Fireplaces are a great way to heat your home during the winter without spending too much on electricity. However, it is also important to be aware that fireplaces and chimneys are often involved in heating-related house fires. Continue reading to learn more about 3 tips to prepare your chimney for winter and make sure that it is ready to use safely.
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Schedule a Chimney Inspection
– Contact a professional chimney sweep to clean out any creosote and soot that might be built up. Creosote in your chimney actually can catch fire from sparks flying upward.
– Inspect the damper to ensure that it opens and closes smoothly.
– Check the mortar around any bricks in the chimney or surround for cracks. These can cause dangerous fires if not fixed. You might need to bring in a professional if you find serious cracks in either the bricks or the mortar.
– Check the chimney for birds, bird nests, or other rodents. Install a cap/screen at the top that will keep them out going forward. Source: Dummies
Clean and Check the Firebox
Clean the firebox. If you didn’t empty out the ash and burnt logs from last season, now is a good time to do that.
Put some newspaper on the floor. Start shoveling the leftover ash into a bucket. You can avoid a cloud of ash by spraying it down with a little bit of water first.
Inspect for problems. Once you have cleaned out the fireplace, you can inspect the interior of the firebox for cracked bricks or missing mortar. You might have to clear soot stains with a simple soap and water mixture to really get a good look at it.
– If you find your firebox needs repair, it is best to consult a professional for a fireplace and chimney inspection. Source: wikiHow
Stay Aware Of Fire Safety
Our final tip is the most obvious, but perhaps the most important. Take the proper steps toward fire safety. No matter how much roof maintenance you do, accidents can still happen. Give yourself the chance to rest easy in the knowledge that you are prepared for the worst case scenario – despite hoping it never happens.
Fire safety starts, of course, with smoke detectors. Install a smoke detector in every room in your home and do your best to test them every six months and replace any burned out batteries. In addition to the smoke detectors, each home should have at least one working fire extinguisher.
The National Fire Protection Association also recommends creating a fire escape plan, especially for families with young children or members with mobility limitations. Remind your family of basic safety precautions in the event of a fire such as staying low to the floor to minimize smoke inhalation and testing the heat of doorknobs with the back of your hand before opening doors to determine fire placement. You should also pick a predetermined meeting place for everyone to gather after exiting your home. Source: Freshome
We hope these steps will help get you on the right track to a safe fireplace. If you are thinking about hiring a professional, call us now or email us here.
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains Ltd.
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
