If you love to decorate during the holidays, then you know just how cozy and welcoming a fireplace can be this time of year. However, you also want to keep it safe for all of the friends and family visiting, as well as those nights when you just want to curl up with a good book. Now is the perfect time to call in a dallas chimney sweep so that you’re prepared for the first ideal night for a fire. Here are a few ways to keep your chimney festive and safe so that you can enjoy it through the holidays and into the New Year.
Give the Mantel a Seasonal Accent
You don’t have to go overboard to spruce up your mantel. You can give it simple, seasonal accents such as a few candles or a single figurine. Whatever you choose to display, pick colors that represent the season to really enhance the ambiance. However, be mindful of decoration placements when you’re sprucing up your mantel to ensure that you don’t place dry materials that can easily catch fire anywhere near danger. Stockings and other hanging décor should be strategically placed, and you should avoid displaying pieces that are made of flammable materials in close proximity to the fire.
Invest in the Proper Chimney Care Tools
If you’re about to have your chimney sweep pro come out and clean your fireplace so that it’s ready for the holidays, you could also consider updating to a new set of chimney tools. In fact, you can get a special set that you only use for the holidays if want to add a unique accent versus the rest of the year. However, the most important thing is that you have these ready to help you stoke the fire properly so that you don’t grab a random kitchen utensil or a stick. The more control you have over the fire as it flames, the less likely an incident will occur.
Check Off Your Fire Safety List
Take the time to meet with your family and everyone that uses the fireplace to teach them the fire safety procedures for your particular home such as wear to find the fire extinguisher. Show everyone how to property use the chimney tools and clean the fireplace in between uses. Also, make sure every one has an understanding of how far the grate should be to protect your floor from embers that can pop out of the flames.
Hire a Chimney Sweep
This is the perfect time to bring in a chimney sweep to inspect your flues and make sure you’re ready for the burning season to keep your chimney safe. They’ll be able to get your chimney cleaned and ready to add even more warmth and attraction to your home than the décor that is displayed around the fire. If you have any questions about how to keep your home fireproof when you have the extra decorations in the house, you can ask them when they sweep your chimney. They’ll be more than happy to guide you.
Steps to Light a Fire in Your Fireplace To Keep Your Chimney Safe
Always make sure the fireplace damper is open. Look up the chimney through the fireplace damper to see if the flue is clear of debris. Stack paper in within the wood stacked like a tee pee. Light paper. Of course use fire starters or gas if available.
Purchase a Custom Chimney Cap
Order a copper chimney cap to give your chimney the best Christmas present. Masters Services install copper custom chimney caps in Houston, Dallas, and Oklahoma City.