How to Make Your Fireplace Safe for Use This Season

Nothing beats the feeling of snuggling up to a crackling fire on a cold winter’s day. If you are planning on building fires in your fireplace, it is important to make sure that your fireplace is prepared for use. During the off season, your fireplace could become clogged and otherwise damaged. Without proper preparation, you may find yourself scheduling fire damage cleanup in Cincinnati. A company that offers fire restoration and smoke removal can help you clean up your home after a fire. To help you avoid fire dangers during the winter months, here are some tips for making sure that your fireplace is safe for use.

Inspect for Signs of Damage

Before the start of the winter season, you may want to take the time to inspect your chimney for signs of damage. When your fireplace is not used for months or longer, it could develop cracks, loose bricks, or mortar damage. Repairing fireplace damage is essential before you spark up your first fire of the winter season.

Clean Your Chimney

Your chimney is designed to allow smoke and sparks to safely exit your home. If your chimney is clogged with soot and debris, your fireplace could pose a serious safety hazard to your household. Before you light your first winter fire, you may want to hire a chimney sweep to clean out the interior of your chimney. Your chimney sweep will use special tools to ensure that your chimney is clean, clear, and ready for use.

Invest in a Spark Guard

Once you have lit a roaring fire in your fireplace, you will want to make sure that you are able to contain the sparks and flames. One great way to enhance the safety of your fireplace is to invest in a device called a spark guard. Your spark guard will fit on the exterior of your fireplace and prevent sparks from flying into the interior of your house.