Fireplace Maintenance
A major part of the lake lifestyle doesn’t have to take place during the summer. One of our favorite family traditions is to go to Pickwick Lake in the winter and light a fire in our wood-burning fireplace. The kids love making s’mores and there is something truly peaceful about the stillness of the lake on a cold night with the roaring fire. Recently, new construction homes in both Memphis and Pickwick Lake have been flaunting all sorts of indoor hearths and outdoor chimneys. You might say its been a really hot trend as of late (sorry!). Here are some tips to ensure you have a great time with your wood-burning fireplace as the temperatures outside are dropping:
Burn Firewood and Only Firewood
Crates, lumber, construction scraps, painted wood, or other treated wood release chemicals into your home, compromising air quality and polluting your home. Log starters are fine for getting your wood fireplace going, but they burn very hot. It may be easy to throw trash in there for a quick burn, but it’s a recipe for a mess later to clean up. Try to use only clean, dry firewood for the best performance.
Close the Damper When Not Using Your Wood Fireplace
In the summertime, a closed damper helps to keep cool, air-conditioned air inside the home where it belongs. In the wintertime, a closed damper helps to keep cold air from swirling down into the house. This will prevent cool/warm indoor air (and all your money) from rushing up the chimney. Open your damper about 30 minutes before you plan to start a fire and close it after the fire has been completely extinguished.
Have a Chimney Cap Installed
A chimney cap will prevent the weather and small objects from falling into your chimney as well as reducing downdrafts. Caps have side vents so smoke escapes and channels properly. A chimney inspector usually provides and can install a stainless steel cap, which is better than a galvanized metal one because it won’t rust. Caps cost $50 to $200, depending on where you live and are a worthwhile investment.
Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Smoke Detectors
If you do not have smoke detectors as well as carbon monoxide detectors working properly in your home or workplace, you are putting yourself and others at risk unknowingly. These two pieces of equipment, among others, are in place to save lives and that is just what they do. Place them near your wood fireplace as well as in all bedroom areas.
Get Your Chimney Cleaned
Chimney cleaning is one of the most common delayed maintenance items I encounter. Chimneys are designed to remove harmful gases from a fireplace while it’s in use, but they only work effectively if they’re free from buildup and debris. I recommend to my clients to have a separate chimney inspection done when purchasing a new home. While some DIY cleaning options are on the market, you’ll want to find a reliable, professional chimney sweep in your area. This is because a professional will be able to spot problems with your chimney that need fixing, such as bad flashing, missing caps, or damaged flues.
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Whether Memphis or Pickwick Lake, primary home or investment, I’m happy to offer my services.
Contact me at 901-468-7030 or Marygrodskyrealtor@gmail.com
Mary Grodsky, Crye-Leike Realtors
E: Marygrodskyrealtor@gmail.com
C: 901-468-7030
O: 901-756-8900
