‘Tis the season for cozy nights spent by the fireplace. If you plan on snuggling up around a crackling blaze all winter long, here are some tips to help get your fireplace prepped and ready for chilly nights.
Conduct an annual chimney inspection
All chimneys should be inspected and cleaned by a chimney cleaning professional at least once a year, or about once every 80 fires. A thorough cleaning will remove any buildup of creosote, an oily and highly flammable byproduct of burning wood, giving you a safer fireplace. Source: BobVila
Make sure the fireplace is clean
Once you have had your chimney professionally swept, it’s the time to do a big clean of your fireplace or stove so it is spick and span and ready for that first fire. Some tips to remember when cleaning:
Clean the bricks, stone or tiles that surround your fireplace to get rid of soot and dirt.
Clean the glass on your wood burner for flame visibility.
Sweep the inside of your stove or fireplace to get rid of old ash and soot.
Dispose of left over wood ash with household waste, or it can be recycled in a compost heap or soil patch.
Clean your fireside accessories so they are fresh and ready for use.
Fireplaces and stoves can get dirty very quickly, so regularly cleaning them when they are being frequently used in the winter months will keep them looking their best for years to come, as well as helping to make sure you have a healthy fire. Source: HomesAndGardens
Don’t forget to check the trees
Good chimney maintenance includes checking the trees on your property. Why? Because trees can cause many problems with your chimney. Limbs that hang above your roof can serve as highways for pests to drop into your chimney and enter your home. Tree branches can also block the airflow to your chimney, effectively locking smoke and carcinogens inside your home.
Obstructed airflow can also lead to an accumulation of carbon monoxide in your home, with potentially lethal results.
Limbs and branches can also create airflow issues in the form of drafting. This is a problem in which the chimney doesn’t allow enough air to feed the fire in your fireplace. If you notice that your trees are interfering with your chimney, contact a tree company to trim the branches before you start using your fireplace in the winter. Source: ThisOldHouse
If you run into any problems along the way or just don’t have the time to do it yourself, give us a call. We’re always happy to help out and answer any questions you may have. Stay warm!
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
