9 Ways To Be Safe Before That First Fall Fire

Now that the season has officially changed and Autumn is upon us, we all want to open up the flue and get a fire crackling. Before you do that, check off the nine things we have on this to-do list so you can have a safe and toasty fire-lighting season. 

1. Have it Inspected

Having a professional come over to check your fireplace and chimney regularly is a great place to start. We recommend having this service once a year, and you can plan it just before the beginning of fireplace season and make it an annual event. When the professionals inspect it they’ll check the flue lining for cracks and any cracks in the bricks and mortar. 

2. Have it Cleaned

Cleaning the fireplace is one thing but getting the chimney cleaned out is another. This requires professional help and we highly recommend having this done annually, A great time is at the end of the fireplace season, like the beginning of summer, so it’s ready when the weather becomes chilly in the Fall.

3. Repair Cracked Bricks and Mortar

Cracked bricks and mortar can be dangerous, depending on how big they are. When they’re small, cracks don’t seem like much, but small cracks become bigger over time, and cost a lot more to repair. 

4. Make Sure There’s a Cap

The cap on a flue keeps moisture out, which can cause serious problems. When there’s no cap, moisture accumulates, and then it gets into the insulation, the surrounding beams, and even the ceiling. If your chimney doesn’t have a cap you should get it replaced. 

5. Burn Dry Wood

Dry wood is always the best for fire. If you try to burn wet wood it won’t generate much heat but will fill your home with smoke. Dry wood will be dark and cracked at the end and won’t weigh as much as wet wood. 

6. Use a Metal Grate in Masonry Fireplaces

Metal grates give your wood space to burn and, most importantly, they give the fire breathing room. The draft below the fire is essential to keeping it going.

7. Don’t Overload Masonry Fireplaces

When you put too much wood in the fireplace, you risk damaging the flue and possibly the masonry surrounding it, which could be dangerous. All fireplaces are different sizes but the general idea is only to use enough wood for a containable fire. 

8. Use a Spark Screen or Glass Doors

Closing the spark screen or glass door is a must. One little spark could fly in the wrong place causing a fire to break out. That mesh screen is an impenetrable force against the potential havoc those flying embers could cause. 

9. This Goes For Gas-Fireplaces Too

Inspections are not for wood-burning fireplaces alone. Gas fireplaces deserve the same type of care and concern, especially if the heat is exiting a masonry chimney. 

When Was the Last Time Your Chimney Was Inspected?

If the answer to that question was, “too long” and you live in Portland, Beaverton, Oregon City, Lincoln City, Vancouver or surrounding areas, contact us today. Here at Lifetime Chimney, we’ve been inspecting and cleaning masonry chimneys for over 20 years. Our experts are here to answer any of your questions.  Our goal is to help everyone have a safe fireplace season.