It’s probably been a few months since you started a fire in your fireplace. When you feel that first chill in the air, you know that cozy evenings spent in front of a fire are not far behind. Whether your fireplace is wood-burning, gas or electric, you will want to familiarize yourself with some of these important safety tips.
Clear the clutter — Over the months when a fireplace is not being used, clutter somehow seems to find its way around the fireplace area. Move any rugs, knickknacks, books, furniture or other decor that is too close to the fireplace itself. Check to make sure the area is clear of anything that could potentially fall into the flames. Make sure you have a fire screen to prevent any stray embers or sparks from flying into the room.
Another thing to do is to clean out any ash from previous fires. Too much ash results in restricted air flow to the fire, causing more smoke. Check your firebox about once a week to make sure ash buildup is limited.
Call in a pro — To properly maintain your fireplace, regular inspection is highly recommended. You can expect to pay between $200 and $300 for the services of a chimney sweep. It is well worth it to protect your home from a chimney fire caused by excessive soot buildup or a chimney defect. The sweep will also make sure the damper or flue is working properly.
It is also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher nearby just in case. One more thing to do is to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning correctly.
Choose the right kind of firewood — Carefully select dense, seasoned wood like oak that is ready to burn rather than recently cut soft wood like pine. These “green” woods tend to create more creosote, which can build up and cause problems later on. Make sure the wood has been left in a dry place to season for at least six months before burning it.
Store the wood outdoors in a protected area to eliminate the risk of having pests invade your home. If you are unsure whether the wood is dry enough to use, you can purchase a moisture meter. Any wood that has a moisture reading of more than 20% should not be used.
While traditional fireplaces will never go out of style, here are some fireplace trends to inspire your next design:
Frameless fireplaces — Indoor linear fireplaces are among the hottest trending designs. These fireplaces do not have the traditional mantel, but instead are surrounded by marble, stone or tile and set in a wall. Some designs can be integrated into home entertainment systems.
Gas fireplaces — Without the need for a large hearth or vertical flue, gas fireplaces can take center stage in the middle of a room with open views. Some of the most interesting gas fireplaces provide tall flames, which create drama in any room.
Four-sided glass fireplaces — With this style, you can enjoy the view from any angle. The see-through design is popular among those who seek a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.
After all the prep work has been completed, it’s now time to relax and settle down in front of your fireplace and enjoy the warmth of its flames. Contact us to help you spark some interesting ideas for your fireplace design and safety.
Claudine Steinfurth
REALTOR®
(216) 409-4039
csteinfurt@aol.com
RE/MAX Above & Beyond
7570 Chippewa Road
Brecksville, OH 44141
