There's nothing like a fireplace in winter. It's fun to cozy up and enjoy a nice blaze while it's cold outside, relaxing in the warmth while savoring the fragrance of logs burning in the grate. But as enjoyable as a fire can be, proper maintenance of a fireplace is required. Otherwise, you could face endangering your loved ones and losing your home.
Whether you've found a home among Ridgewood homes for sale or you're getting your home ready to sell, a fireplace can be a great feature, increasing the value of the home by as much as 6 to 12 percent, according to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers. But if your knowledge of fireplace maintenance is scanty, read on and absorb these safety tips before cool weather arrives, and it's time to light your first fire of the season.
Tips for Maintaining a Fireplace
Chimney fires can be explosive, creating loud, popping noises, dense smoke, and a hot smell. Flames may shoot from the top of the chimney as soot or creosote on the chimney walls catch fire and burn. But there are also slow-burning chimney fires that can go undetected. They often reach high temperatures and damage the chimney, as well as nearby parts of the house, although they may not burn as dramatically as the visible chimney fires.
Wood stoves and fireplaces contain wood-fuel fires, while chimneys expel the combustion by-products, including water vapor, gases, smoke, tar fog, unburned wood particles, hydrocarbons, and smoke. Condensation occurs as these hot materials exit the fireplace or wood stove, and they encounter the cooler walls of the chimney. The residue of these substances that stick to the walls is called creosote.
Have the Chimney Professionally Cleaned
The chimney may have soot and creosote on the walls from when you used the fireplace last winter. These materials are flammable and can ignite inside the chimney, causing a fire. Hire a professional chimney sweep to clean the chimney.
The National Fire Protection Association advises that chimneys should be inspected by a professional chimney sweep each year and cleaned as needed. Have the chimney inspected for cracks, dents, or rust. Have the cap and screen inspected as well, as they're designed to keep out water and birds.
Clean the Interior of the Fireplace
Cleaning the interior of the fireplace will make for a more pleasant experience when the fire burns and will also make the fireplace work more efficiently. Use a mask when cleaning; sprinkle the ashes in the garden.
Burn the Right Kind of Wood
It's best to burn seasoned hardwood such as maple, birch, and oak. Avoid softwoods such as cedar and pine. Seasoned wood has been dried and retains less than 20 percent moisture—dry wood for six to 12 months before you burn it. You can dry wood faster by splitting logs into small pieces.
Install a Glass Door and a Blower
A glass door and blower will greatly improve the safety of a fireplace. The glass door will prevent sparks from flying out of the hearth and keep children and pets from the fireplace. The blower or fan will circulate the heat to a larger space so that the fireplace is more efficient.
Our agents have great tips for buying or selling a home in Bergen County. Contact us today.
