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If you are one of those lucky people with a fireplace, you already know that a fire brings a warm glow to you home that fights off the most miserable weather outside. However, that same, beautiful fire can be a hazard to you and your family if you do not take a few precautions.
Inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney every year, preferably by a professional. Points of the inspection should include:
- Looking for cracks, loose or missing mortar, damaged or missing bricks. These should be repaired or replaced before use.
- Checking the cap for wear and tear. If the cap is not able to continue keeping the weather and other outdoor elements such as animals and leaves out of the chimney it needs to be replaced.
Only use the appropriate burning logs in the fireplace.
- Never use any additional accelerants.
- Never place other materials in the fireplace, such as wrappers, cans, etc.
- Do not overload the fireplace.
Use glass fire doors and a spark protector, or screen, to keep errant sparks from leaving and other items from entering the fire.
To learn more home safety tips, contact us at Parker Young Construction.