How to prevent a Fireplace Fiasco!

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

Better to look like this, than have a fireplace fiasco!

As the temperatures finally begin to drop, we know that you may be tempted to fire up that fireplace of yours! But before you do, your chimney may be in need of some light maintenance. We've gathered some information to help you do it yourself. If you want your fireplace to operate in Chim-Chim-Cher-ee fashion this winter, don't skip the annual chimney sweep and maintenance! Unclean chimneys are a leading cause of structure fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association, which recommends an annual chimney inspection & cleaning.

Here's what you'll need:

• Flashlight                   • Chimney Brush

• Goggles                     • Face Mask

• Knife                          • Broom & Dustpan

• Gloves                       • Old Sheets/Drop Cloth

Right now is the perfect time to check, because you don't want to start a fire for the first time in winter without performing a preliminary inspection of your fireplace system. How do you know if your chimney needs some TLC? Take a flashlight and look into your chimney. Take a knife and scrape a bit of soot off of the wall. If it is more than 1/8 inches thick, get your gloves on because it's cleaning time!

If this is the first time you've ever cleaned your fireplace, be sure to check for nesting animals and critters who may have made a home there. Be gentle with the eviction process, and be sure you are wearing the protective gear just in case they are fiesty!

**Before this next step - please make sure that you have a partner to monitor your safety! Next, it's time to measure the chimney. It's okay to overestimate but try to be as accurate as possible. This can be accomplished by climbing on the roof and measuring down or measuring up through the fireplace. The size and shape of the flue is important to jot down as well. It can be round or square, 6" or 8".

Once you've determined the size & lengths of the tools needed, it may be a good idea to either cover up your furniture if you don't plan to move it. If you plan to clean from above via the roof, drape off the opening of the fireplace with an old sheet or drop cloth to prevent any soot from billowing out into your space! If this does happen, give SERVPRO of North Knoxville a call!

It’s time to grab a chimney brush, goggles, a broom and dustpan and a face mask. Cleaning from the top down with a weighted brush requires up and down motions as you scrape away debris. Cleaning from the bottom up requires a partner on the roof to help scrub with a pulley system. After cleaning there will be lots of debris on the floor. Be careful sweeping and discarding!

Now it's time to light the celebratory fire, and enjoy a warm beverage with loved ones!