Newsletter July 2010

Greetings from Rockford Chimney Supply

Summer is a great time of year, and there's still lots of time for summer fun. But when the weather is nice, it's also the best time to check on your chimney and chase cover to make sure everything is in good condition, and make repairs if needed. Then sit back and enjoy the rest of your summer safely.

From our family to yours,

The Rockford Chimney Supply Team

Summer Sensations: Chimineas

You can still enjoy the warmth and beauty of a fireplace even in the summer - if you do it outdoors. Stylish chimineas are designed for patio and backyard use, and provide an attractive focal point for your outdoor activities all summer, and into the fall as well!

At the end of the day a nice toasty fire will do wonders for your state of mind. Sharing stories around the fire has brought families and friends together for millennia. A chiminea may not replace your TV, but it's a good start.

What is a chiminea?
A chiminea can be defined as a single mouth opening fireplace that has a chimney to efficiently fuel the fire with fresh air. Chimineas are clean burning, efficient fireplaces. The drafting action of a chiminea draws fresh air into the fire and directs smoke or fumes away from guests. Chimineas also enclose a fire, protecting people and property.

Choosing a chiminea
One thing to consider is the firebox size. 16" is a standard size for fireplace wood. A smaller firebox will make wood buying or cutting more complicated. Wood will have to be cut special or ordered from a wood supplier in smaller pieces at a higher price. Remember, just because a chiminea is large doesn't mean the fire has to be. If you want a smaller fire, you can use less wood.

Some outdoor fireplaces will last longer then others. Cast aluminum is the most dependable and longest lasting material used in outdoor fireplace design. Cast aluminum has very little maintenance and with an occasional shot of high temperature paint it will keep looking new for years to come. Cast aluminum chimineas will not rust and stain your deck or patio; they are also lighter in weight and portable.

What can I burn in a chiminea?
The ability to cook over wood makes it the number one fuel choice. On the downside, you may have to store and season a stack of firewood to ensure a steady supply.

A good hardwood such as oak creates the best fire. Piñon wood, pronounced "pin-yon", is commonly recommended by chiminea owners for its pleasant "pine aroma." It also helps to repel mosquitoes and other flying insects. You can also add pine cones, apple wood, or other exotics if you would like a more aromatic experience.

Manufactured fire logs are another alternative, and some of them are surprisingly eco-friendly. Do your homework and find a good quality log to burn.

Outdoor fireplaces with propane or natural gas inserts provide a trouble-free fuel source. Any of our chimineas can be converted to natural gas or propane. If you are ordering a chiminea from Rockford for natural gas or propane conversion, all necessary modifications will be made for you, and you will also get a gas fire log kit with natural looking ceramic logs to use in your new outdoor fireplace.

Safety First

When using any outdoor fireplace, make sure safety is your #1 priority. Have a fire extinguisher, a bucket of water or other water source available. Never leave a fire unattended and know how to use your fire safety equipment. Make sure your fire is out before going to bed at night even if it means filling a smoldering fire pit with water.

Rockford Chimney supply offers a fine selection of beautifully designed chimineas and firepits. You can find them in our Outdoor Living Shop. If you would like to learn more about chimineas, please give us a call at 1-866-708-2446. We look forward to hearing from you.

Avoid the Fall Rush

Don't wait until fall when things get hectic - right now is a great time to inspect your chimney and order a new liner or any other replacement parts you may need! That way you'll be all set to go when the weather begins to cool off and you want to use your fireplace or wood stove. Even if you don't get around to installing them right away, you'll have them at the ready when you need them!

Napoleon Patio Heaters

Radiant warmth with superior technology: Napoleon patio heaters allow you to extend outdoor activities in all seasons. Napoleon patio heaters generate infrared radiant heat rays, which heat objects rather than surrounding air, keeping you cozy and warm. Infrared heat provides efficient clean burning performance and uses less fuel while providing ultimate comfort.

We are pleased to offer a wide selection of Napoleon products. Napoleon's commitment to quality and durability will help warm your home and family gatherings for years to come.