Nothing says home for the holidays like a cheerful fireplace! While we no longer rely on fireplaces as a primary source of heat, they provide beautiful ambiance, and evoke a sense of tradition and comfort. When properly installed and well-maintained, a fireplace offers years of enjoyment.
If not properly maintained, a fireplace can be a serious hazard! Before you start your fireplace this season, please take the time to inspect it and address any maintenance issues. To help you, here’s tips from HouseLogic and other sources:
1. The leading cause of fires from wood-burning appliances and fireplaces is creosote. This is unburned fuel that has accumulated in the chimney. For this reason, always have your chimney cleaned, preferably by a qualified licensed, bonded and insured chimney sweep who is CSIA certified before starting to use a wood-burning fireplace, stove, or insert.
2. Your chimney should also be inspected for a proper chimney cap. The metal cap keeps animals, rain, and snow out of the chimney, while acting as a spark arrester that prevents hot embers from landing on your roof. Consider a stainless steel cap as it doesn’t rust, lasts much longer than metal, and enhances the beauty of your chimney! Inspect the following:
- Make sure the bricks and mortar of the chimney aren’t crumbling or missing.
- The chimney should rise at least 2 feet above where it exits the roof.
- The chimney crown should be beveled, which helps air flow.
- The flue liner should be visible above the chimney crown.
- The chimney should be straight, not leaning to one side or the other.
- The roof flashing should be tight against the chimney.
3. Inspect the fireplace surround, including hearth and firebox to make sure there are no cracked bricks or missing mortar. Replace any broken or deteriorated brick lining in a wood-burning unit. If the brick lining is deteriorated to the point that the steel body is exposed, this is a serious issue. Do not use your fireplace until such condition is repaired.
4. Have gas-burning fireplaces serviced annually, using a qualified technician. The airways of both the pilot and the main burners should be regularly cleaned to ensure that they are operating correctly. A general inspection of the entire system is recommended.
5. Have any gasket material in the fireplace unit inspected and replaced as required, such as the gasket sealing the door, the door glass, and the ash dump.
6. Clean the blower if the unit is equipped with one. Blowers do not have filtering systems to prevent buildup of dust and hair. As dust accumulates on the blower blades, the balance of the blower will change, causing premature wearing of the bearings. Dust also insulates the motor, preventing it from being cooled, and can eventually cause the motor to seize up.
7. Fireplace glass must be cleaned annually to keep it looking clear.
Performing fireplace maintenance each year helps you avoid hazards, and extends the operational life of your fireplace. It is well worth the investment in time and money!
Are you thinking of a new home for the holidays? Let us help you! As your Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest at all times.
Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner!
Contact us with your home buying questions! Remember, we are with you every step of the way…all the way home!
Andrew Show
Broker, CEBA, CEBA-M, CNE, CSP, ABR-M, e-PRO, GREEN
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax
