Making A House A Home

A fireplace can do a great job of adding ambiance, charm, and warmth to a home. However, many homeowners do not understand what they must regularly do to maintain their fireplaces. It's not only about the fireplace looking good but the potential health and safety risks that can come with ignoring fireplace maintenance. Here are a few things that you should do to keep it working properly.  

Regular Cleaning

It's crucial to regularly remove creosote, soot, and debris that has built up in a chimney and fireplace. This should be done by a professional chimney sweep, who has the tools and skills to properly clean a chimney. They'll use brushes and vacuums to make sure that there is no mess left behind and to give everything a thorough cleaning. Try to have the chimney professionally cleaned on an annual basis to reduce the risk of having a chimney fire. 

Repairs And Inspections

There are many things that can go wrong with a chimney, which can help prevent the problem from getting worse. You should inspect the chimney for things like damaged mortar, loose bricks, cracks, and signs of regular wear and tear. Many things can be noticed from the outside of the chimney, and you can inspect it on your own by just looking over the exterior. 

Chimney Cap Replacement

It's possible for the chimney cap to become damaged over time, simply due to wear and tear from being exposed to the weather. A damaged chimney cap can allow animals to build a nest within the cap, which can be a huge health hazard for people that live in your home. If the chimney cannot properly ventilate due to an obstruction, the fumes are going to flow back into the home where you will breathe them in. 

Spark Arrestor Replacement 

In addition, your chimney also has a spark arrestor that must remain in good condition. This part prevents embers and sparks from leaving the chimney and landing on debris that can burn. Since your roof is likely surrounded by shingles debris from nearby trees, a spark arrestor can prevent a fire from accidentally happening on your roof. 

Wood Storage 

The way that you handle your firewood can help it burn cleaner in your chimney. Wet or green wood can cause excessive smoke and poor combustion, which will lead to increased creosote formation. Make sure that all firewood is placed in a dry and well-ventilated area to ensure that it's ready to use for your next fire. 

To find out more, contact fireplace maintenance services.