CHECK FOR DEBRIS Inspect chimney yearly From page 18 to remedy the situation yourself. Natural gas leaks are extremely tare but if you smell strong fumes or suspect a leak for any reason, turn the thermostat down so that the furnace does not start, and call your gas utility immediately from a neighbor’s house. Do not switch electric fighting fixtures or appliances on or off and do not allow matches, ciga- rettes or open flames to be lit near the house. BURNING WOOD Wood-burning heating ap- pliances require more maintenance and attention than electric, oil or natural gas systems. This is because creosote, a flammable byproduct of incomplete wood combustion, continually ac- cumulates on the inside surfaces of the heating equipment, particularly in the flue pipe and chimney. As little as 6 mm of creosote can result in a chimney fire. You can slow down the buildup of creosote by using an efficient appliance, burning well seasoned wood and building hot, quick- burning fires. However, regular ’ chimney inspection and cleaning are the best ways to avoid pro- blems. These techniques are discussed in the accompanying section on chimneys. Ashes should be removed from wood-burning appliances as often as necessary. This can range from once a week for an appliance used as the primary source of heat, to "once, a month or less for sup- plementary wood heaters. . Ashes should be stored in a metal container outside the house, isolated from combustible materi- als. One of the safest ways to’ ‘dispose of wood. ashes is to mix small amounts into the soil of your garden. , All homes should be equipped with smoke detectors; this is especially true for dwellings where wood-heatinig equipment is used. Be sure to install the units in ac- cordance, with the manufacturer’s instructions and to tést them each month. (smoke detectors should be installed between the heating ap- pliance and each’ section of the house). po If ‘you add wood-heating equipment to your home, check” with your insurance’ company to’ make sure you are - properly covered. In some cases, your poli- cy may have to be revised and your rate may change. - CHIMNEYS One of .the. most important components of any fuel-burning heating system is the chimney. In conjunction with the flue pipe, and in some cases the chimney liner, the chimney is designed to carry combustion products safely to the outdoors. . An annual inspection by a quali-. fied technician is recommended. You should also inspect the chimney yourself regularly, check- ing for: bird’s nests, pieces of broken tiles and other debris that may be obstructing the top of the chimney. When removing such debris, be careful not to damage the chimney liner. You should also open the clean-out door to check for debris. Tree branches near the top of the chimney can impede good chimney draft and may be a fire hazard. The chimney cap and roof flashing should shed water clear of the wails of the chimney. Finally any alterations to the heating system may require altera- tions or improvements to the chimney or venting system. Chimneys servicing wood-fired appliances require special atten- tion. As mentioned earlier, creosote can become a fire hazard if allowed to accumulate. The flue pipe and chimney should be checked for creosote de- posits at least once every two weeks during the heating season and should be cleaned before the creosote reaches a thickness ‘of 6 mm in the chimney and 3 mm in the flue pipe. If a wood-burning appliance is the primary source of heat in your home, the chimney and flue pipe should be cleaned every month. You can do this job yourself but an experienced chimney sweep may provide better results. Regular visual inspections of the interior and exterior of the chimney are also important, Use a small mirror and a flashlight to check the inside of the chimney soon after it has been cleaned. CALLA BROS. CEMENT CONTRACTORS LTP, 30 years on the North Shore 985-6181. FREE ESTIMATES We want your building plans Complete Concrete Construction Services Big or small we do them all. No, 788-A _ Regency Mahogany Chair 1859 MARINE DRIVE, WEST VANCOUVER Starting + Outstanding chair collec- tions with the highest degree of quality Workmanship available now in Vancouver * Mahogany hand carved chairs in Chippendale, Hep- plewhite, Adam & Vic- torian styles. * Distinctive fabrics, reupholstery & refinishing services. 922-0579 we’re going to show you around B.C. Watch for our B.C. vacation feature every Sunday for six weeks. If you have a unique vacation spot anywhere in our province call Classifieds now to advertise. THE VOICE OF NORTH AND WEST VANCOUVER: a SUNDAY + WEONESDAY + FRIDAY Classifieds 986-6222 19 - Friday, February 20, 1987 - North Shore News TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPECIAL OFFER Get your best price and use this coupon as real money! Clip this ad for $200.00 real money on any job greater than $2000.00 in value. Offer limited one to a customer. By popular demand offer is extended to February 28/87. SUNROGHMS UNLIMITED SPECIALISTS IN DESIGNING SOLARIUMS AND SPAS Verticals Choose from 30 different colours & fabrics — including valance | 149°! 85x85 1 g 9 99 1’ mini blinds — any colour See us at the Home Show! Booth 70.(on the main floor)