood, especially if you live in forested areas. All you have to do is plant new trees after cutting one to promote environmental wellness.

Low Maintenance Needs

Just like any other home appliance, wood stoves demands regular maintenance. Luckily the maintenance procedures are quite easy and affordable. In fact the main maintenance practice simply requires sweeping of the chimney to promote optimal air ventilation. On average the cost of this service ranges from $50 to$100. This is quite affordable considering the long term benefits that you will enjoy.

Ability to heat the entire house

Modern wood stoves are designed using the latest technological advancements so they are capable of producing maximum heat at all times. This will save money because you will not have to purchase multiple stoves or different heating systems for each room.

You can definitely count on a quality wood stove to heat up your home at an affordable price.Reading Rock, Inc. Installation Services, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio can help you sort through your options to find the wood stove that is right for your home.

Cool Features Found on BBQ Grills

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:09:40 GMT

Sunny summer days are the perfect time to get the barbecue ready for some outdoor cooking . It's a great way to enjoy a meal with friends and family, and there are some innovative accessories that can be found on barbecues these days. These can help in preparing delicious food and include:

Bluetooth Thermometer

It is important to ensure that food is cooked properly. There is currently a Bluetooth thermometer available that can be inserted in meat to monitor the temperature and is able to send a message to your smart phone when cooking is done. This means you can relax and enjoy the company of others without having to worry about food getting burned.

Fan and Light Units

The enjoyment of a barbecue can run into the darker hours and this makes fan and light units useful accessories. These typically attach to the hood of the grill, with the lights making it safer to cook and the fans blowing away smoke as well as providing a cooling breeze for the chef. The best units have swivel lights and fans that can be directed where needed to make evening cooking simple to do.

Handrail Grill

You may think that living in an apartment means that a barbecue is out of the question, but this is not the case. A handrail grill is a smaller model that has a simple frame attached to allow it to be set up on a balcony handrail or a wall. This allows outdoor cooking to be enjoyed in even the smallest of spaces.

Solar Power

Anyone looking for a more environmentally friendly cooking style can opt for a solar barbecue. These typically feature metal sheets that catch the sun's rays and direct them through a glass panel to create a concentrated heat source capable of grilling. It is a green alternative to electric or gas grills that provides an innovative way of cooking outdoors.

The cool features found on BBQ grills that are described above are some of the best on the market. They can make the outdoor cooking and eating experience all the more enjoyable and this makes them worth considering for your home. Let Reading Rock, Inc. Installation Services in Columbus, Ohio help you in finding the grill with all of the features that are right for you.

Easy Guide to Fireplace Insert Features

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:04:05 GMT

A traditional fireplace might seem like it is heating your house well enough. However, whether your fireplace uses wood, wood pellets, coal, or gas, it might be wasting energy. A roaring fire will suck warm air out of a room, and release it through the chimney, all while creating a draft due to the moving air. However, there is no need to stop using your fireplace, as they are an attractive and comforting way to warm your home. A fireplace insert is the best solution, so you can keep using that wood-fire during the cold months.

What is a Fireplace Insert?

A fireplace insert features a firebox, surrounded by a shell of steel or cast-iron. As the fireplace heats up, this firebox stores heat and circulates it through the room. They can also come fitted with special blowers that help to move warm air around.

Common Fireplace Insert Features

Flame Adjustments

This is one of the most useful features of fireplace inserts. They can be installed with systems for controlling how high burns. However, not all fireplaces can use these.

Direct-Vent

A direct-vent fireplace insert will push exhaust up the chimney, as long as you have a functional chimney. If you do not, a vent-free fireplace insert is the best option. These can be installed where there is no chimney, or if it is no longer functional. The benefit of vent-free inserts is that they do not lose heat by venting exhaust.

Thermostat

This gives a temperature reading for the fireplace.

Fan or Circulator

Fireplace inserts usually have a system that circulates air, and they are not always fans. A bigger circulator will increase how far warm air can be pushed into you house. Smaller homes do not require such large systems.

