Fireplace Maintenance
Regular inspection of the chimney is not only recommended, but even required by
the Customer Products Safety Commission. You need to let a chimney sweep have a
look at your fireplace at least once a year, from the hearth to the chimney, so
that any possible problems can be identified and solved before they can lead to
disasters.
However, even if your fireplace has been checked by an expert, you still have to
pay attention to the performance of your fireplace because there are always
risks. The chimney cap might become damaged, for instance. In that case, you
will have to replace it as soon as possible. Checking for mortar pieces or
broken bricks and tiles inside the chimney is also necessary.
When wood doesn't burn completely -- typically because its not dry enough or the
flow of air is less than recommended -- it can lead to a buildup of creosote
inside the chimney. This substance can easily catch fire; if you notice a dark
crust on the inner walls of the chimney, it is probably creosote. It goes
without saying that you should stop using the fireplace until the chimney is
clean again.
Even soot can become a problem if it is not removed from the chimney when its
depth approaches the hazard limit of 1/8 inches. In the case of gas fireplaces,
there are other precautions to take as well. Problems with the pilot light or
the thermostat should be addressed immediately. Let a professional do the job
for maximum safety. |
