Prior to the onset of winter, it is important to inspect each and every heat producing device that you may have in your home. While things fireplace, furnace, stoves etc are given a good look, people tend to ignore the most vital part-the chimney. Timely chimney inspections, will not only reduce energy expenses but will ensure that your family remains safe and secure. Even though a chimney is not visible, it does not mean that it does not require looking after. Irrespective of which fuel you use, wood, coal or gas, it can be dangerous to have a fireplace lit up, till certain things have not been looked into.
Prepare Chimney for Winter
Cleaning and inspection
A professional chimney sweep is advised for every annual inspection.Your chimney may look good but remember that every time you light up the fireplace there is bound to be a buildup of creosote. If,over a period of time it is allowed to collect inside the lining of the flues, it can become a hazard as creosote is highly inflammable. Regular cleaning and inspection is necessary. Even a minor crack in the flue can result in a raging inferno.
Installing of alarms and gas detectors.
Having a good smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector is a good idea for every home with a fireplace and chimney. Carbon monoxide can kill people silently more effectively than any other poison, hence it is vital to have for the protection of your family.
Structure check
Though the main chimney structure is not visible from outside, does not mean that it needs no care. Check for damaged mortar, loose bricks or signs of moisture having penetrated the chimney system. The sooner you do your chimney repair the least harm it will inflict on the chimney. Inspect the flue liner for cracks or any other signs of deterioration. See that the chimney is at least two feet above the roof level. It should be erect and not leaning to any one side.
If residing in an earthquake prone area, see that the chimney is properly braced up for such an event, as falling chimneys can cause deaths.
Install a cap
Have a chimney cap installed as soon as possible in case you do not have one. Chimney caps, especially with a wire mesh, help keep unwanted elements out and avoid build up of fires. Any embers, which may rise from the chimney, are protected by the mesh spark guard. Check the flashing to ensure any water leaks.
Use proper firewood
Keep the firewood you need dried and ready to burn at all times. The firewood you use, decides the type of fire you want. If you do not want a fire that lingers on, use soft firewood as they do not leave smouldering ash behind. Use dry kindles to light up instead of flammable liquids. Contact a provider of seasoned wood for your requirement of fuel for the entire winter.
Fireplace guard
Inspect the screen guard of the fireplace to see that no embers escape from it and compromise on the safety of the children playing in front of it.
There may be other things which need looking into to keep your fireplace on track, but make sure that an expert does the job.They not only give an insight on the warning signs to look for, but will take cate of the maintenance and
