Can you feel that cold chill in the air? Cooler weather is already upon us, and soon enough, if you haven’t fired up your fireplace yet for the year, it probably won’t be long before you do. There’s nothing quite like relaxing by the fireplace on a cold winter night. But before you use your fireplace for the first time this season, it’s important to plan ahead for winter fireplace safety.

At The Construction Group, we provide a complete range of chimney and masonry services for Twin Cities homeowners. Follow these fireplace safety tips to keep your home safe when using your fireplace this winter:

1.   Have your chimney inspected.

Before you use your fireplace, take some time to have your fireplace and chimney inspected each year or about every 80 fires. Our freeze and thaw cycles each winter combined with the heat of the fireplace can cause a chimney to gradually deteriorate over time. If your chimney shows signs of damage, do not use it until it has been repaired. Finally, make sure your chimney has a chimney cap to reduce downdrafts and prevent snow, rain, and objects from getting in.

2.   Be cautious when using your fireplace.

When using your fireplace, there are a number of important safety measures to keep in mind. First, purchase a fire extinguisher and keep it on hand at all times when using your fireplace. Maintain a safety rule of three feet: require children to remain three feet away from the fireplace at all times and keep flammable objects at least three feet away. Any rugs located near your fireplace should be non-flammable.

Use of a fire screen can help to minimize sparks which can fly out of the fireplace into the room, igniting a fire. Additionally, clean the firebox regularly but never clean the fireplace with a vacuum cleaner as this can cause the device to ignite.

3.   Be aware of carbon monoxide and smoke inhalation risks.

Before using your fireplace for the season, be sure to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they are properly working. It’s important to make regularly checking these a regular part of your home maintenance routine regardless of whether you’re using your fireplace regularly. Finally, if the room becomes too smoky, be sure to open a window.

Contact The Construction Group for Woodbury Chimney Repair

With winter right around the corner, now is a perfect time to get your chimney ready for the cold season. To get a free quote on Twin Cities masonry contractor services, contact The Construction Group in Woodbury today at 651-731-5857. Or contact us on the web to discuss siding solutions for your home.