Fireplaces are highly volatile and dangerous when damaged, or improperly cared for. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when caring for your fireplace, as well as where to start when seeking professional assistance.

 

Identifying minor fireplace damage early

 

What does fireplace damage look like? Usually, the majority of damage your fireplace is exposed to is within the chimney or on the exterior. You’ll see white spots and condensation build up on the exterior of the chimney commonly in harsher climates. On the inside, it’s far too difficult to clean the whole chimney on your own. Scheduling routine maintenance and chimney sweeping will put you at lower risk of an accident. In addition, here are a few other common damages.

 

Panel cracks – Cracks will break out in the majority of fireplace materials over time. Amending these and staying on top of them will be the best route to avoid it becoming a hazard. However, when left unattended, these again will put you at risk for fire spreading or smoke damage.

 

Inconsistent gas output – Whether you have a natural or propane gas system for your fireplace, you may be at risk of the gas output being inconsistent. This will apply too much gas that will grow the fire to be out of control, while too minimal gas may result in you overcorrecting and having the same problem. The best way to avoid this is just be aware of it when it happens and alert professionals to the problem.

 

Overall, there’s a lot you can do on your end in terms of maintenance. Simply cleaning the area where you place the firewood is a great start. This will lower the risk on your end and give you a better chance of avoiding hazards in the future.

 

If you have any questions about fireplace upkeep or what you can do on your end, give us a call today. We’ll assess the unit and give you the best course of action to move forward with.