Fireplaces are a joy to have especially during the cold winter months. During this time of year friends, family and lovers gather around the open fire to keep warm. Toasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate is a traditional way to enjoy curling up near the fireplace and watching the flames pop, snap and crackle. As great as fireplaces are they still require some maintenance work to keep them performing without any complications. The cause of most in home accidents involving fireplaces happens when homeowners forgets to open the fireplace flue. Forgetting this important step can result in major smoke damage.
Instead of the smoke going up and out of the chimney it pours inside the home and fills the house with dark disgusting smoke. Before lighting the fireplace make sure all tools and all necessary supplies are in place. The wood should be dry and the kindle paper should be nearby. The starter log and a match or a lighter should be close at hand as well. Double check the fireplace flue before starting the fire. Clogged up flues can also pose a problem as well. They should be cleaned up thoroughly. It may be difficult to know whether or not the fireplace is open or closed. If this is the case kneel down and look up the flue using a flashlight for guidance.
Some fireplaces have sticky flues and therefore, going on top of the roof may be necessary. However, a long iron rod works just as well. It can be used to push open the flue from the inside. Once it has been determined that the flue is open; the fireplace is now ready to be lit.
After the fireplace is no longer needed the flue should be closed and the fireplace needs to be cleaned. Closing the fireplace flue before the fire completely goes out is just as serious as not opening it at the beginning of a fire. Each time the fireplace is to be used the process must be the same. Check to be sure the flue is open and nothing is obstruction of the flow of the smoke through the chimney. Check to be sure that the fire has been completely eliminated. The most important step is not to put lighter fluid or other combustible items near an open flame and especially not near the fireplace. Safety is the number one concern of all homeowners.