There is nothing that beats a real wood-burning fireplace in the chilly fall and winter months. The sound of a fireplace crackling, and flickering flames is hypnotic—the best form of entertainment available. A wood-burning fireplace is a real deal. Unlike gas fireplaces, though, you will have to pay for that authentic feeling with regular upkeep. Follow these suggestions by professionals at Chimney and masonry downriver Michigan to keep your fireplace in good operating order for your comfort and safety.
Cleaning the Chimney
Unlike gas and gel flames, Wood-burning fireplaces produce a significant amount of heat and smoke. As a result, creosote builds up inside the fireplace flue, driving up a chimney fire that requires the assistance of the fire service to put out. Cleaning your chimney removes potentially harmful creosote and other combustible debris. The ashes are removed from the firebox, and the chimney is thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom. Invest in chimney-cleaning equipment, do it yourself, or employ a professional chimney sweep.
Buying Suitable Firewood:
The quality of wood that you burn in your fireplace is only as good as the wood you burn in it. When you burn the improper kind of wood, the inside of your fireplace becomes filthy rapidly, demanding more frequent cleaning. Softwoods are cheaper than hardwoods, but they burn faster and produce fine, more difficult ash to remove. They also create creosote at a faster rate. Softwoods include spruce, cedar, poplar, and balsam. Choose hardwoods such as maple, oak, ash, and birch for a more consistent, hotter burn.
Replacing the Fireplace Screen:
You can keep your home clean and safe by preventing burning embers and ashes from exiting the firebox. It’s probably time for a new fireplace screen if you’re having problems with embers or sparks falling into your living room. Alternatively, you might replace your existing screen with one that has a more modern style. Fireplace screens come in various forms and metals, and they can be positioned next to or even in front of the fireplace. To keep smoke from escaping the firebox, use a glass fireplace screen. While allowing heat to pass through, these heat-resistant glass inserts keep most of the smoke out.
Hiring an Expert:
Exterior chimney repair is a significant job, so hire a chimney repair specialist or a mason if you think the job is too big for you. Minor exterior chimney flaws are exacerbated by the environment and quickly escalate into serious issues. Interior problems caused by a poorly maintained chimney and flashing include wet ceilings, damp attic insulation, and mushy wall drywall.