Cool Weather Means Fireplace Safety

When temperatures drop, many Dallas/Fort Worth homeowners look forward to the warmth and ambiance of their fireplaces. This means it’s essential to make sure your fireplace is safe and properly maintained.

One recent home inspection revealed cracks between the bricks in the wood-burning fireplace.  Had the homeowner not been aware of this issue – which was found during the home inspection before they bought the house – starting a fire in their fireplace could have resulted in a fire in their home.

The Importance of Regular Inspections

Fireplaces can develop issues over time, such as cracks in the bricks or creosote buildup in the chimney. Left unaddressed, these problems can create serious hazards, including fire risks and carbon monoxide exposure. Regular inspections are crucial to ensure your fireplace is in good condition.

At Semper Fi Home Inspections, we include a basic fireplace assessment as part of our home inspections. However, an annual inspection and cleaning by a licensed chimney professional is highly recommended to catch potential issues and remove any dangerous buildup.

We provide basic inspection of fireplaces during our home inspections.  We also recommend that homeowners use the service of a licensed chimney sweep to inspect and clean their fireplace annually. This can prevent problems with the build-up of creosote – which is the leading cause of fires from wood-burning fireplaces.

Safety Equipment: Detectors and Extinguishers

Having properly working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is a must when using a fireplace.

A well-maintained fire extinguisher should also be readily available in case of emergencies. It’s worth checking for any recalls to ensure your extinguisher is reliable and up to date.

We also recommend you test these devices and replace your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries twice a year – and most experts suggest doing so when we change into and out of Daylight Savings Time to make it easy to remember.

Also, for your safety, if you have a fire extinguisher (which we recommend), check for product recalls.  Even some of the most well-known names in fire extinquishers can be subject to a recall.  You can check the consumer product safety commission website.

Essential Fireplace Safety Tips

To keep your fireplace safe and efficient:

  • Keep furniture, curtains, and other flammable items at least three feet away from the fireplace.
  • Use a protective screen made of metal or tempered glass to prevent sparks or embers from escaping.
  • Only burn dry, seasoned wood to minimize smoke and creosote buildup. Avoid using materials like paper, green wood, or treated wood.
  • Never leave a fire unattended. Make sure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving the house or going to bed.
  • Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors near the fireplace area, and test them regularly.
  • Schedule professional inspections and cleanings every year to address buildup and ensure everything is in proper working condition.
  • Avoid using accelerants like gasoline or lighter fluid to start a fire. Stick to safe methods like kindling or fire starters.
  • Teach children about fire safety and keep a close watch on them when the fireplace is in use.

For a professional home or commercial inspection in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex that will provide you peace of mind, schedule your inspection now

Call

682-351-2267

or book online

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