5 Fireplace Maintenance Tips

According to a 2017 research done by U.S. Census Bureau, 358,000 single-family homes were built with a fireplace, and 280,000 sold with at least one. This shows that a fireplace is a necessity for many people - whether for its warmth or its ambiance. However, you need to properly maintain your fireplace to protect its structural integrity and retain efficiency.

Most users usually pay less attention to fireplace maintenance, and in turn, they always experience numerous problems. Your fireplace is the focal point of your house, and so if it is not in good condition, it shall negatively impact your home's appearance. Below are five fireplace maintenance tips to keep your house comfortable and stylish for years.

Seal Gaps

Over time, the heat from the firebox can cause bricks to expand. This will loosen the mortar in between the bricks, eventually causing them to fall. If you notice broken or crumbling bricks in your fireplace, your fireplace has seal gaps. 

Fire can escape through these gaps, which can lead to an outbreak if it burns structural elements. They can also allow smoke out of the fireplace, which is health-hazardous if you inhale it for prolonged periods. 

Experts can fill the gaps with the right mortar or refractory caulk. It is vital to let professionals solve this problem, as they have the right equipment needed to cure the mortar or caulk to strengthen it.

Clean Your Fireplace

You need to remove ashes and remnant pieces of wood from your fireplace after use. A clean fireplace helps the system work efficiently when you use it next. Besides, it improves the aesthetics of your house. You should hire professionals to clean it routinely to remove soot and creosote.

Creosote is mainly formed in fireplaces that utilize wood that wasn't thoroughly dried. This component is formed in your firebox walls up to the chimney, causing your fireplace to have an unpleasing dark appearance. Soot and creosote are flammable, and thus if not cleaned, they can cause fire. Also, they will block airflow in your fireplace. Hence, you should call professionals early.

Use Seasoned Wood

Most fireplace owners are always on the fence about the type of wood to use. The right choice is seasoned wood since it has been thoroughly dried for 6 to 12 months. This means that it contains a lower moisture content.

Seasoned wood is brownish-yellow, has cracks at the end, and makes a sharp sound when you hit two logs. Do not use green wood, as it has a high moisture content, which means it won't burn thoroughly, resulting in soot and creosote. 

Install a Heat Proof Glass Door

It is essential to keep your fireplace safer by blocking sparks from leaving the firebox. You should install a fireplace screen, preferably a heatproof glass door. It is easier to maintain a glass door as you only need to use a damp cloth to wipe ashes. The door will also prevent smoke from leaving.

Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Your vent and chimney systems can clog over time, especially during seasons when you usually use the fireplace frequently. When these systems clog, carbon monoxide and smoke will find an alternative exit route and enter your house.

It is impossible to notice carbon monoxide since it is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, yet poisonous. You need to install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home to notify you to act accordingly on time. You should also have smoke alarms to detect smoke when it enters your house.

A fireplace that is properly installed and doesn't have gaps can't give you such a problem. Every fireplace owner should observe fireplace maintenance. Our company offers fireplace cleaning, inspection, and repairs. Contact a specialist at Carolina Ductmasters for more information. We are happy to be at your service.