You’re likely excited to use your fireplace during the winter months. It keeps the place warm and sets up a cozy atmosphere. Contrary to what people think, however, it is one addition to your home that you should not ignore. Make your fireplace maintenance a priority, and you’ll be glad you did when the cold hits.
Now, wood and Electric Fireplaces From RFC Services and other similar companies have one thing in common – they both require proper upkeep, much like the other additions you make to your home. Oil-fueled fireplaces should be cleaned and inspected before the winter months, and electric ones need to have their wiring checked to ensure seamless working.
Before you go on to understand the different requirements for your fireplace maintenance, you should check the position of your chimney. If your chimney extends through the roof, any maintenance or repairs required for the chimney may necessitate access to the roof. This coordination between the fireplace and the roof is essential to ensure the safety and functionality of the chimney. Moreover, leaks or water damage around the fireplace can often be indicative of roofing issues, as moisture infiltration from the roof can affect the integrity of the fireplace structure. In such cases, hiring roofing contractors old saybrook ct (or wherever you live) is crucial to assess and address any roofing problems promptly. They can inspect the roof, identify potential sources of leaks or damage, and perform necessary repairs to prevent further issues and ensure the continued safety and functionality of your chimney and fireplace.
Read the following to learn about proper fireplace maintenance.
Fix gaps in the firebox brick mortar
One of the common mistakes homeowners make when cleaning their fireplace is forgetting the mortar between the fireplace bricks. They are usually made of clay, which is porous, and over time, the mortar erodes, which allows the bricks to shift and move. This can lead to gaps between the bricks, which can also let in water, which can damage the bricks. Eventually, this can cause bricks and mortar to crumble.
Sweep the chimney
Sweeping the chimney is one of the first fireplace maintenance tips you should know. Smoke, ash, and soot can build up in the chimney, which can be a potential fire hazard. If your home has a chimney, consider getting in touch with agencies that offer services for Chimney cleaning Dallas, if that’s where you live. Cleaning a chimney regularly is essential, and should preferably be done once a year before each winter. The maintenance includes chimney sweeping, relining the flue, and inspecting the chimney stack. Neglecting this essential task can not only compromise the efficiency of your fireplace but can also prevent you from cleaning it properly. Additionally, a well-maintained chimney helps prevent unwanted visitors like raccoons in the house, as neglected chimneys may provide entry points for wildlife seeking shelter. All in all, staying proactive in chimney care lets you ensure a safer and more efficient heating system for your home.
Buy the right firewood
The proper way to light a fire in the fireplace starts with finding the right wood. Many make the mistake of using unseasoned wood, but this can lead to excessive smoke and soot, ruining your chimney sweeping efforts. Seasoned wood, on the other hand, is virtually smokeless, and burns more efficiently too, leading to hotter temperatures and less soot.
Inspect and repair the flashing
To ensure the longevity of your fireplace, it’s crucial not to overlook the maintenance of its exterior components. Among these, the flashing around the chimney and roof is particularly susceptible to weather-related wear and tear. Loose or damaged flashing can permit water intrusion, potentially causing irreversible harm to your fireplace. By diligently maintaining this component, you can extend the fireplace’s lifespan by decades. If need be, seek the help of a reputable fireplaces company in Red Deer or your local area. Professionals with expertise in this domain can provide more effective solutions compared to DIY approaches, safeguarding the functionality and durability of your fireplace for years to come.
Repoint the chimney stack
The outside of a chimney often gets overlooked when it comes to fireplace maintenance, but neglecting this part of your fireplace can lead to expensive repairs later. One common issue that may be plaguing your chimney is damage to the mortar joints. When they crack, water can get inside the brick and cause serious and expensive damage.
Clean the fireplace
While fireplaces are a beautiful feature of the home, they are a major fire risk if not properly maintained. Remove ash from the ash pan on a regular basis, and scrub soot off the fireplace surround. Soot is surprisingly flammable, so just one spark could trigger a fire that could quickly get out of control.
Replace the fire screen
If you have an open fire, replacing the fire screen is a maintenance tip that you can’t skip. It’s important to check your fire screen for holes, rips, and other defects – otherwise, it won’t be fulfilling its job. Screens can get damaged easily, so it’s important to check them regularly and replace them when they show signs of wear and tear.
Repair the mantel
The mantel may look decorative, but it serves an important purpose, helping to redirect smoke back up the chimney. It also helps to direct heat out into the room instead of letting it all rise to the ceiling, so if your mantel is cracked or completely missing, it’s time to get a new one.
Properly store your firewood.
Improperly storing your firewood can leave it unsafe. Stacking wood indoors and keeping it dry helps prevent pests and decay, but storing it too close to the fire poses a fire risk. Keep your wood to the side of the fireplace where no sparks can hit it, and don’t leave wood lying on the floor.
Keep décor to a minimum
There’s no denying that a few ornaments can really pull a fireplace together, but it’s important not to cover your fireplace in decorations. They can easily fall and set alight, or even dry out in the extreme heat and go up in flames as a spark flies past. Reduce your décor to a minimal amount to keep things safe.
The fireplace is the focal point of your entire living room area. Just looking at it creates warmth and a feeling of being at home. For this reason, it is very important to ensure that it is properly maintained. The tips listed above will help you properly maintain your fireplace.