Fireplace Controls

Convenient controls for fireplaces that are not powered by wood or pellets. This is where the heat-source can be manually adjusted.

In addition to the features of a fireplace insert , consider how it will look. The viewing area will become an integral part of your home, as friends and family gather to enjoy the warmth, and each other's company. Style does not impact the function of a fireplace, but it certainly has an impact on the people in your home. Reading Rock, Inc. Installation Services. of Columbus, Ohio would be happy to assist you in choosing a perfect fireplace insert.

Exploring the Types of Gas Fireplaces

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:56:46 GMT

A gas fireplace can offer all the warmth, comfort, and ambiance of a conventional wood-burning fireplace. They have many benefits, including: ease of use, convenience, and affordability. With an assortment of styles, designs, and sizes, there is a gas fireplace for nearly every home in the US.

Types of gas fireplaces

Built-in Gas Fireplaces

These are designed for installation where there is no existing masonry or brick fireplace. They can be backed up to a wall or inserted into a wall opening and then framed with standard building materials. There are two types:

Vent-less units

They monitor your home’s oxygen levels using sensors that are built into the logs, which eliminate the need for a ventilation chimney. They are certified for home use by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) though they may not get rid of all combustion byproducts from inside your home.

Direct-vented units

Unlike vent-less units, they allow combustion byproducts, such as smoke, exhaust and other pollutants, to escape the home interior via a chimney, the home’s roof, or a pipe scaling the wall. They can be installed in any part of the home without being necessarily close to a chimney.

Gas Inserts

They offer a convenient and cost effective way to transform an existing wood-burning fireplace to gas. The inserts fit into the existing home fireplace and utilize its chimney, which is a great solution for fireplaces that do not function properly due to damage or safety issues. The inserts are connected to your home’s gas lines and ignited through a push button, or can be fueled with a propane tank placed outside your home.

Free-Standing Stoves

They are a great and attractive option for all kinds of homes. They have a variety of venting options, so you can install them almost anywhere in your home. They are supplied with a gas pipe for power, and have all walls exposed to the room for more heat generation.

Gas Logs

These a decorative, open flame-type appliance comprising a metal frame supporting simulated vented logs places in a masonry fireplace. They offer less heating capability compared to the others.

Gas fireplaces can be turned on/off with the turn of a thermostat, flick of a switch, or with a convenient remote control, but perhaps their most appealing feature is how much their fire resembles that of real wood, in terms of looks and performance. If you are in the Columbus, Ohio area, visit Reading Rock, Inc. for all your fireplace needs.

Gas Fireplaces vs. Wood Fireplaces

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:50:44 GMT

Gas fireplaces have several benefits over a traditional wood burning fireplace . While many factors might be noticeable, others may be more subtle. Gas fireplaces lack the realism of a wood fireplace, but with additional features gas fireplaces are usually realistic enough. Reading Rock, Inc. Installation Services, Ohio would be happy to go over all your option and assist you in purchasing a fireplace for your home. Here are a few reasons why gas fireplaces are a good choice:

Appearance and Aroma

Nothing matches a true wood burning fireplace.The normal crackling and popping of the burning wood, along with the sweet, severe aroma of a wooden fire triggers a heartwarming sensation. While gas fireplace lack the live action of a wooden burning fireplace a gas fireplace is safer to use.

The Fire

Since a gas fireplace doesn’t require electricity, gas burns at a small price in comparison central heat. While firewood is can be costly, wood can also be found free. Nevertheless fumes can be harmful, and the gradually dying flames leave embers sizzling for several hours which cause a fire hazard. However, a gas fire can burn until that is turned off, and will easily cool down until the next moment it is needed.

Simplicity of use

Simplicity of use must be mentioned as well. Several gas fireplaces maintain a standing up pilot similar to gas stoves and heaters. Most gas fireplace utilizesa button to be pressed or even a knob to be rotated; you can control the height of the fire as well as warmth emitting from the fireplace instantly. By contrast, it is harder to control a traditional wood fireplace.