Fireplace Accessories Advisor

Archive for the ‘Safety’ Category

Fireplace Safety: Spark Guards

Sparks flying out of the fireplace and falling on the floor can cause a lot of trouble. You should therefore use a fireplace spark guard to prevent any such problems. Care is required during the installation of a fireplace spark guard to make sure it fits flush with the outside of the fireplace and that no possible escape is left for the sparks. The frames around the fireplace spark guard should be rigid enough to make it impossible for the guard to slip out of place. There should be handles attached to the frame as well to allow easy handling of the fireplace spark guard.

Most people think of intricately designed fireplace screens when they mention protection against sparks and flying embers. It’s true that there are many screens that serve that function while also appealing to the aesthetic eye, but flat fireplace spark guards do it better because they cover the top of the opening as well. This is particularly effective since it also eliminates the risk of sparks that fly upwards and then escape into the room.

Some fireplace spark guards, however, have a curved top. They do not offer the same degree of protection, so make sure you purchase a fireplace spark guard that has a flat rectangular pane. You might prefer the curved ones from an aesthetic point of view, but dont forget that safety is more important in this case. Nevertheless, simplicity does not mean lack of beauty. After all, the subdued design of the fireplace spark guard is likely to blend well into any kind of interior decoration.

Fireplace Maintenance

The use of fireplace spark guards and screens will prevent damage to your floor and carpets. Moreover, these accessories can protect the firebox against the accumulation of dust during the warm seasons, when the fireplace is not in use. This makes maintenance easier and increases the durability of your fireplace.

Style Diversity

You won’t have to complain about limited choice when choosing a fireplace spark guard or screen. Apart from their shape and the carvings that can adorn their surface, fireplace spark guards can differ depending on the number of panels. Single-panel fireplace spark guards and screens are gaining popularity these days because of the uninterrupted view they give of the fireplace interior. They usually allow height adjustment for best integration with your fireplace.

Introduction

In the past, fireplaces used to be the best option for heating the home and cooking. These days, while they have preserved their functional features, fireplaces are also installed for decorative reasons. Different types of fuel combine with a multitude of styles to offer the most in terms of variety and customization.

Good Maintenance

The charm of the fireplace should not divert our attention from the hazards associated with its improper maintenance and operation. However, fire prevention actually starts from the construction phase. Make sure your chimney complies with the regulations in effect. When you move into a new home, have the fireplace inspected by a professional before you start using it. These are very simple measures that could save your life.

The growing demand for fireplaces has contributed not only to the perpetuation of this means of heating, but also to the emergence of new technologies and the adaptation of fireplaces for more efficient and convenient types of fuel.

Fireplace no longer work only on wood and coal; they can also operate on gas and electricity. But whatever kind of fireplace you own, you should know that there are safety considerations to be taken into account. The fireplace may be a wonderful addition to your homes dcor, but it does involve hazards that you should be aware of.

The Use of Fireplace Screens

If your fireplace burns wood or coal, the area immediately surrounding it is exposed to fire hazard. Sparks might flow out of the fire or burning embers could roll off their grate, thus causing damage to the flooring or the rugs, with the risk of starting a devastating fire. All this can be prevented by using a simple fireplace screen — a fender in front of the firebox opening, acting as a barrier between the burning fuel and the room.

Fireplace screens come in all sizes, shapes, and styles that you could imagine, but remember to choose one that offers effective protection. Fireplace screens are also useful in the case of gas fireplaces, as they can prevent toxic gases from entering the room. The fireplace screens are typically made of glass in this case and they seal the firebox opening; any exhaust gases can be evacuated through the vents on the wall or in the ceiling.

Basic Maintenance

If you suspect there are any problems with your fireplace, you should have a professional inspect it. There are, however, many little things that you can do regularly in order to avoid such problems and to ensure that your fireplace works perfectly all the time. For instance, you can check the chimney cap from time to time and replace it as soon as you notice any damage. Use a flashlight to check for crumbling mortar or loose bricks inside the chimney. If you notice any creosote buildup in the chimney, have it cleaned immediately. The soot layer should also be checked constantly.

Additional Guidelines

You should avoid using vacuum cleaners inside the firebox, even if you can’t see anything burning. It is known that coals stay hot for a long time after a fire — hot enough to start another fire. Too much smoke coming out of the fireplace might indicate that there is something wrong with the draft; if opening the damper doesnt solve the problem, you should seek professional advice. None of these procedures require any special training; they are simple things that anyone can do, to make sure it is safe to go on using the fireplace.