Why to Check Your Fireplace Before Firing it Up This Winter
1. Check the chimney flue
Blockages can occur in the flue from debris or animals that might have crawled in. To prevent anything from getting into the chimney you can invest in a chimney cap. The cap is usually made out of metal with a solid top and a heavy metal mesh around the sides that lets the air out but will not let debris or animals in.
2. Clean the flue
It is important to clean out the chimney flue of any build up to prevent the build up from catching fire. Creosote can build up in the flue especially if you use your fireplace regularly. Creosote is caused by improper burning of moist wood or not burning at a high enough temperature. To lessen creosote buildup it is best to just burn dry hardwood in your fireplace. Burning garbage in the fireplace can increase Creosote buildup and may also cause other dangers like explosions so that should be avoided. You can get a professional to do the job for you or you can buy a chimney brush to clear out the debris yourself. A professional can also check if your fireplace or wood burner is working properly.
3. Check for cracks in the flue
This is another leading cause of chimney fires and should be checked annually. You can check by looking down into the chimney opening with a flashlight inspecting the sides carefully for any missing bricks or if anything in the flue looks out of place. If there is damage, have a professional come and check it out and make repairs.
4. Clean the fireplace opening
Start fresh by cleaning out all creosote left from the previous fire season. Make sure the damper is working. If it is not you could get too much smoke blowing out into your house. Replace broken or missing parts like broken or missing bricks or crumbling mortar.
Now you are ready and safe to build cozy warm inviting fires. Remember to keep cleaning out any ash regularly as you burn. Keep about an inch of ash in the bottom so that you can build fires faster and warmer and have a comfortable and glowing winter.
