When it comes to building and maintaining fires, everyone seems to have different tips or tricks in place. While you may think your method is the most effective, this may not be the case! We would like you to try the top-down method when lighting up your next fire. This approach goes against the norm but proves to be very effective. Give it a try today!
Step-by-Step Guide
Here are the simple steps to follow when building your top down fire.
- Start off by stacking your largest pieces of seasoned firewood in the bottom of your fireplace. Your wood should be placed so that the ends are at the front and the back of the fireplace. This will help with overall airflow, ensuring a better burn. Also, be sure that the wood is well-seasoned.
- Stack about four or five rows of wood on top of the initial pile. Each row should contain smaller pieces of wood than the previous one. This entire stack should be about half the height of your fireplace once you are done and, again, the wood should be well-seasoned and very dry to ensure the best burn possible.
- Add the smallest pieces of wood and kindling to the top of your woodpile.
- An additional optional step is to add some newspapers to the top of your stack. This may make the process work a bit easier, especially if you are new to the top-down method.
- Light your kindling, and let the flames do the rest!
At this point, the fire should work its way down through the woodpile. What a simple process!
Benefits of Top-Down Fires
You may be wondering why this method is so esteemed by those that utilize it. There are a few main reasons why the top down fire-building process is a favorite of many.
- Less Smoke: This method typically produces fewer fumes. Since the fire does not have to work its way through various pieces of fuel, it will not produce as much smoke, allowing for a cleaner burn. This helps keep your home safer, minimizes nasty odors spreading to your furniture, and your friends and family won’t have to worry as much about inhaling harmful toxins.
- No Refueling: One of the cons of owning a wood-burning fireplace is the need to constantly refuel your fire. With the top down method, there is no need for that! You save yourself a lot of time and hassle while the fire simply works its way down the woodpile. Simply relax and enjoy it!
- Less Mess: When you have to add wood to a fire on a regular basis, you will eventually deal with the big pieces on top breaking down and collapsing on the fire. This calls for some rearranging and sends up a bunch of embers and smoke. Not with the top down process! The biggest pieces are at the bottom, so all you have to do is wait – no mess involved.
Try building a top down fire today, and be sure to turn to SirVent Chimney and Venting Service for all of your chimney and fireplace needs. Thanks for choosing us!