When winter weather rolls around, a blazing fire establishes a warm and cozy atmosphere like few other things can. But just because a person loves their fireplace doesn’t mean they understand everything about it. As a matter of fact, there are a number of fireplace myths that can affect our perception and use of them – myths that can put your household at risk.
At Smalling Masonry, we’re all about promoting best fireplace practices through Indianapolis and Carmel, especially for these colder weeks of the year. Customer service and safety is our goal!
Read below, then if you have further questions or fireplace needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can help you get the most from your fireplace this winter and beyond.
Myth: Chimney Fires Are Incredibly Rare
Chimney fires are rare, but probably not so rare as you might think. It’s estimated that about 25,000 occur each year in homes across the country. Most often these fires are caused by creosote build-up when homeowners are neglecting their annual sweepings.
Other things that can cause creosote to form more quickly include improper burning practices – things like burning unseasoned wood or trash – or poor airflow.
If you ever notice a loud, rumbling sound coming from the chimney or see sparks coming from your chimney top, take action right away!
Myth: Fireplaces Are Always Inefficient
Always is a strong word. A stubborn myth is that all fireplaces are inefficient, wasting heat and leading to high energy bills. It’s true that traditional open fireplaces can lose heat up the chimney, but newer fireplace designs can drastically improve efficiency.
There are lots of smaller upgrades that can keep more heat in your living space, but a significant power move is having a fireplace insert retrofitted into your existing fireplace. Inserts are designed to be efficient, fostering good combustion and retaining heat to reflect back into the room.
Myth: Less Fireplace Use Means Less Maintenance
Some people think that not using your fireplace often will keep you from needing to stick to a strict maintenance schedule. But whether you use your fireplace a little or all the time, an annual inspection remains vital.
Poor weather, wildlife invasion, and aging still occur in unused chimneys, and since your fireplace is a significant home system, you need to be aware of its condition and health.
If components have deteriorated, creosote is present, or debris has caused blockages, you need to know that before you try using your fireplace again – no matter how little this occurs. You’ll always want to be aware of any damage from the elements that would require a swift, simpler repair rather than waiting until the need is more substantial.
And if you never use your fireplace? Damaged to your chimney flue can easily spread to other areas of your home, so yes – annual inspections are still required.
Myth: It’s Okay to Toss Various Materials Into Your Fireplace
In small quantities, it doesn’t seem that tossing a bit of paper, cardboard, or plywood into your fireplace would be a big deal. After all, the fire incinerates them. But this can cause damage to your fireplace, chimney, and even your home in general.
Certain materials are harmful to burn in a fireplace. They can release dangerous chemicals or gases into the air that you breathe, create excessive smoke, and burn unpredictably.
Instead, burn properly seasoned firewood. Wood that’s seasoned (dried to an appropriate moisture content) will burn at the right temperature, produce less smoke, and reduce the risk of chimney fires and other hazards.
Myth: If I Don’t See Smoke, the Chimney’s Fine
This one is true…most of the time. But smoke backing up into the house isn’t the only indicator of trouble. Therefore the absence of smoke doesn’t necessarily mean everything is okay. Chimney blockages can be very difficult to see, as can a cracked chimney liner or damaged flue.
A professional chimney inspection is the best way to assess the condition of your chimney from top to bottom. Don’t wait until an obvious problem presents itself…because sometimes the signs aren’t readily apparent from the living room.
Myth: Chimney Maintenance & Repairs Can’t Be Done in Winter
Winter can complicate things from driving to various outdoor activities. So, it’s natural to assume that it would make repairs and maintenance difficult. While sometimes weather does present challenges for some repairs, chimney companies can do inspections and make necessary repairs in winter.
Waiting until spring will mean having chimney issues weighing on you for the rest of winter – and waiting can also allow damage to worsen. Whether you have a cracked chimney liner, a damaged cap, or debris in your flue, a skilled technician is typically equipped to do the work in whatever season it’s necessary.
For a Safer Fireplace Year-Round, Call Smalling Masonry
At Smalling Masonry, we’ll always shoot you straight. Serving customers with integrity is the foundation of what we do as we bring warmth, comfort, and ambiance to homes in the Indianapolis area.
Whether you’re in need of an inspection, an installation, a significant upgrade, or a minor repair, where only a phone call away. Call or reach out online now.