Three Tips For Your Home's Fireplace

There are few things that can be more comfortable than sitting by a roaring fire on a cold winter night. However, it is an unfortunate reality that there are many new homeowners that may not fully understand the steps that should be taken to protect their fireplace from some common issues. By making sure to use these three fireplace tips, you will be able to ensure that you avoid common problems while also getting the most from this part of your home.

Leave A Small Amount Of Ash During The Cold Seasons

It may seem counterintuitive that you would want to leave a small amount of ash in the fireplace. However, this ash can act as insulation, which will help the fireplace to produce and retain heat. Yet, it is also important for you to avoid leaving too much ash as this can inhibit the flow of air to the fire. As a result, you will typically want to leave some space between the ash and the log holders to ensure that the fire will be receiving enough air.

Protect The Hearth

It is common for fireplace hearths to have a stone facade to make them more attractive. Unfortunately, there are some homeowners that may make the error of failing to properly maintain this facade. Given the extreme heat that it may have to endure, it is possible for the facade to suffer severe cracking, discoloration and other issues. Luckily, it is possible to greatly mitigate these issues by regularly coating this part of the fireplace with a protective sealant. This sealant will help to reinforce the stone in the facade, which can greatly reduce the risks of it developing cracks. Unfortunately, these sealants will gradually degrade as time passes, and you will want to make sure that you are reapplying this protective coating every couple of years.

Always Use A Fireplace Screen

While a fireplace can greatly enhance the comfort of your home, it is a reality that it can also pose some hazards. For example, it is possible for hot embers from the fire to be thrown out the front of the fireplace. This can put your home at a risk of catching on fire or it may leave burn marks on your floor. By keeping a fireplace screen in place when a fire is burning, you will be able to enjoy a roaring fire while ensuring that these embers are not able to cause damage to the interior of your house. Make sure to buy a fireplace screen before stoking up a blaze this winter.