If your fireplace is installed correctly, they should perform very well, safely and reliably. Fireplaces, of constant wear and tear, also have their own
time of malfunctioning. That is why fireplaces needed to checked regularly by contractors within a yearly period. For fireplace safety and security, here
is a list of to-do’s when installing, maintaining and using fireplaces.
For self installations, see of the fireplace complies with all building codes in the local government. This includes important requirements like earthquake
compliancy and hurricane compliancy. Try to see if the fireplace flue measures enough, typically at least 10% of the total area the fireplace occupies.
The flue must also be 1/8th the size of the fireplace opening for your chimney. Make sure that if your roof is plain, the chimney should be at a minimum
length of 3 feet. For added fireplace safety, make sure that the flue is tight and well-installed. Have a regular check up of the flue. It must also have a
smooth interior.
To have a child safety fireplace, the hearth must extend at the front of the fireplace with a distance of 16 inches into the room and 8 inches on each side
of the opening of the fireplace. Make use of material that is thick enough to withstand any sparks coming out of the burning wood or flame.Experts recommend
materials such as brick, stone, tile, concrete and other non-flammable and heat-resistant materials.
A brick or masonry chimney should be laid out on a firm foundation that is to be constructed below the frost line. Fireboxes built right on top of the floor
may cause it to crack. Chimneys should also be supported well as walls due to weight may crack and cause accidents at home. For woodburning fireplace safety
,construct concrete step board around the edges of the fireplaces to prevent flying sparks from burning wood to land on carpets and wooden floorings.
Place metal flashings to keep flues in proper place. You might also consider metal spark arresters commonly found in fireplace shops so as not to catch up
fire on trees and dried leaves on top of the roof.
If you are buying pre-made metal fireplaces, look for compliance certificates of store owners and seal of authenticity that are approved by the
Underwriters Laboratories or UL. These prefabricated fireplaces should be installed 3 feet away from the walls and use wall insulators if fireplaces
should come near walls under 3 feet. Installers usually place insulated material underneath, either sides and behind the fireplace. UL states that the
pipes of pre-made fireplaces should use no. 24 gauge steel sufficient enough to withstand the chimney. Chimney caps will guard its opening against animal
nesting and falling debris.
For maintaining fireplaces, regularly rake ashes to keep it in good condition. Make sure you wear dust masks. Repair cracks in the flue lining, bricks and
walls. Have your fireplaces checked by professional experts offering yearly contract.
To have fireplace safety operations, keep in house necessary fire extinguisher tools. Retrofit sprinklers, smoke detectors and other fire warning systems.
Refrain from placing rugs and other combustible objects near the opening of the firebox. Use only enough fuel or wood and avoid blazing fires.Gas fireplace
safety includes regular maintenance on pipes to see if there are leaks.
Never use kerosene, gas or other liquids that promotes combustion as fire igniters for wood burning. User real wooden logs and not saw dusts or old
newspapers to fuel wood fireplaces. Always keep damper open to help the fuel to burn well and prevent the accumulating effect of suffocating gas in the
room. Do not place papers on top of the mantle and even electrical appliances such television or electric lamp shade.
And remember to keep children away from the fireplaces. Fire is a good attention-getter to children so warn and remind them constantly of the dangers of
playing with fire. Above all preventive measures that are applied from installing to maintenance, the dwellers are held to be responsible in bringing
fireplace safety.
