Keep Your Fireplace Clean & Safe Between Cleanings
Everyone loves a cool night and the option of using the fireplace to cozy up to. But to do that, you need one that is safe, clean, and ready to use. What can you do to help maintain a clean and safe fireplace between your professional chimney & fireplace cleanings?
Although our team at CSI is always here to help you, there are times when you’ll have to do a bit of maintenance yourself. Here are a few items to keep an eye on throughout the year:
Chimney Cap
Chimney caps are coverings at the top of your chimney. They are usually made from steel and copper mesh and help protect your chimney from water damage. Damage to the attic, interior walls, and ceilings can occur from this. There are many other benefits to having a chimney cap:
- Keeps critters out
- Acts as a spark deflector
- Can prevent downdrafts from coming back into the home
Be sure to get annual chimney inspections that include attention to chimney caps and removing any obstructions. There is also the possibility of chimney cap obstruction that would need to be addressed.
Damper
A damper is used to seal your fireplace when it is not being used. If used properly, this will keep heated air from escaping through the chimney. There are three main types of fireplace damper: fireplace throat dampers, chimney cap dampers, and flue dampers.
It is vital to open the damper when you start your fire to allow for airflow and to let the smoke out. As part of your fireplace maintenance, make sure that you can easily open and close your damper and that there are no obstructions.
Wood
Choosing and burning the right kind of wood can ensure a safer fire. Some wood gives off fewer sparks and smoke which can help decrease maintenance between cleanings. Make sure to use dry and dense wood. Hardwoods like maple, oak, ash, birch, and most fruit trees are said to be the best burning woods that give you a hotter and longer burn time. Keep your stored wood in a dry location to help decrease any chance of moisture.
Ashes
Check your firebox for ashes once you can be sure they are cold. The ashes can be vacuumed or swept out to help reduce creosote buildup. But do not clean it out completely. The best practice is to leave about an inch of ash at the bottom and this can help make it easier to light and can keep your next fire burning longer. Stay safe and try not to inhale the ash. It is recommended that you wear a mask and safety goggles over your eyes.
Our nationally certified chimney sweeps will inspect the chimney, connector pipes, chimney chase cover, chimney crown and cap during a chimney cleaning to make sure no other deficiencies exist in your system. We would love to help you with those professional cleanings. Call the Chimney Specialists today at (608) 929-4887 or stop by our location to get more information.
