3 Tips for Preparing Your Fireplace for Winter
The beautifully colored leaves of autumn have fallen, a chilly wind whistles outside and the first flakes of winter snow arrive. It’s the perfect time of year to gather around a fireplace with the ones you love, but not until you’ve prepared your home for the season. If your heating system is damaged or dirty, you could be putting loved ones in danger. Heating sources are the second leading cause of house fires in the U.S., accounting for 15% of such blazes. With proper preparation, however, a fireplace can be the perfect place to warm up the winter months. Here’s what you need to know.
Clean Out the Fireplace
Check your firebox for any ashes that remain from last year’s fires. They should be carefully vacuumed and disposed of outside, but never handle warm ashes. While cleaning the area, look for signs of damage and hire a service for fireplace repair Avon MA or in your area in case of a problem.
Get on the Roof
Examine the chimney cap to make sure it is securely in place. Check the screen mesh for holes that might allow leaves, twigs, squirrels, bats and other unwanted visitors to enter. Look for cracks in the exterior masonry and trim any overhanging branches that could fall and damage the chimney area.
Arrange an Inspection
Fireplaces and chimneys should be inspected by a trained professional at least once a year. These individuals can assess any problem areas and remove accumulations of highly flammable creosote, the cause of many chimney fires. It’s especially important because many chimney fires continue to burn undetected, and even slow-burning fires can damage the chimney and other nearby structures, as well as cause carbon monoxide to enter the home.
Fireplace maintenance is an important part of home ownership. Follow these tips before heating your home this winter.
