Keeping your fireplaces safe
A lot of people might be considering using their old and reliable fireplaces this coming winter as the prices f propane and natural gas keep on going up. Before you light up those logs, remember that a big chunk of home-heating fires involved chimneys and fireplaces. Here are some tips to keep your fireplaces safe:
Chimney sweep
Experts recommend that you have your fireplaces swept at least once a year like at the start of the winter. You can find a chimney sweet thru online listings or you can rely on referrals from friends.
Look for any damage
Aside from cleaning the chimney, the chimney sweep will also check the structure of the chimney. He or she will check for missing mortar, loose bricks, or cracks. The liners of the chimney should also be checked.
Put a cap on the chimney
Make sure you cap that old chimney so squirrels, birds, leaves, rain, and other debris will not be entering. Make it a point to check the cap for replacement or repair before the winter.
Right kind of wood
Go for the dense, seasoned hardwoods for your fireplace. It will be ideal to get dry, split logs that has been stored for six months. Softer woods and green wood result to more creosote or that flammable byproduct of burnt wood which may build up on the chimney walls.
Do not overload the fireplace
Small fires are better since they generate less smoke and of course less buildup of creosote. A fire which is too big or too hot may also damage the walls of the chimney.
Build the fire right
Place the logs on a metal grate in the fireplace and also use kindling to start the flames instead of using flammable liquid.