Tips for Fireplace and Chimney Care

TIPS FOR FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY CARE

With Fall 2020 fast approaching, it is important to keep in mind some tips for fireplace and chimney care.

Tip #1: KEEP THE AREA CLEAR

Keep your furniture a minimum of 36 inches away from your fireplace to avoid sparks igniting the upholstery. Do this even if you use a fireplace screen to catch sparks.

Tip #2: CLOSE YOUR DAMPER

The damper is a hinged flap just above the fireplace that controls the amount of air allowed to pass through the chimney. When there is a fire going, you want to have this open to direct the smoke up and out of the chimney.? When the fire is out, remember to close the damper to prevent heat from escaping through the chimney.

Tip #3: GET A CHIMNEY CAP INSTALLED

We install chimney caps at the top of chimneys for several reasons.? One is to keep animals from climbing in and building nests.? Another reason is it keeps rain and other elements from getting inside your chimney flue.? Part of the cap also acts as a spark guard and it prevents sparks and embers from floating out of your chimney and possibly igniting your rooftop or nearby trees.

Tip #4: USE SEASONED WOOD

Seasoned firewood is wood that has been left out to dry for a long period of time (usually one year) and thus the moisture from the tree?s cells and its sap have evaporated from the wood.? When you burn wet wood, it makes poor fuel and your fire can get very smoky. ?Another trick is to place your logs ?in close proximity to each other. ?This will help create a hot fire.

Tip #5: CONSIDER A FIREPLACE INSERT

A fireplace insert is an appliance that can be installed into an existing wood-burning fireplace to make it more efficient.? It is a steel or cast-iron box with a glass front that traps gas or wood-ignited heat and radiates it like a space heater into your home.

Tip #6: CALL A CHIMNEY SWEEP

Chimney sweeps are vital to good chimney health. ?Chimney sweeps do visual inspections of your fireplace and chimney to look for creosote, which is a tar-like build-up.? If left accumulated inside your chimney for too long, creosote can ignite and lead to chimney fires.? It is good to do an annual inspection prior to your first fire of the season.? Our chimney sweep?Mark?has been in the industry for over 10 years and is very skilled and experienced. ?Contact us today to schedule an estimate.