Fall Fireplace Maintenance & Decorating Tips

With fall’s arrival, most people will be using their fireplaces again. The cooler nights provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy their fireplaces and perhaps decorate them. Maybe you are one of those people; if so, here are fall fireplace maintenance and decorating tips.

Have Your Chimney Inspected in the Fall

If your fireplace has sat idle since last spring, then it could have a thick coating of creosote inside of it. Creosote is dangerous if it’s not cleaned out of your chimney. Why? Because it is a highly flammable substance that can cause a chimney fire or worse. Having your chimney inspected will show how much creosote buildup it has.

Another issue that could be present and won’t be found without a chimney inspection is a blockage. The blockage could be from leaves and other debris building up in your chimney or wildlife, making it their home. Blockages are dangerous because they impede airflow out of your chimney, forcing carbon monoxide and other hazardous gases back into your home. Upon inspection, a qualified chimney sweep service will detect blockages and remove them from your home.

Make Sure Your Chimney Has Good Ventilation for Fall

Ventilation is the key if you want to have a long-lasting, heat-generating fire. Make sure that your damper is fully open to allow a draft for your fire to burn and to let harmful gasses escape.

Use Seasoned (Cured) Wood in Your Fireplace

Make sure that any wood that you burn has been seasoned. If you use uncured wood that is still green in your fireplace, it will not burn well, and you will run the risk of filling the room and your house with smoke. Burning green wood also causes creosote to accumulate in your chimney, so for that reason alone, you should only use cured wood in your fireplace.

Safety First

Make sure you place a screen in front of your fireplace, or if it has glass doors, close them. Sparks can be hurtled from your fireplace and cause fires, a screen or glass doors will prevent the issue. Use gloves when you handle hot ashes or wood, and place smoke and carbon monoxide detectors fifteen feet from your fireplace. Remember, always be safe when lighting a fire in your fireplace.

Decorating Your Fireplace for Fall

One of the great things about having a fireplace with a mantle is that you can decorate it for each passing season, and fall is one of everyone’s favorites. Here are some fall decorating ideas for your fireplace:

Place Candles on Your Mantle

What could be better for fall than pumpkin-scented candles on your fireplace? Not only will they provide that wonderful smell, but they will add fall colors to your mantle.

Place Pumpkins on Your Mantle

There are real and artificial pumpkins of all shapes and sizes that you could use to decorate your mantle for fall; some of them are decorated. Maybe add some fall leaves (real or artificial) to double down on that fall mood.

To Sum Up

Fall is a special time of year when the leaves change to brilliant colors, and you can curl up in front of your fireplace and read a book (or watch a football game). Decorating helps you create ambience and having a chimney inspection gives you peace of mind it and your fireplace are safe.

Let Dubuque Fire Place and Patio Inspect Your Chimney for Fall

Let us take care of your fireplace so you can enjoy it for fall. We will inspect and clean your chimney so you know it’s ready to go. If you live in the Dubuque tri-state area, get in touch today. Make sure that you have a safe fireplace that looks great for fall.