Winter is the time of year for most of us that we like to light the fire in the fireplace, curl up with a good book, a glass of wine and forget the bitter cold just outside our walls.
While fireplaces are a beautiful focal point, conversation piece and delight in the winter there are many preventative maintenance tips you should adhere to:
- Your chimney should be swept annually by a qualified professional. A qualified Chimney Sweep can be sure that your chimney is free of debris and in good working order
- The liner of your chimney needs to be free of cracks. The liners allow for clear and smooth passage for smoke to rise out and out of your home and the liner prevents gas and fire flames from entering your home potentially cause illness or fire.
- Ensure that your flue is functioning properly.
- Be sure the area around your hearth is clear of debris, decorations and flammable materials.
- Always use a screen to keep sparks from flying out into the room.
- If you have glass doors keep them open while burning a fire.
- Stack firewood at least 30 feet from your home.
- Remove any branches that may be hanging over your vent, chimney and flue.
- Keep your roof clear of pine needles, leaves and other debris.
- Be sure to have smoke detectors installed on every level of your home. Inspect them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
Go ahead - grab a blanket and light the fire - just be smart and safe!
Life in Wake Forest NC is cozy, warm and SAFE during winter!
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Leesa Finley the "Wake Forest NC House Chick"
Circa Properties
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Smart advise for all homeowners with a fireplace. We lost a historical family home in Arkansas due to a flue fire. Rebuilt ,but still could have been prevented. Solid advise.
Leesa - Great advice! And never, ever, ever throw 30 year old scotch in a fire to see how cool it will look...'cause I'll kill you before the fire does!
Seriously folks, we read about it, hear about it but usually tell ourselves, "Yeah I know"....fire can be so devastating. When I lived in Sacramento our neighbors home caught on fire, all 4,000 sq feet of it. Flames shot up about 30 feet and you could feel the heat several houses away. Gas company had to shut off the gas and we watched as the firefighters used chainsaws to cut holes in the roof and sides of the house while shooting thousands of gallons of water. Both neighbors to either side were stressing out praying the fire wouldn't jump.
Not cool. : (
The family luckily was able to get out and nobody got hurt. But their Christmas was ruined.
Claude - Fireplaces are NOTHING to mess with this this time of year! I am sorry to hear about the loss that you experienced but at least YOU are okay!
Nevin - That is really scary - I always advise my seller and buyers to BE SURE to have chimney cleaned and inspected EVERY year before that first fire!
I saw this over at Nevin's blog.
Great information.
I'll re-blog this also, if you don't mind...
Toula - I don't mind one bit! Thanks!
These are some great tips, I will be sure to pass along the information to my clients and re-blog for my readers. THANK!
Great tips Leesa! Thanks for the reminder on staying safe. -Marian
Patty - thanks for the reblog - you can NEVER be too safe when it comes to fireplaces!
Marian - You are more than welcome!