Tips for Fireplace Maintenance and Safety

Tips for Fireplace Maintenance and Safety

Has your fireplace been put to good use this winter? With the air staying cool at night, most likely you have been enjoying it for the past few months. There is no better way to wind down the evening than in front of a cozy fire. Just like many areas in your home, your fireplace needs some TLC from time to time. It is important to keep your fireplace properly maintained to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

What Does My Fireplace need to Stay Maintained and Safe?

Clean your fireplace of ashes and dirt. – Make sure to clean your fireplace of dirt and ashes that have built up over time. It is best to sweep the ashes and dirt, do not use a vacuum at the risk of live coals that may be in your fireplace. Ashes can be a fire hazard if they escape your fireplace, cleaning them out will help to keep your fireplace safe. This will also keep your fireplace looking its best.
Clean soot and stains from fireplace- Before you do this, it is important to wait until all embers have been put out for 12 hours. To clean the soot and stains, spray a mix of water and soap and scrub the area. This will keep your fireplace looking like new!
Check your chimney- It is important to check your chimney every now and then. Open the damper and look inside of it with a flashlight. You will want to be sure there is nothing blocking the chimney, such as leaves or any animals that may have gotten in. If you do see anything in your chimney you will want to call a professional to come clean and inspect it.
Use your fireplace to short periods of time– Never use your fireplace for longer than 5 hours at a time. To stay on the safe side, only burn your fire for short periods of time and never leave it unattended, especially with children in the home.
Do not use water to extinguish fires– Although you may be tempted, do not ever use water in your fireplace to put your fire out. It can turn ashes into a paste that will be difficult to remove. Let your fire die down or pour sand over it. Remember if you use sand you must clean it out before using your fireplace the next time.
Burn clean, seasoned wood, well dried wood only– Burning clean wood will prevent the buildup of creosote, a black film from smoke residue. This can cause very dangerous fires that can be detrimental to your home. Other wood that is not cleaned or seasoned can also give off fumes that are harmful to your lungs.

These important tips will keep your fireplace safe and clean throughout the year. They will ensure the safety of your home and family. Now you can relax and enjoy your warm, beautiful fire. Remember should you ever need any of services we are here for you 24/7 365 days a week. With years of experience in fire and smoke restoration, we are known for our consistency, speed and high standard of customer service. Call us today at (704) 324-8528