Tips on how how to clean / maintain a fireplace or a wood stove
Q: How often should I clean my wood-burning fireplace or stove?
A: According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), it is recommended you clean your fireplace at least once a year or after burning one cord of wood.
Q: How can I keep my fireplace or stove safer than usual, and avoid cleaning it as often as I do?
A: A few helpful hints would be as follows: Have the chimney inspected and cleaned regularly; If you use the fireplace frequently, then you should have it cleaned more often; Build smaller, hotter fires that burn more completely and produce less smoke, Use seasoned woods; Never burn cardboard, wrapping paper, trash, junk or Christmas trees - these can spark a chimney fire.
Q: Can I use wood in my gas-burning fireplace?
A: No. A gas fireplace is specifically meant for burning gas, so to burn wood in it would be a bad idea. The gas jets inside are not meant to withstand ash, and the fireplace itself is designed for burning gas gasses, not the gasses released from burning wood. Doing such a thing is a REAL fire hazard and is not recommended.
Q: What does burning an artificial log in my fireplace do to my fireplace?
A: Artificial logs are usually made of sawdust and wax, making them really easy to use. You shouldn’t use more than one at a time, because the heat produced could be too much for your fireplace. Do not prod the log after it has been lit, this could cause the log to split, which would make the sawdust burn faster and the heat would be much more than intended and your fireplace might not be able to take the heat. When using these artificial logs, wax can drip into the low heat area of the fireplace and ignite there, which in turn could cause a house fire.
Q: What is the best kind of wood to burn in a wood-burning fireplace or stove?
A: The best wood to burn is seasoned hard wood. The term seasoned means that the wood has been drying for at least a year. It’s the opposite of green wood, which is fresh cut wood. Green wood will produce a cooler, smokier fire that is not good for your fireplace. Hardwood comes from Oak, Maple, Ash and Beech and creates more heat than Redwood, Spruce and Pine. Do not burn wood that has been painted or finished. This could release toxic harmful substances into the fireplace and into the air of your home, which is no good for your house, or you!
Q: Can I use one of those chimney-cleaning logs to clean my chimney?
A: Chimney cleaning logs are okay to use, but not very useful. They help a little, but not a lot. It would be like brushing your teeth with no toothpaste only water. It would help, but not much at all really.
Q: Doesn’t throwing salt onto a fire help keep the fireplace clean?
A: It’s not recommended you do this because, although yes it will help a little, it will cause things like your chimney cap, and your damper to corrode, which will just lead to more problems in the future.
Q: Why do I need a chimney cap?
A: A chimney cap prevents weather, birds, bugs, small animals and all sorts of things you don’t want in your chimney, from getting into the chimney.
Q: Why does my fireplace smoke?
A: Factors may include: Down drafting, inadequate chimney height, incorrect or missing rain cap, lack of free area around rain cap (i.e. trees too close, roof structure, other vent systems), damper problems, improper installation, etc. It may be one or a combination of any of these factors.
Q: What is the best time of year for chimney cleaning?
A: The best time to clean your chimney is in August or September before the heating season!
Q: Why do I have water running down my chimney, and how do I stop it from happening?
A: The reason for this happening is probably a cracked crown or molding. To fix this, you can call a professional, or if you’re brave enough yourself, climb up onto the roof and use polyurethane to caulk the cracks and gaps.
Q: What are some good ways to prevent fires caused by my fireplace in my home?
A: For starters, install a fire alarm on every floor in your house. Never use flammable liquids to start an indoor fire. Keep your fires small so they burn cleaner and quicker. Never leave the fire unattended and make sure it’s completely put out before you leave the house, go to sleep, or take a shower. When cleaning and disposing of the ash and soot, soak the ashes in water and get rid of them outside, away from your home or anybody else’s to avoid starting a fire.
Q: How can I help prevent my fireplace from causing fires outside my home?
A: Always make sure your roof is clean of debris such as leaves, twigs and pine needles. Covering the chimney in a mesh screen spark arrester is another good idea. Also clear away any branches or leaves hanging above the chimney, and stack your firewood at least 25-30 ft. away from your home.
Q: What is Creosote?
A: Creosote is a black or brown colored substance, created by the combustion that takes place in your fireplace when burning wood. It builds up on the walls of the interior of the chimney and can cause damage and fires. Call a professional regularly to have your chimney cleaned and to prevent any problems or fires.
Q: How can you tell if a chimney fire has started, and what should I do if the occasion ever arises?
A: When a chimney fire is in action, smoke will pour out the chimney and into your house. You may hear a deep noise, like a roaring sound. It will smell like burning and flames and dark smoke will arise out the top of your chimney. To stop the fire from potentially getting bigger, you should start by phoning the number 911 so that the fire fighters can come and put it out. Try to get rid of the air intake into your fireplace by covering it with something that is non-flammable.
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