Hello to All and Happy New Yr.
Have an outside fireplace w an off-white Austin-Stone for the hearth. Right above the firebox to the mantel, the hearth stone has become slightly discolored from smoke. This is the second yr we have used the fireplace and only the second fire this season. It was not noticeable until the last fire, so I am assuming it is going to get worse.
Is there something I can do to prevent this? I am sure w a light gauge wire brush I can remove superficial layer of the hearth stone, but then I would be right back to sq one on the next fires. IF I did remove the light soot color of smoke, is there something I can brush on that will prohibit the smoke from permeating the rock, but is not real noticeable w a clear sheen or similar?
Note, I always open the metal damper as far as it will go and have never started a fire wout it being open. I also have a Dutch Vermont Wood Burning Stove and it took only one time to know what leaving the damper closed and starting a fire will do. :surprise:
Thank you very much for your advice and pls let me know if you have any questions?
Regards,
tstex
Have an outside fireplace w an off-white Austin-Stone for the hearth. Right above the firebox to the mantel, the hearth stone has become slightly discolored from smoke. This is the second yr we have used the fireplace and only the second fire this season. It was not noticeable until the last fire, so I am assuming it is going to get worse.
Is there something I can do to prevent this? I am sure w a light gauge wire brush I can remove superficial layer of the hearth stone, but then I would be right back to sq one on the next fires. IF I did remove the light soot color of smoke, is there something I can brush on that will prohibit the smoke from permeating the rock, but is not real noticeable w a clear sheen or similar?
Note, I always open the metal damper as far as it will go and have never started a fire wout it being open. I also have a Dutch Vermont Wood Burning Stove and it took only one time to know what leaving the damper closed and starting a fire will do. :surprise:
Thank you very much for your advice and pls let me know if you have any questions?
Regards,
tstex