6 Fireplace Safety & Maintenance Tips
Characteristic of many Toronto homes; are fireplaces, which represent a feature or focal point of the home. Trending today; is the installation of outdoor fireplaces, and wood-fired pizza ovens; that add to the enjoyment and ambience of the indoor or outdoor space, as the case may be. Safety is paramount when operating wood or fuel supplied, fireplaces, and outdoor cooking environments. The following tips will ensure safety and dependability; adding to enjoyment for years to come:
Fireplace Inspection: Schedule a routine fireplace inspection and professional cleaning annually or as creosote collects along the fireplace walls. Regular cleaning keeps debris out of the fireplace and eliminates any chances of smoke blockage or fires. It is always practical to regularly monitor your fireplace for any type of buildup that might occur. It is advised to select a chimney inspector that is WETT certified.
Keep It Capped: If your chimney does not have a cap to block animals, then there are chances that birds and other animals could burrow in the chimney as well. The cap should be maintained on a routine basis and kept in good working condition.
Chimney Check: In addition to your fireplace inspection, it’s also vital to undergo a thorough chimney inspection for creosote buildup, or other types of blockage. Creosote is a black soot-like substance that accumulates if the wood isn’t burning just right. Since it’s flammable, there is always a danger of fire in the chimney.
Wood Types: For the best fireplace experience, burn hardwoods. Some examples of these would be maple trees, oak, ash, and birch trees. There are numerous benefits to hardwoods. For instance, they burn at high temperatures and for long periods of time. They have less pitch and sap inside, so they don’t make a mess. They are more expensive than softwoods but the result is far greater.
Smokey Room: If your fireplace smokes up your room, then it’s possibly a sign of trouble. Possible factors involved in a smokey fireplace are creosote or soot accumulation. There may also be blockage and debris inside the chimney. Other possible reasons: a damper that will not open, or the wood is damp and will not burn completely. Also, if the wood is damp; it will not burn completely, and will contribute to creosote buildup.
Containment: The installation of a steel liner in the chimney adds considerable safety to contain the flame spread. Having fire-rated glass doors in front of the hearth contributes to efficient burning, and protects against sparks and crackles emitting from the firebox.
Call on the Pros
Here at AVENUE ROAD MASONRY, we care about ensuring that you get the finest work possible when it comes to every aspect of the work we do for you. We take great pride in the work we do, including the service we provide for Toronto Chimney Repair. Give us a call today at 416-785-5129 or contact us to request a no-obligation consultation.