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Fireplaces are the focal points of social gathering areas, whether indoors or outdoors. Fireplace types include wood burning, gas burning, vented, or vent-less. Indoor fireplaces require a full chimney if used to burn wood, whereas gas fireplaces only require a short stack for venting. Indoor fireplaces can take on many different looks and compliment almost any decorating scheme. For contemporary modern spaces, a shiny granite hearth and granite mantel will look fantastic, in rustic or traditional rooms a floor to ceiling stone face and raised stone hearth will greatly add to the ambience. Ceramic tile hearths and painted wood mantels can provide a more neutral look for other types of decor. Wood burning fireplaces require a fair amount of upkeep. Logs and kindling must be bought or stored, and building the fire, removing ash, and sweeping the chimney can be labor intensive. Gas burning fireplaces are easy to start, being controlled by a button or switch, and provide warmth to a room just as a traditional wood burning fireplace. Discuss your needs and wants with a professional contractor who can assist you with choosing the best fireplace for your and your family's lifestyle.

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How to Maintain your Fireplace

By Jennifer Weldon

Fireplaces have evolved from much more than a heat source in a home. Today, fireplaces are a focal point of socializing, gathering, and family get-togethers. Fireplaces are commonly found in family rooms, keeping rooms off the kitchen, and even outdoors. Whether your fireplace is wood-burning or a gas log one, regular maintenance will keep your home and family safe and your air quality healthy.

Regular Cleaning
During seasons when you are using your fireplace frequently, regular cleaning is a must. Gas log fireplaces will not require much day to day cleaning as they are ash and soot free. Usually you will just need to clean the glass doors as needed with a water and vinegar mixture. A wood burning fireplace however will require frequent cleaning during season. Ash will accumulate in the firebox and will need to be cleaned at least once a week to prevent ash build up and potential fire hazards. When removing the ash from the firebox, you should leave some ash build up on the bottom as this will make it easier to start your next fire. When you will no longer be using your wood burning fireplace for several months, be sure to remove all the ash from the firebox. You should always wait at least 24 hours after a fire before attempting to remove any ash or embers so they can cool down. Take safety precautions with their disposal as any latent heat can start a new fire.

Annual Cleaning
A wood burning fireplace will require an annual cleaning of the chimney and flue. A certified chimney sweep should be enlisted to perform this service. Their knowledge and experience will ensure that your fireplace chimney will be thoroughly cleaned to prevent any fires from spontaneously starting. Also, they know the proper safety measures to take while on top of your roof cleaning out the chimney to prevent injury to themselves or others. Hiring a professional chimney sweep once a year to perform this cleaning will save you money down the road.

Checks
You should regularly perform checks on your fireplace to ensure everything is running smoothly. On a gas fireplace you should check the insert and gas valves for any cracks. If you do detect anything amiss contact a professional contractor immediately. If you smell a gas leak at any time you should immediately contact your local gas company. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and can cause explosions, fires, and health problems if breathed in. If you have a wood fireplace check the chimney and flue periodically for ash and soot build up in between professional chimney sweeps.

Certified Inspections
For both gas and wood-burning fireplaces you should hire a professional fireplace contractor to perform an annual inspection. These certified contractors will check all aspects of your fireplace to make sure everything is working properly. On a gas fireplace, the contractor will check the pilot, inspect for gas leaks, check the flue, gas lines and gas valves. They will replace any parts or embers as needed, and can even repaint the interior if discoloration has appeared due to the heat. On a wood burning fireplace, a certified contractor will perform the annual chimney sweep, remove all ash and soot, and check for any cracks in the masonry.

Performing maintenance on your fireplace should be part of your regular home maintenance. Do not hesitate to contact a professional fireplace contractor for help or if you have any questions.