Attached is an article from "Realty Reality," a web site for people living in the NJ & PA area but has applications here in Mississippi as well. I hope you find the attached of value as we go into the fall and winter season.
With cooler seasons approaching, more of us will want to enjoy our fireplaces. But before you warm to the glow, make sure that you know how to make your fireplace safe. Here are guidelines and resources for fireplace safety, maintance, inspection and cleaning...
Wood Burning Fireplaces
Creosote is a natural by-product of burning wood and sticks to the walls of chimneys/flues. It is tar-like substance made up of almost pure carbon and is combustible, so it is important to not to allow a build-up in your chimney/flue. To inspect and clean it yourself, here are some basic guidelines:
Open the damper of the fireplace and, using a strong spotlight, look up way inside to determine the condition of the interior as well as the level of creosote in the chimney. This is fairly easy if you know what to look for. As far as condition is concerned, look for spaces and cracks in the surface. For creosote, look for a grayish/black buildup. If this is grayer in color and not shiny, it can be easily removed with the proper sized chimney brush. On the other hand, if it is black and shiny, it will be more difficult to remove and may require a special spray-on powder that helps turn the tough black glaze to a more brittle state. It can then be removed with a chimney brush.
Use a toothbrush and Worcestershire sauce to keep brass shiny. You can scrub the brass knobs, or even the door or metal areas around the fireplace.
The flue/chimney should be cleaned with either a metal or plastic brush. Orange clay flue tiles need to be cleaned with a wire brush, while round metal flues should be cleaned with a plastic brush to avoid scraping the metal surface. Before cleaning any chimney, make sure the opening into the house is sealed up to avoid expelling dust, ash, and soot into the living area. If you use a vacuum to suck up the soot, make sure it comes equipped with a HEPA filter to trap the dust. Please test how this works with a small amount before completing the job.(Source: Fireplace Essentials)Gas Fireplace Inspection Check Points:- safety test for carbon monoxide (CO)
- check for leaks in the log set and burner pan
- check gas line pressure
- clean burners and controls
- clean and adjust pilot assembly/spark ignition
- check vent and diverter
- check power vent and fan kit if applicable
- clean glass window with approved cleaner
- clean-up/vacuum around base of unit
Basic Periodic Maintenance for Fireplaces
Annually: Have your wood-burning fireplace chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional to ensure that it’s obstruction free and clear of creosote, (Have your gas fireplace inspected by a trained professional. Be sure the fan, pilots, and burners are checked, and that the ignition and combustion are working properly.)
Monthly: Clean gas logs with a soft-bristle brush. Make sure the logs are cool before you start.
Weekly: During heavy periods of use, clean the wood-burning firebox. Never empty the box completely if you plan to use it again in a few days (an inch of ash in the bottom works as an insulator, helping wood heat faster and retain heat longer). Note: Before removing the ash from the firebox, open the damper, which will draw any flying ash up and not out into the room.
Other: Cap the chimney to deter animals from entering, keep away debris from blocking opening, help prevent water damage and prevent large burning embers from escaping and stating fires in surrounding area. (Source: HomeMag)
Usage Tips:
- Avoid burning a fire longer than five hours and be sure the door is open for proper venting.
- Always keey the screen closed to keep hot embers from jumping onto the carpet.
- Consider placing a non-flammable rug directly in front of the fireplace just in case any sparks do escape. (The rug will prevent sparks from igniting a carpet or wooden floor in case some of these sparks escape from the fire. Also make sure that the rug is kept clear of flamable items.)
- Never leave your fire unattended, especially when small children are present.(Source: FirePlaces)
Additional Online Resources:
The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) has tips on fireplace safety. Click here to view their Fireplace Safety Tips. Fact Sheet on Fireplace Safety (PDF)HGTV - Fireplace Maintenance - chimneysweep explains ways to care for and maintain a fireplace.About.com - Woodburning Fireplace Maintenance
About.com - Gas Burning Fireplaces / Before You Buy A Gas-Log Fireplace (What You Should Know)
Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has safety and maintenance tips as well as directory of chimney sweeps. Here is an example tip:
Ever wonder what wood is the best to burn as firewood? Oak is an American favorite, as well as other hard-woods. You can burn other softer wood also, as long as it is split and dried long enough. It's much more important to burn dry wood than to worry about what kind of wood it is.
