There is nothing better on a cold winter day or night than a slow burning fire in the fireplace or stove. It adds a sense of atmosphere to the house along with keeping the furnace bill down. Taking a moment to review these tips will ensure family safety and security.
With the several days of arctic air hitting the Midwest, CX5 Industries thought we would pass along some helpful tips to keep you and your family warm and safe. Should you not be familiar with fire safety, as part of our Security Services we offer a very affordable inspection and prompt response with our vendors to fix any opportunities.
Schedule an annual inspection: It is recommended to have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional at least once a year, or about once every 80 fires. The chimney professional will examine easily accessible parts of the chimney, including the firebox and damper; check for damage to bricks or the flue liner; remove any blockages; and clean out accumulated soot and creosote, an oily and highly flammable byproduct of burning wood.
Check for cracks and damaged bricks: Fireplace owners should check often for cracks, loose joints, and defects of the firebricks inside the fireplace and on the floor of the hearth, and examine the exterior masonry for damage. Hire a professional mason to do any repairs. Never try to repair firebrick with regular mortar, as the mixture cannot stand up to high heat.
Inspect the chimney cap and damper: Check the damper to make sure there’s no debris preventing it from opening and closing. When it’s open, you should feel a little bit of air and you should see more light than you do when it’s closed. If you’re comfortable venturing onto the roof, you might be able to check the chimney cap to make sure that it’s firmly attached, free of rust, and in good condition—otherwise, leave this to the pros. The cap should have protective screening to prevent sparks from blowing out of the chimney and causing the roof or nearby leaves to catch fire, and keep birds, squirrels, bats, and other pests out of the chimney.
Clear away tree limbs: Prune any overhanging tree limbs that may be encroaching on the chimney, or call in a professional to take care of this for you. Not only do tree limbs present a fire hazard, they can also restrict the proper draft of the chimney and damage the cap.
Keep anything flammable away from the fireplace: Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from your fireplace or wood stove. Do not burn paper in your fireplace or wood stove. Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.
Have a fire extinguisher handy: Keep a fire extinguisher handy, just in case of a fire.
By following these guidelines, you can keep your fireplace working smoothly and safely for years to come. Stay warm and safe this winter!
Comments