Fireplaces are vital resources for many homeowners. Not only is it a source of heat, but it is an essential component for reducing reliance on electricity. As winter weather is fast approaching, it’s necessary to do maintenance and repairs as a third of house fires involve faulty fireplaces and chimneys. Here are seven fireplace and chimney repair tips to prepare you for winter weather.
Fireplace And Chimney Preparation
- Clean Your Chimney
Before you use your fireplace every winter, you must perform a chimney sweep to remove leftover debris and soot. You will also want to look for any rodents or nests.
- Perform A Chimney Inspection
You want to ensure the company you hire can perform chimney inspections so that when irregularities are present, the person performing the examination can follow the proper protocol for fireplace and chimney repairs, from anything like broken parts to odd smells. You also want an inspector to check for loose bricks, missing mortar, deterioration of building materials, or lack of structural integrity to ensure occupant safety and security.
- Check Gasket Sealant
It is vital to also check gasket sealants on and around the door as well as the ash dump on wood stoves or fireplace doors. If they are in disrepair, it will cause risky fire conditions. Too much oxygen will cause unsafe conditions that will lead to dangerous fire hazards.
- Clean Blower
The fireplace blower is housed underneath the back part of fireplace flooring and draws cold air through vents. It also circulates the warm air throughout a room. The fan is reliant on an electronic motor, so it substantially increases output and energy efficiency.
- Inspect Damper Inside Chimney
The damper, which is a small metal or ceramic flap inside the flue of the chimney, has a vital role as it can be adjusted manually to prevent smoke and chemicals from filling your home when your fireplace is in use. As the smoke rises, it exits via the rooftop, but it also allows clean air to enter via the flue, so it necessarily needs to be in tip-top conditioning.
- Check Chimney Cap Placement
Chimney caps are vital as they keep debris, rodents, rain, or snow out of the chimney. They also promote safe chimney functioning as it controls drafts and prevents flammable and corrosive substances like creosote from building up in the fireplace and chimney. It is also a primary piece of equipment that promotes cleanliness of the stack and flue.
- Inspect Smoke and Carbon Dioxide Alarms
It’s a good practice to replace your smoke and carbon dioxide alarm batteries with your fireplace and chimney preparation to promote health and safety of household occupants.
Now that you have had a formal inspection for necessary chimney repairs, you are ready to use your fireplace. Experts agree that six-inch diameter is the perfect size for fireplace consumption. Make sure that you cut dense wood in appropriate quantities and store in a dry area that is free of rain or snow exposure. Some wood is flammable and produces more creosote than other types.
If you need a fireplace inspection or chimney repair, call (978) 977-3816 for an appointment or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NorthShoreRoofingMA and send a quick message.
