Be safe and enjoy your fireplace all winter long.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that nearly 27,000 home fires occur each year due to unsafe fireplaces and chimneys. The most common cause of these fires is creosote. It’s a tar-like substance that builds up in your chimney when smoke in your fireplace meets the cooler surface of your chimney and condenses.
Creosote is flammable, burns at very high temperatures and can spread quickly throughout your home. Follow these home safety tips to help prevent this type of fire.
- Fireplace Safety Basics
Fireplace safety begins with an annual inspection and cleaning of your chimney. A professional chimney sweep will inspect your fireplace and chimney for damage. Then, the expert will remove debris and creosote buildup. Once your fireplace and chimney are deemed safe to use, follow these tips to ensure the safety of your home and family.
- Only burn seasoned wood in your fireplace, which generates less smoke than unseasoned wood.
- Always use a screen when using your fireplace.
- Don’t place flammable objects on your hearth.
Parker Young Construction specializes in repairing damage to your home due to fire and flood, as well as asbestos and mold removal. We serve the Macon and Atlanta areas with a high level of customer satisfaction.
image via Traditional Home