A handy guide to prolonging the life of your grate.
- Remove ash from underneath the grate everyday. - The absolute number 1 reason fire grates melt is simply that the ash underneath the grate is not being cleaned out often ...
- Mixing fuels and smokeless fuels. ...
- Temper the metal on your first fire. ...
- Pull out the ashpan cover. ...
Why do fire grates melt?
Remove ash from underneath the grate everyday - The absolute number 1 reason fire grates melt is simply that the ash underneath the grate is not being cleaned out often enough. A build-up of ash underneath the grate prevents cooler air from being drawn through the grate bars.
How do you stop a fire grate from melting?
Remove ash from underneath the grate everyday-The absolute number 1 reason fire grates melt is simply that the ash underneath the grate is not being cleaned out often enough. A build-up of ash underneath the grate prevents cooler air from being drawn through the grate bars.
Why is my cast iron grate melting?
The quick answer is "your grate is getting too hot to the point where the cast iron is starting to melt". This overheating can be caused by a number of factors which we have detailed below in order of importance.
Why has my fire grate bent or warped?
We are often asked by customers why their fire grate has bent, warped or even melted. The quick answer is "your grate is getting too hot to the point where the cast iron is starting to melt". This overheating can be caused by a number of factors which we have detailed below in order of importance.
How long should a fireplace grate last?
With a factory guarantee, lifetime fireplace grates will last year after year. Made from durable 1-inch-wide steel, these grates can withstand daily burning for an entire lifetime.
How do you season a fireplace grate?
Before you start your fire, and while the grate is cold, coat both sides of the crosshatched part of the grate with high heat cooking oil. Canola or peanut oil work best. We prefer using a spray bottle to quicken the process.
Is it better to use a fireplace grate or not?
The company says that no grate is the greatest way to go, adding that a grate induces inefficiency, which results in higher wood consumption. Reason: more air gets to the burning wood. The fireplace expert goes on: ''Begin with about one inch of ashes on the fireplace floor. Build up the fire directly on the ash bed.
Is iron or steel better for fireplace grate?
Their single-piece construction makes cast-iron grates more durable, and cast iron has excellent heat retention properties. They also are considerably heavier and more expensive than steel grates. Steel grates are cheaper but won't last as long.
How do you restore a fire grate?
If your grate's looking a little dull, use a commercial iron paste or grate polish to restore its blackness. This is usually applied, left for a few hours and then polished with a cloth, but follow the manufacturer's instructions.
How do you polish a fire grate?
0:080:49Cleaning a Fireplace Grate - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd so i want to start with a wire brush the wire brush is really great it. It really gets in there.MoreAnd so i want to start with a wire brush the wire brush is really great it. It really gets in there. And takes off any of those pieces that are really caked on to the metal. So i'll just kind of work
Does wood burn better on a grate?
Wood burning stoves do not typically have a grate. Wood can burn more efficiently with airflow from above the fire and so the majority of wood stoves are lined with a flat fireproof material at the base of the firebox. Multi fuel stoves, which can burn other types of fuel such as coal, will typically have a grate.
Which way should fireplace grate face?
Position the grate in the center of the fireplace so that the long side faces the opening. Some grates are tapered with one long side being slightly longer than the other. Position the grate so the longest side faces out toward the room and the shorter side is at the back.
Can you build a fire in a fireplace without a grate?
Starting a Fire without a Grate. Put two large logs — the bigger the better — in parallel about 15 inches (38.1 cm) apart. Make sure they're perpendicular to the pane of the closed glass doors, or fireplace opening. These large logs will be the bed of the fire and contain the embers to feed it.
Is stainless steel good for fire grate?
Stainless Steel Grates Fireplace grates are perfect when you don't want to use as much wood. The grate that holds the wood within your fireplace or fire pit and helps burn wood more efficiently. The addition of a stainless steel grate will make your life easier and save on your pocketbook.
Do vertical fireplace grates work?
The vertical design is perfect. Even in a regular fireplace this grate uses less wood and creates a bigger fire than a traditional flat gate. We love it. 5.0 out of 5 stars It never disappoints over and over again a great product!
How do you weld a fireplace grate?
1:496:11DIY Fire Place Grate Made of Rebar | Metal Working | |Welding| - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRod. I then went back and aligned my half inch rod on all the marks that i made getting it nice andMoreRod. I then went back and aligned my half inch rod on all the marks that i made getting it nice and straight just tacking these on to start with and i'll go back and put a full weld. On.
How do you use a fireplace grate?
Position the grate in the center of the fireplace so that the long side faces the opening. Some grates are tapered with one long side being slightly longer than the other. Position the grate so the longest side faces out toward the room and the shorter side is at the back.
Which way should fireplace grate face?
A fireplace grate should be placed within the center of an open fireplace, allowing for a 3 inch gap between the edge of the grate and the walls of the firebox. The wider side of a fireplace grate typically faces towards the front of the fireplace.
Do vertical fireplace grates work?
The vertical design is perfect. Even in a regular fireplace this grate uses less wood and creates a bigger fire than a traditional flat gate. We love it. 5.0 out of 5 stars It never disappoints over and over again a great product!
How can I make my masonry fireplace more efficient?
To avoid letting all the heat evaporate, here are five tips to make your fireplace more efficient this winter.Burn seasoned firewood. ... Close the dampers. ... Reverse the circulation of ceiling fans to spread the warmth. ... Use glass fireplace doors to reduce heat loss. ... Install a fireplace insert to increase heating efficiency.
Why does my fire grate melt?
Remove ash from underneath the grate everyday - The absolute number 1 reason fire grates melt is simply that the ash underneath the grate is not being cleaned out often enough. A build-up of ash underneath the grate prevents cooler air from being drawn through the grate bars. When cooler air is not drawing from under the grate this creates ...
How to prolong the life of a grate?
Temper the metal on your first fire - Starting with a small fire when using a grate for the first time will prolong its life. Pull out the ashpan cover - If there are no air gaps in your ashpan cover air will not draw from underneath causing overheating as detailed above.
How does air control work on fire bars?
All modern appliances have some form of adjustable air control to regulate the burning rate of the fuel. Air for burning the fuel passes through the air control and then through the fire bars. This has a cooling effect on the fire bars and prevents them from seriously overheating when a bright fire is burning.
Do fire bars get screened?
If, however, the ashes are not cleared regularly from under the fire bars, and allowed to build up to come into contact with them, the fire bars are then screened from cooling air and become sandwiched between a very hot fire bed and hot ashes.
Can you mix fuels in a fire grate?
When buying fuel pay attention to statements such as "burns 40% hotter", although this sounds good this is terrible for the lifespan of your fire grate. You can mix fuels or use manufactured fuels however be aware this WILL reduce the lifespan of a grate due to the additional heat created .
Quick Links
Sally McKnight, the owner of The Irish Sweep, Inc. has been a dedicated chimney professional since 1982. She is known for her expertise in and passionate enthusiasm for the fireplace and chimney industry. 1400 Webster St., Ste 304 Alameda, CA 94501 California 33089 USA
The Irish Sweep
Sally McKnight, the owner of The Irish Sweep, Inc. has been a dedicated chimney professional since 1982. She is known for her expertise in and passionate enthusiasm for the fireplace and chimney industry. 1400 Webster St., Ste 304 Alameda, CA 94501 California 33089 USA