Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Necessary Fireplace Accessories

When it comes to getting the most out of your fireplace, the right accessories can make all the difference! A good tool set can help you more effectively manage your fires while they are burning as well as clean up after they are finished. Likewise, good accessories can also help keep you and your family safer around your fireplace.

The following are some necessary fireplace accessories that can make operating your fireplace easier. Whether you’ve had one for years or still need to add it to your tool collection, considering trying out these fireplace tools this winter!

1. Fireplace screens

Fireplace screens are one of the easiest and most effective ways to make your fireplace safer. By keeping children and pets away from the fire – as well as keeping popping coals and embers off of your carpet – everyone can enjoy sitting in front of the fire without worry. There are hundreds of variations on fireplace screens running from the basic to the ornate; screens can be attached directly to the fireplace or hearth or can be freestanding.

If you have a glass fireplace, you may be required to use a fireplace screen. All glass front gas fireplaces built after January 1, 2015 are required by the American National Standards Institute to have a fireplace screen. If you have a glass fronted fireplace that was built before that date, you may still want to consider adding a screen; because the glass panels can become extremely hot when the fireplace is in use, they can create a serious burn hazard for anyone who touches them.

2. Wood holder

While this may seem like a no brainer, correct wood storage is important both inside and outside your home. An indoor wood holder can let you know when it’s time to head outside to grab more firewood. Good indoor wood storage should keep a small number of logs stacked neatly off of the floor; only bring the amount of wood you’ll immediately need inside to prevent dormant bugs from getting into your home.

How you store your firewood outside is even more important than your interior wood holder. Firewood should never be stacked directly on the ground to prevent the bottom layer from rotting; a metal or wood firewood holder can keep wood off the ground and dry. Likewise, avoid stacking wood too tightly or heaping it into a pile; doing this can prevent enough air from flowing through the woodpile and trap moisture inside.

3. Bellows

Although bellows are most commonly seen in period movies, they still have a place in your modern fireplace tool kit! Bellows work by pushing large amounts of air into the fire; the oxygen feeds the fire and can help it start roaring faster – and look cool while doing it.

4. Fire tools

The right fire tools can make a big difference in how you stoke and clean up after your fires. Fire tools often come in sets and include tongs, a poker, a shovel, a brush, and a storage stand. Because fire tools vary in weight, length, and size, you may want to head to the store to try them out before making a purchase.

Having the right fireplace accessories can make using your fireplace easier and more enjoyable. If you’re looking to add to your fireplace accessory collection, let the expert staff at Clean Sweeps of Michigan find the right fireplace tools for you!

Keep Your Fireplace Well Maintained

The hearth and fireplace are often the focal points of our homes. Throughout the year, family and friends gather together around a roaring fire in order to spend time together and create memories that will last a lifetime. However, these special times can be cut short if your fireplace is not well maintained.

Proactive fireplace maintenance is the best way to ensure that your fireplace system remains safe to use for years to come. The following maintenance tips can help you keep your fireplace in the best condition possible – as well as help you determine when you need professional services.

Tips for fireplace maintenance

Just like brushing and flossing can help prevent cavities, conducting regular maintenance and upkeep at home can help keep your chimney and fireplace system in better condition. These three fireplace maintenance tips are great ways to help keep your fireplace burning safely and efficiently in between professional chimney sweepings.

1. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Installing working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors make operating any fuel-burning appliance safer. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be placed on each level of the home, as well as outside of sleeping areas. Test batteries every six months to ensure that alarms are still working; smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced as needed or at least every 10 years in order to comply with modern safety standards.

2. Start a test fire

Before jumping in with your first fire of the season, burn a few pieces of test wood. Doing this can expose any drafting problems before you have a hearth full of wood – and a room covered in soot. Light several small pieces of seasoned firewood from the top down; smoke should draft vertically up the chimney. If soot or smoke blow back into your home, immediately begin troubleshooting; creosote buildup, debris in the chimney, or a partially closed damper can all lead to drafting problems.

3. Burn seasoned firewood

All wood is not created equal; burning the wrong kind of firewood can negatively impact fireplace efficiency and performance. Most fireplace professionals recommend burning seasoned hardwoods such as maple and oak. Seasoned firewood has been allowed to dry to remove excess moisture. This allows the wood to burn more efficiently, at a higher temperature, and create less creosote.

When to call a professional

While there are a number of ways homeowners can take care of their fireplace and chimney systems on their own, professional services are often needed in order to ensure your hearth is receiving the best quality care.

“Safety is the best reason to have a professional chimney sweep inspect, clean, and test any fireplace when you move into a home,” said Ashley Eldridge, Director of Education for the Chimney Safety Institute of America. “While it is possible for homeowners to clean and maintain their own fireplaces and chimneys, it’s unlikely that they possess the requisite knowledge or experience to spot all potential problems during an inspection.”

Whether its regular preventative maintenance such as a chimney sweeping and inspection or more specialized services such as masonry repairs or new fireplace installation, a certified chimney sweep can safely and correctly get the job done right – the first time.

No matter what condition your chimney is in, maintenance is an important part of helping it last for years to come. Contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today to schedule your fireplace maintenance services!