When winter arrives, people around the country who have fireplaces start using them. Before using a fireplace, it’s important to understand how to maintain fireplaces and Fireplace Hearths in Salt Lake City UT. People have to remember that the right maintenance plan helps with safety. A fireplace can become a hazard if it isn’t properly maintained.
Increased Safety For Parents
Parents who have fireplaces have to think about making things safe for their children, especially babies and toddlers. Some pads can be placed on hearths. Another useful safety feature is fireplace glass. Using glass can prevent a curious toddler from accidentally touching the inside of a fireplace. A homeowner should have a professional install the glass to ensure that it is safe. Anyone interested in fireplaces can visit Stone Mountain Castings & Design to learn more about Fireplace Hearths in Salt Lake City UT.
An Inspection
Before using a fireplace for the season, a homeowner will want to call a fireplace expert to clean and inspect it. When wood is burned, a flammable substance is created that sticks to the inside of the fireplace and chimney. It’s important to clean the fireplace and chimney so too much of this residue doesn’t accumulate. An inspector will also make sure that the fireplace isn’t blocked in any way. A blocked fireplace vent will increase the risk of carbon monoxide in the home.
Adding Or Modifying A Hearth
A homeowner can change their existing fireplace. A hearth can be added to an existing fireplace or modifications can be made to the one that a fireplace already has. The subfloor will have to be exposed to add a hearth to an existing fireplace. Some people want to add hearths because they prefer an old-fashioned look. Others are more interested in the safety features that hearths have to offer.
Around the country, people start to use their fireplaces around October. When the first cold air starts to show up, a fireplace owner should hurry up and get an inspection so they can safely use their fireplace. Any modifications that they wish to make to it can be done by an experienced contractor.