Devyn LeBlanc
Riverbend News
There's nothing like cozying up near the fireplace with a good book and a cup of coffee during the winter months. The crackling of the wood and the radiating heat on our hands and feet can feel downright magical sometimes. However, owning a fireplace isn't as glamorous as it seems, as it comes with its own set of rules and responsibilities.
It's always good to remember that your fireplace isn't a furnace and should not be used in place of a furnace. Fireplaces aren't built for long-time uses, so be sure to use it for short-duration fires, no longer than five hours. If you have glass doors on your fireplace, keep them open in order to let the air be drawn up to cool the chimney. However, keep the screen closed, as this will prevent little sparks from jumping onto your carpet or hardwood. Nonflammable rugs can be placed in front of the fireplace so the sparks won't damage your flooring.
Chimney caps are also useful, as they prevent water damage to the chimney, keep animals from nesting inside and prevent debris from blocking the chimney. It's also a good idea to invest in a spark arrester to help prevent sparks from flying out, which could start a fire on your roof or on the lawn. Fireboxes also need weekly cleaning when they are used in the cold months. Be sure to leave at least an inch of ash to act as insulation and allow the coals to heat up faster and retain heat more easily during your next use. Always remember to keep the firebox completely clean during the warmer months. Make sure to have a certified chimney sweep thoroughly inspect and clean your chimney. It should be checked at least once a year or after 80 uses.
Avoid using soft, moist woods including Christmas trees in a fireplace because it can cause excessive smoke, odor issues and additional creosote buildup in the chimney and flue. It can also clog the chimney and ignite a fire. It’s best to burn dry, seasoned hardwoods that have been cured for at least six months to a year. When storing firewood for your fireplace, keep it in a dry place away from rain and snow. Debris and obstructions that block your chimney such as dead leaves, sticks and bird's nests should be removed before lighting your fireplace. Also be sure to trim away any tree branches that are close to the chimney to help minimize fire hazards; low hanging branches and vents can impede the escape of dangerous gases including carbon monoxide. Carefully inspect the chimney structure for cracks, loose bricks, excessive wear or missing mortar that can allow water to penetrate the chimney and soften the masonry. It is important to do this manually so minor leaks can be repaired before they escalate into more dangerous and expensive maintenance issues.
Improper disposal of ashes has been known to cause fires hours after the fire has been extinguished. Ashes must be thoroughly cooled and placed in a lidded container, be kept away from anything flammable such as linens or wood. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends keeping them at least 10 feet from your home or any other building. Always be sure to install carbon monoxide detectors through your home, as well as smoke detectors, and be sure that a fire extinguisher is always within reach.