Seven Tasks You Shouldn't Overlook If You Want To Keep Your Fireplace In Great Shape

A fireplace is a charming home feature that is scenic and comforting. However, fireplaces need to be properly maintained to stay in good shape and continue to function effectively. Fireplace maintenance is also important for ensuring safety.

The following are seven tasks you shouldn't overlook if you want to keep your fireplace in great shape. 

Cleaning out ashes regularly

After each fire, it's important to clean all ash and other debris out of the fireplace. Ashes and other residue build up over time and become more difficult to remove if cleanings aren't done after each fire. Also, ash in a fireplace can cause corrosion to develop on the fireplace grate. 

Having your chimney cleaned

Chimney cleanings are important because creosote can build up in the fireplace flue and chimney over time. If creosote buildup becomes severe, it can create a fire hazard.

It will be more difficult to clean creosote and other buildup in a chimney if cleanings aren't scheduled often enough. In general, a chimney should be cleaned out around once every year. 

Scheduling periodic fireplace inspections

In addition to cleanings, inspections should also be scheduled regularly. During inspections, a fireplace service company can check to see if any maintenance or repairs are needed. 

Closing the damper after every fire

One of the most important things that needs to be done to keep a fireplace in good shape is keeping the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use.

If the damper is left open, pest infestations can develop in the chimney, fireplace, and home interiors. An open damper also detracts from a home's HVAC efficiency. 

Keeping any combustible materials a good distance away

It's important to focus on keeping combustible materials, including furniture, carpeting, curtains, and paper products, a good distance away from the fireplace. This is important for both maintaining the fireplace condition and ensuring safety. 

Stocking your fireplace with hardwoods rather than softwoods

It's always important to burn hardwoods like oak and ash rather than softwoods. Hardwoods give off more heat as they burn. Also, they don't produce as much creosote as softwoods. This helps to minimize creosote buildup in the fireplace and chimney. 

Oiling parts such as dampers and hinges

During the winter months, the metal elements of a fireplace, such as dampers and hinges, can become dried out. This can leave them more likely to develop corrosion issues. Oiling dampers and hinges periodically is a good way to decrease the chances that corrosion will develop. 

For more information about fireplace maintenance, contact a local professional, or visit a website like http://www.villagefireplaceandbbq.com.

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