Here's a collection of stories about masonry construction, Rumford fireplaces, fire safety, chimneys, woodstoves and more.
Fireplaces & Stoves
- Count Rumfords Legacy
We remember him as Count Rumford, inventor of attractive, efficient fireplaces that produce lots of heat and little smoke - The Cleaning and Waterproof Coating of Masonry Buildings
Inappropriate cleaning and waterproofing causes deterioration. Here's how to do it right. - Restoring a fireplace mantel (Sidebar)
From Rose Thornton's school of hard knocks, tips on how to strip and restore a mantel - Home is where the hearth is (continued)
A first-person account of lovingly stripping and restoring a 100-year-old mantel -- complete with how-to tips - Fireplaces: A construction primer
A fireplace that draws improperly is no asset. Here are design & construction basics. - Formulas for cleaning fireplace surfaces
Here are some cleaning formulas that work well with elbow grease... - Smoke gets in your eyes...
Here are some common causes and solutions to smoke problems with chimneys, stoves and fireplaces - Details: A Colonial Cooking Fireplace
Architectural drawings and photos, past and present, of a 1700s Maine cooking fireplace. - Restoring an Arts and Crafts Fireplace Hearth
Arts and Crafts tile on fireplace surround is intact, but original hearth tile has been replaced. Here's how to restore it to its old glory. - A Wood Stove in the Basement Needs a Code-approved Vent
To reduce the risk of fire, don't cut any corners when you install a stove in the basement. - 7 Tips to Finding the Perfect Vintage Radiator
When purchasing a radiator for your old home, there is much more than aesthetic appeal to consider. Walk through your house with the following list and think through your decision before you head for the antique stores.
