Winter is exciting in Colorado for more reasons than breathtaking views and awesome snow skiing. One major source of anticipation is enjoying a roaring fire in your fireplace or stove. The joy of sipping a cup of cocoa or a glass of wine while getting cozy with loved ones around a fire is a highlight of winter that can be sorely missed in summer. When the wait is almost over, it’s important to take proper safety measures. Many of the home fires that happen every year occur because homeowners neglected fireplace and chimney maintenance before getting their first or a subsequent winter fire started. The following are some helpful tips for preparing your fireplace for the winter season.
Chimney Inspection
Fire safety experts all agree that a chimney needs to be inspected by a professional chimney technician annually. Those fire safety experts include the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). The types of problems that a chimney inspection can identify so that they can be properly tended to include:
· The chimney flue may have deteriorated. If there is even the smallest crack in a flue, combustible parts of the home can be exposed to extreme temperatures, resulting in a hazardous house fire.
· You can reduce fire hazards with an inspection because debris in the chimney or other obstructions might be discovered. When a chimney is obstructed, one of the potential results is that deadly carbon monoxide gases can be released into the home.
· A chimney inspection may reveal that a critter of some kind has taken up residence in your chimney, which is an obstruction.
· There could be an issue with the structural integrity of your fireplace or chimney that you aren’t aware of. Structural collapse can occur for a number of different reasons, including excessive wear and tear and environmental factors.
· The firebox could have deteriorating fire bricks. Walls of the firebox serve the same purpose as the flue because they protect combustible parts of the home from hot fires. If there is any damage to the firebox, repairs need to be made.
Chimney Cleaning
If your fireplace isn’t cleaned periodically, creosote can build up excessively in the flue, creating a dangerous fire hazard. Some amount combustible soot and creosote is left inside the chimney lining every time a wood fire is burned. The amount of buildup is important to watch out for. CSIA recommends cleaning a chimney when there is 1/8” of creosote buildup in the lining. NFPA suggests having an annual cleaning, same as an inspection. It’s a good idea to start out with a clean chimney, since every fire you have in the coming winter builds on the existing creosote.
Gas Fireplace Cleaning
Gas fireplaces are low maintenance, but annual inspections by qualified technicians are highly recommended. Maintenance prevents permanent damage from occurring, and this includes cleaning the glass at least annually. The performance of combustion systems of a gas fireplace can be impaired by the accumulation of dust and the presence insects. The pilot light and main burners should have the airways cleaned, and the entire system should be inspected by a qualified expert.
Enjoy Peace of Mind
Perhaps part of the thrill of a fire is that it poses a bit of a risk. It’s important to protect the home and individuals from potential fire hazards. When you take the time to give your fireplace and chimney proper maintenance, you can enjoy peace of mind in knowing that you’ve taken appropriate safety steps. Then, when you light that first winter fire, you can breathe easy.
If you want to add a new fireplace to your home before winter, visit FyrePro or call (970) 266-8556. We have a large selection of wood and gas fireplaces. These days, gas and wood fire appliances can be installed just about anywhere in your home. Contact us at FyrePro today to learn more.