As the weather gets colder and damper, we look for ways to get, and stay, warm. Whilst central or underfloor heating may be a feature of some properties, it is expensive and by no means commonly found in Cape Town homes. Far more common - and atmospheric - are open fires and, increasingly, woodburning stoves. Fire creates physical warmth and a wonderful feeling of community and belonging. The fireplace is the focal point of a room, and in older properties, often with heritage status, it is frequently a key feature for preservation.
Style: Regarding the choice of a woodburning stove, as with everything else there a significant range in look, quality, price and style - freestanding, built-in insert, double or multi-sided, wall hung. At the upper limit, R125, 000 will buy you something akin to a piece of modern art, but it is possible to find something between R5 000 and R10 000.
Safety: Most critical, though, whichever the style and price point, is the installation, ventilation and ongoing maintenance. Make sure your fireplace or wood burner is installed according to manufacturer instructions and building codes, and by someone licensed, insured and experienced! Failure to do so could not only be a significant risk to property and, more importantly, life, but may nullify house insurance. It is also essential to ensure that your chimney is checked and cleaned annually.
Wood: Whilst something like Namibian hardwood is excellent for braaiing, it is much too hot (and therefore dangerous) for a wood burner. Blue gum firewood burns well in stoves. Soft woods such as pine birch will not burn well, and more crucially some woods have toxic properties which can be transferred to smoke - these include oleander and eucalyptus. Green (or unseasoned) wood smokes excessively and may also release harmful particles, as will mouldy or rotten wood.
Do not burn: Christmas trees, painted or treated wood, old furniture, coloured paper, plywood or chipboard, liquid fire starters, cardboard, household plastics or driftwood.
In short, remember, your fireplace or wood burning stove is not a bin!
https://www.fireplacecity.co.za/fireplaces/home.php
Marlies Firewood – Tel: 073 855 2105