we have gas log fire place but would like to burn real wood can anyone tell us how to make it safe to burnwood
Answers:
Never burn wood in a gas fireplace. It will damage the gas line and will cause an explosion. If the chimney was originally intended to be used for wood and was retrofitted for gas, then you can remove the gas apparatus and shut-off the supply vlave. But still beware- if the gas log set was in an outside chimney then it may have condensed quite a bit of vapor on the interior of the flue. If the flue is deteriorated you will need to re-line it before using it for wood. Wood fires burn hot-unlike gas and for this reason are the cause of about 35,000 chimney-fires a year in the USA alone. Gas flues also need to be re-lined when deteriorated due to the danger of carbon monoxide.If the fireplace was not designed for wood then it will never be safe to use for that purpose. Play it safe-call a pro or don't take the chance. It's your life on the line.
Other answers:
I've always burned real wood in a gas fireplace. If you have cement logs in there already, you need to take them out, because a wood log placed on top might roll off. Obviously make sure the chimney allows free venting of smoke. And you need to keep the screen closed (a wire mesh/ chain screen works better than a glass screen and looks nicer).
Keep a poker nearby for moving around some pieces as the fire begins to die down.
You don't have to clean out the ashes after every use, but probably after 2 or 3 times you should.
I've always burned real wood in a gas fireplace. If you have cement logs in there already, you need to take them out, because a wood log placed on top might roll off. Obviously make sure the chimney allows free venting of smoke. And you need to keep the screen closed (a wire mesh/ chain screen works better than a glass screen and looks nicer).
Keep a poker nearby for moving around some pieces as the fire begins to die down.
You don't have to clean out the ashes after every use, but probably after 2 or 3 times you should.