June 5, 2018 6:11 pm
Published by Writer
Even though you might not think much about your fireplace during the summer months, it’s important that you take the appropriate steps to care for it after the prime heating season is over. Without the proper care and maintenance, your indoor fireplace in Seattle, WA may not be ready to be used when winter comes around again. If you are consistent with your spring and summer cleaning and maintenance, though, it will be much easier to get your chimney and fireplace in shape to be used again when the weather cools down. Make sure you add these fireplace tips to your spring home maintenance list. Wood burning fireplaces If wood burning fireplaces aren’t cared for appropriately, the risk of a fire starting increases significantly because of the buildup of ash, creosote and other debris. To avoid this, make sure to clean your fireplace after summer. Before you begin cleaning your fireplace, it’s important to ensure that there are no hot embers inside and that surrounding furnishings and surfaces are protected. Lay down a drop cloth to cover the flooring in front of your fireplace, and move items and furniture out of the way before you start cleaning. You can use... View Article
December 6, 2017 3:01 am
Published by Writer
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful—as long as you practice the proper fire safety techniques. There’s no better way to warm up after a long day in the cold temperatures than by cozying up next to the fireplace. Getting the most out of your fireplace requires a routine of cleaning and safety practices. Unfortunately, failing to operate your fireplace safely can result in a traumatic house fire. Following these five simple recommendations and calling for any necessary fireplace services in Seattle, WA will help keep your fireplace burning both warmly and safely all winter long: Only burn dry wood: Logs should be split, stacked and dried for at least eight months before they are ever piled up in the fireplace. Recently cut wood—commonly known as “green” wood—has no cracks, and the bark is firmly attached. When placed in the fire, the green wood will sizzle and bubble as the moisture locked inside the wood creates smoke and creosote. Inhaling the creosote can be unhealthy and cause trouble for those with asthma or other breathing problems. An accumulation of creosote in the chimney could even result in a chimney fire. Never leave a fire unattended:... View Article
November 22, 2017 3:01 am
Published by Writer
There’s no image more picturesque than sitting with friends and family around a crackling fire. Maybe you’re sipping a hot chocolate or unwrapping presents on Christmas morning. The fireplace is an integral part of the winter and holiday season. In addition to providing a welcoming ambience, fireplaces are also an economical alternative for heating your home. Unfortunately, this wonderful feature can also be incredibly dangerous if used incorrectly. Approximately 42 percent of heating-related house fires are caused by a fireplace or chimney. Following proper safety procedures when starting, tending and extinguishing the fire is critical for keeping a warm winter memory from turning into a terrible disaster. Luckily, you can easily keep your family safe by following these simple tips when using your fireplace this winter, and remembering to call fireplace services in Seattle, WA for seasonal maintenance. Preparing the fireplace Your indoor fireplace likely didn’t get a lot of use during the summer months. That’s why it’s so important that you take the time to ensure it is ready for the busy season. First, have the chimney swept in the late fall to remove any lingering soot or debris. During this service, the chimney sweep will note any concerns,... View Article
February 2, 2017 12:58 am
Published by Writer
Few people object to sitting around a warm, crackling fireplace on a cold winter day. There’s just something classic and timeless about a log in the hearth, radiating heat and a warming orange glow. For homeowners with classic wood fireplaces, it’s something that becomes a welcome part of your days throughout the colder months of the year. But the flipside of this great home amenity is the upkeep that can come with a wood fireplace. For many, having to clean out ash and soot or have the chimney swept can be a headache that’s best avoided altogether. It’s these homeowners who might instead benefit from a gas fireplace installation. If you’ve got a dusty wood fireplace that’s not getting its due, take a look at a few reasons it might be in your best interest to upgrade to gas—or, if you’re looking for a brand new fireplace installation, why gas might be a good first choice: Low upkeep: As touched on above, a gas fireplace simply has less upkeep and maintenance associated with it. Moreover, the cost of fireplace services in Seattle, WA is substantially lower. When you take soot and ash and creosote out of the equation, you’re left... View Article
