Cooler weather means it’s time to ‘fire up’ our fireplaces and take the chill out of the air. Woodburning fireplaces offer warmth and the great smell of campfire, but it’s important to ensure proper maintenance and keep them running safely. Bringing an open flame into your home does increase the risk of a fire, which can lead to tragedy. Here are some tips to allow you to enjoy your wood burning fireplace in the safest manner possible.
Clean your chimney
Keeping your chimney clean is the first step in maintaining your fireplace. The residue that accumulates with use is flammable and can cause a fire in your chimney. Animals can build nests inside that can also become a dangerous situation. Calling in a professional every year to clean things up will also help to find any small issues before they become a big problem.
Use caution with your burning materials
When choosing your materials to burn it is important to think about the risks with each type of material. Seasoned hardwood will burn the cleanest and the safest. Green wood will smoke more and can leave more of that flammable residue in your chimney. Avoid using cardboard, paper, or trash to start a fire and never use any flammable liquid in your fireplace.
Keep it covered
Use a metal screen or a glass door as a barrier between your fireplace and the hearth or floor. Having a screen is essential to keeping the fire inside your fireplace and anything or anyone outside of the fireplace. If you are using a glass door for your screen, make sure to leave it open while burning so the fire receives enough airflow. A mesh screen should remain closed to prevent any sparks from escaping. Even with a screen it is important to keep anything flammable at least 3 feet from the fireplace.
Outside Matters
Keeping the outside of the chimney clear will prevent anything from sneaking in. Make sure trees are trimmed back so no branches are hanging over the fireplace. Clear your roof of any needles or other debris that can find its way in. A chimney cap is a great way to keep things from finding their way in.
Fire Safety
Before burning anything, you should be doing an annual check of all your smoke detectors to make sure they are all in working order. While checking the smoke detectors take a look at your carbon monoxide detectors. Are they working? Are they in the best place to work effectively? You should also have a fire escape plan for your family that you go over and practice every year.
Most importantly, never leave your fire unattended. Make sure it is completely extinguished before you leave the house or go to bed.
Pat Smith is the owner of Eau Claire Insulation & Exteriors and is the President of the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association. The CVHBA is a free resource available to all homeowners building or remodeling a home. For more information, please call 715-835-2526 or email info@cvhomebuilders.com
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