A fireplace can be a charming and cozy addition to any home, providing warmth and ambiance during the colder months. However, to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones, it's essential to follow proper fireplace maintenance and safety guidelines.
To help you reduce the risk of fireplace-related fire, here are five crucial fireplace safety tips to know and observe.
1. Regularly Inspect Your Fireplace
Regular inspections are key to identifying potential issues before they become major problems. This is especially critical if you are buying or renting a home with a fireplace and don't know if the previous owners conducted regular inspections and kept it well-maintained.
Every few months, ensure that the damper opens and closes smoothly and inspect the hearth for any loose bricks or mortar. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent sparks from escaping and causing a fire hazard.
2. Clean the Fireplace Flue Annually
Creosote, a byproduct of burning wood, can accumulate in the flue over time and become a fire hazard. As such, it is important to schedule an annual chimney sweep to remove creosote buildup and other debris. A clean flue promotes proper ventilation and reduces the risk of chimney fires.
That being said, experts recommend cleaning the flue more than once a year if you use the fireplace frequently.
3. Check the Chimney for Leaks or Cracks
A damaged chimney can allow water to seep into your home, causing structural damage and potential safety hazards. Cracking can happen from things like flooding, extreme weather, or the house settling.
If your house has flooded or was hit with extreme weather, especially heavy rainfall, take the time to Inspect the exterior of the chimney for any visible cracks or leaks. Repairing these issues promptly can prevent water damage and maintain the integrity of your chimney.
4. Use the Right Wood
The type of wood you burn can impact both the efficiency and safety of your fireplace. Hardwoods, such as oak and maple, burn cleaner and produce less creosote while pine cracks and can send embers all over the place. In addition, the oil in wood can build up in the flue.
As such, we recommend seasoning your firewood properly by allowing it to dry for at least six months before use. Dry wood burns more efficiently, reducing the buildup of creosote in the chimney.
5. Install a Chimney Guard To Keep Wildlife Out
Chimneys without proper protection can become nesting grounds for birds, squirrels, or other wildlife. Birds, in particular, can build nests in your chimney, which blocks the flue and sends smoke and carbon monoxide back into the home.
To prevent this from happening, install a chimney guard or cap to keep animals from entering and creating blockages. Not only does this protect your fireplace from potential fire hazards, but it also ensures proper ventilation.
READ NEXT: 5 Home Items Experts Say You Should Never Buy Used
