Owning a home with a fireplace comes with great responsibility. The flickering flame and crackling logs can become incredibly dangerous if regular fireplace maintenance is not done properly. As such, a fireplace isn’t for everyone and the warm glow of nature’s best element isn’t worth the responsibility. To ensure that owning a home with a fireplace is in your best interest (and investment), here are some proper fireplace maintenance techniques you can expect to come along with your purchase.
Regular Sweeping and Disposal of Scattered Ashes in And Around the Fireplace
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you will have to sweep up and dispose of any and all ashes after every use. Now, this is often easier said than done as you have to wait for the ashes to cool. They’re also incredibly lightweight, which can make it a little more difficult to clean up. However, that’s essentially why it’s so important to stay on top of this fireplace maintenance technique. With a buildup of ashes comes an increase in danger and accident. Aside from that, scattered ashes also take way from the aesthetics and appeal of the space. So, expect to sweep them up after every use.
Dust Regularly Around the Fireplace
With the prior mentioned, you’ll also have to dust and vacuum more frequently than you would if you didn’t have a fireplace. Because the ashes are so lightweight, they can spread well throughout your entire home, causing soot, dust, debris and buildup to settle on any and all surfaces.
Annual Fireplace Inspection and Clean
It’s also recommended to hire a professional for an annual fireplace inspection and clean. Things such as a buildup of creosote are highly dangerous and are even responsible for some of the worst residential fires. So never skip over this fireplace maintenance technique even if you have a gas fireplace.
While you don’t have to worry about a buildup of creosote, gas fireplaces do have other issues, such as clogged vents, that need to be addressed in a timely manner to ensure your safety.
Doing so also gives you the advantage of spotting minor repairs and dangers before they turn into major and costly repairs.
Annual Chimney Maintenance Is Required
Every year, your chimney needs to be serviced by a professional. This is an important maintenance technique to never skip over, as it will ensure your health and safety, as well as the durability of your fireplace, chimney, and home as a whole.
Both wood burning and gas fireplaces have different requirements, but both should be looked at, at least once a year, depending on your usage.
Inspect the Bricks
Regular maintenance is required outside of the actual fireplace and chimney as well. Bricks need to be inspected annually to make sure they aren’t cracking or crumbling. Otherwise, it could trap the heat and smoke inside the chimney, causing a wide range of potential dangers.
Trim Trees and Branches Near the Chimney.
While you’re up on the roof inspecting your chimney bricks, it’s important to take a look at nearby trees. If there are any overhanging branches, it’s important to trim them as falling branches can cause damage to the chimney, which could damage the fireplace and your home as a whole.
Fireplaces are more than just a warm glow. In fact, they are a major responsibility that should never be underestimated.
