The fireplace is a common home feature that provides warmth for the entire home. From medieval fireplaces to modern furnaces that serve as heating and aesthetic items, fireplaces have transformed over the years. Like other home appliances, your masonry fireplace must be maintained to keep the fires burning for winter. See how to take care of your masonry fireplace to ensure it works properly.
Tips to Maintain Your Masonry Fireplace
Clean the Interior
A wood-burning fireplace provides a lot of heat and warms the home. However, burnt wood produces ashes and debris that must be removed regularly. Regular cleaning improves the aesthetics of your home, maintains the durability of the masonry fireplace, and also produces more heat. When cleaning, we recommend you use a mask or protective cover to prevent inhaling toxic fumes or dust.
Consider Installing Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Masonry fireplaces are a great source of warmth but pose a great hazard. Smoke residues, fumes, and carbon monoxide (CO) can negatively affect one’s health. CO is a colorless and odorless gas that cannot be detected easily. While a properly installed fireplace is generally safe, installing a carbon monoxide detector can help prevent CO poisoning.
Repair Minor Damages Immediately
Cracks are one of the most common masonry issues that give rise to other structural problems in the home. Once the structural integrity of a masonry fireplace has been breached, it’s essential to repair it immediately by consulting a professional.
Buy the Right Firewood
Many homeowners believe all woods are the same, but they are pretty different in the country, and your wood type can affect your masonry fireplace. Burning the wrong wood type can cause more smoke residues and require more cleaning. Instead, seasoned hardwood like oaks and maple is more direct, produces less residue, and burns hotter and fiercer.
Clean the Body of Your Fireplace
No matter how neat your fireplace seems, smoke is bound to find its way outside. For mild cleaning, use dishwashing detergent and warm water. For an even dirtier fireplace, incorporate ammonia and powder, as both materials are effective grease-breakers and abrasives, respectively.
Clean and Replace the Fireplace Screen if Necessary
A good fireplace screen prevents fire embers and ashes from leaving the firebox and keeps an overly curious child or pet safe from the flames. Use a damp paper towel to remove the soap and maintain the screen. You can also use light sandpaper to remove stubborn buildup. In certain situations, a total replacement is advised.
Test Your Fireplace After Cleaning
If you recently requested a professional cleaning or maintenance service for your fireplace, we advise you to test the entire fireplace’s function by lighting up a small log to ensure it works properly.
Contact DeLuca Masonry for Professional Assistance
At DeLuca Masonry, we believe every homeowner should have a functioning masonry fireplace without breaking the bank. This is why we offer affordable masonry maintenance services when compared to our competitors. Contact our team today at (781)269-9709 or complete an online contact form to request your free estimate!