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Steps to Get Your Fireplace Ready for Winter

Nothing is quite as lovely as a crackling fire during a cold winter evening. If not properly maintained, though, the fireplace can do quite a bit more harm than good. If you have a fireplace you want to use this winter, it is a very good idea to make sure that it gets all the proper care and maintenance beforehand. Otherwise, you could create a whole slew of problems for yourself. Let’s take a look at the different steps you can take to get your fireplace ready for winter.

Get Your Chimney Swept

Burning wood is an incomplete combustion process. There are a number of byproducts created by using your fireplace, including a substance called creosote. Creosote is a flammable, tar-like substance that builds up in your chimney over time. If it isn’t swept out every once in a while, it can insulate the chimney. This causes the temperature to rise, as well as forcing air back down into the home. Worst case scenario: the creosote can ignite and cause a chimney fire. It is imperative that you get your chimney swept each year before you plan on using your fireplace during the winter.

Have the Flue Lining Checked

The flue lining is a steel sheath that protects the chimney. While it’s quite sturdy, exposure to the stresses of constant heating and cooling can cause the flue lining to crack. This exposes the chimney underneath the lining to high temperatures, which can cause it to crack as well. It’s best to have your flue lining checked at least once a year, in order to repair or replace it before using the fireplace.

If you need to have your fireplace checked, call Rentmeister Total Home Service. We offer fireplace repair and maintenance services throughout Layton, UT.

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