Prepping your fireplace in time for winter can seem like an arduous task, but it’s actually quite simple. A thorough cleaning and inspection now will save you the headache of having to clean up the mess left behind by caked-on ash or soot in the springtime when you use your fireplace again. Plus, when you do light your fire next winter, it will burn more efficiently and leave less smoke residue behind on your walls and ceiling than if you hadn’t prepped your fireplace ahead of time.
Keep Your Wood Dry
In order to prepare your fireplace before winter, you need to keep your wood dry. You should cut any pieces of wood that are more than 12 inches in length into smaller lengths so they can dry out quickly. Also, it’s important to store logs upright. Finally, cover them with a few inches of sawdust or other organic material if possible to create the right moisture content. In winter night you can enjoy best online casino.
Maintain the Chimney
Keeping your chimney maintained ensures it’ll be clean, safe to use, and able to be inspected. The first step is to have your chimney cleaned professionally by someone who has the proper equipment. This removes any loose ash or debris that could catch fire or fly up the flue when you start a fire in the fireplace. You’ll also want your chimney inspected so that if there are any issues such as cracks, it can be addressed before next winter. This will safe from you smoke and you can enjoy reading or even online casino games.
Freshen Up Grates and Burners
The first step to getting your fireplace ready for winter is to clean the grates on either side of the hearth. This will ensure that they’re not clogged with cinders, which can lead to smoke from last season coming out of the chimney or worse, escape into your house. Some people also like to burn small pieces of scrap wood at this time in order to coat their firebox with soot that acts as an insulator.
Check Pipes, Blowers, and Valves
Check to see if your pipes are running smoothly and if you have an up-to-date blower. Valves should be inspected regularly, too. With these components in good working order, you’ll have better chances of not being without heat all winter long.
Dealing with Rust
Rust can cause problems in your fireplace, chimney, and flue. Make sure to use a wire brush on the iron surfaces to remove rust before you cover up the iron with paint or protective coating. Wire brushing will prevent rust from accumulating any further over time while also removing any loose rust that is still sticking around. This process should be repeated once or twice a year to maintain fireplaces and chimneys.
