Who doesn’t love cuddling up by a good fire when the weather outside is almost too chilly to bear? With colder weather slowly approaching, you’ll find yourself making more and more fires in your fireplace! However, whether you have gas logs or a wood-burning fireplace, it’s important to take the necessary steps to avoid possible house fires that start in the chimney.
If your chimney has not been cleaned recently, have a professional chimney sweep clean and inspect it before your first fire. Creosote buildup is the primary problem that causes fires because it is very flammable. It is also dangerous because when it does catch fire, it is not always obvious from indoors.
If you are handy and aren’t too afraid of heights, you can try some do-it-yourself products to make necessary repairs. Start by inspecting all the bad spots on the mortar using a chisel and hammer. If the mortar is bad, chip away any loose cement and fill in the pits with an elastomers crown repair.
Fireplaces offer a way to lower your utility bills while also providing a feeling of relaxation in your home. Be sure to take advantage of yours- after you make sure your chimney is safe to do so!