Video: Fireplace Maintenance - episode segment from Michael Holigan's "Your New House" TV show, also transcript and additional online information.
Wood Burning Fireplaces
Creosote is a natural by-product of burning wood and sticks to the walls of chimneys/flues. It is tar-like substance made up of almost pure carbon and is combustible, so it is important to not to allow a build-up in your chimney/flue. To inspect and clean it yourself, here are some basic guidelines:
Open the damper of the fireplace and, using a strong spotlight, look up way inside to determine the condition of the interior as well as the level of creosote in the chimney. This is fairly easy if you know what to look for. As far as condition is concerned, look for spaces and cracks in the surface. For creosote, look for a grayish/black buildup. If this is grayer in color and not shiny, it can be easily removed with the proper sized chimney brush. On the other hand, if it is black and shiny, it will be more difficult to remove and may require a special spray-on powder that helps turn the tough black glaze to a more brittle state. It can then be removed with a chimney brush.
Use a toothbrush and Worcestershire sauce to keep brass shiny. You can scrub the brass knobs, or even the door or metal areas around the fireplace.
The flue/chimney should be cleaned with either a metal or plastic brush. Orange clay flue tiles need to be cleaned with a wire brush, while round metal flues should be cleaned with a plastic brush to avoid scraping the metal surface. Before cleaning any chimney, make sure the opening into the house is sealed up to avoid expelling dust, ash, and soot into the living area. If you use a vacuum to suck up the soot, make sure it comes equipped with a HEPA filter to trap the dust. Please test how this works with a small amount before completing the job.(Source: Fireplace Essentials)Gas Fireplace Inspection Check Points:- safety test for carbon monoxide (CO)
- check for leaks in the log set and burner pan
- check gas line pressure
- clean burners and controls
- clean and adjust pilot assembly/spark ignition
- check vent and diverter
- check power vent and fan kit if applicable
- clean glass window with approved cleaner
- clean-up/vacuum around base of unit
Basic Periodic Maintenance for Fireplaces
Annually: Have your wood-burning fireplace chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional to ensure that it’s obstruction free and clear of creosote, (Have your gas fireplace inspected by a trained professional. Be sure the fan, pilots, and burners are checked, and that the ignition and combustion are working properly.)
Monthly: Clean gas logs with a soft-bristle brush. Make sure the logs are cool before you start.
Weekly: During heavy periods of use, clean the wood-burning firebox. Never empty the box completely if you plan to use it again in a few days (an inch of ash in the bottom works as an insulator, helping wood heat faster and retain heat longer). Note: Before removing the ash from the firebox, open the damper, which will draw any flying ash up and not out into the room.
Other: Cap the chimney to deter animals from entering, keep away debris from blocking opening, help prevent water damage and prevent large burning embers from escaping and stating fires in surrounding area. (Source: HomeMag)
Usage Tips:
- Avoid burning a fire longer than five hours and be sure the door is open for proper venting.
- Always keey the screen closed to keep hot embers from jumping onto the carpet.
- Consider placing a non-flammable rug directly in front of the fireplace just in case any sparks do escape. (The rug will prevent sparks from igniting a carpet or wooden floor in case some of these sparks escape from the fire. Also make sure that the rug is kept clear of flamable items.)
- Never leave your fire unattended, especially when small children are present.(Source: FirePlaces)
Additional Online Resources:
The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) has tips on fireplace safety. Click here to view their Fireplace Safety Tips. Fact Sheet on Fireplace Safety (PDF)HGTV - Fireplace Maintenance - chimneysweep explains ways to care for and maintain a fireplace.About.com - Woodburning Fireplace Maintenance
About.com - Gas Burning Fireplaces / Before You Buy A Gas-Log Fireplace (What You Should Know)
Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has safety and maintenance tips as well as directory of chimney sweeps. Here is an example tip:
Ever wonder what wood is the best to burn as firewood? Oak is an American favorite, as well as other hard-woods. You can burn other softer wood also, as long as it is split and dried long enough. It's much more important to burn dry wood than to worry about what kind of wood it is.
Video: Fireplace Maintenance - episode segment from Michael Holigan's "Your New House" TV show, also transcript and additional online information.
