Fireplace Safety During Michigan Winters

Michigan winters are brutal – and this one is no exception. If you’re like most people, you look forward to using your fireplace whenever you can… but are you doing it safely?

Check out these three fireplace safety tips for Michigan residents. They could save your home and even your life.

3 Fireplace Safety Tips for Michiganders

#1: Make Sure Your Fireplace and Chimney Are in Good Condition

You should have your chimney and fireplace inspected annually. Make sure that:

  • The flue damper opens, closes and seals
  • There aren’t any cracks or loose bricks
  • Mortar and bricks are in good condition (and that they’re not missing)
  • Roof flashing is tight against the chimney
  • The chimney is straight
  • No tree branches, bird’s nests or other debris are near the chimney
  • Your chimney cap keeps rain, debris and animals out

#2: Keep Your Chimney Clean

If soot and other debris build up in your chimney, it’s not going to vent properly – and that can cause toxic fumes to enter your home. Soot and creosote can also build up on the walls of the chimney and cause a fire. It’s important that you hire a professional to clean your chimney and fireplace before you use it for the winter, but if you’ve already started using it this year, it’s not too late to have someone come out and clean it for you.

#3: Be Careful What You Burn

You should only burn dry, seasoned wood or fire logs in your fireplace. If the wood hasn’t been seasoned properly, it can create excess smoke – and that excess smoke helps soot and creosote build up inside your chimney. The best logs are hardwoods, like oak, maple, ash and birch. You can use softwoods, like those from needle- and cone-bearing trees, but only for tinder and kindling (they burn fast and contribute to creosote buildup inside your chimney, too).

Do You Need to Talk to a Fire Restoration Specialist?

If you need to talk to a fire restoration specialist, we can help. We provide several damage restoration services, including fire, smoke and soot restoration services, as well as water damage restoration services in Ann Arbor and all the surrounding communities that can help you and your family get back on track.

Call us at 734-352-9183 or get in touch with us online today.