Fireplace inspection checklist

5 Reasons You Should Check the fireplace before you light it

Ever think about you could light a fire in the fireplace and make positive changes to entire life? Many people have actually done that. Most never get past the daydream stage. Many lacked the will to look into, learn and get going, and so are still just dreaming.

Wait a minute! Are those really valid reasons? Was the positive side included? Was that balanced? Did we evaluate the possibilities for? The reasons in favor of? Before we let the negatives rule, the positives deserve a reasonable hearing. There are 5 reasons why you need to check the fireplace before you light it that should maybe be examined.

First, have the fireplace fully inspected. I understand fully your objection regarding the possible high cost. Certainly that's a valid objection. However you need to consider that a house fire would cost a whole lot more. Furthermore, consider that many chimneys built before the 1930s need relining.

Second, you should install a chimney rain cap. The primary reason for that would be to keep out the critters and rain. And in addition if water mixes with acidic fire residues it can destroy the mortar holding your brickwork together.

Third, you should crack a window in the room before starting the fire. As well as open the damper 10 to 15 minutes before lighting the fire so that cold chimney air doesn't rush down and put out your fire!

Fourth, birds nests between the metal lining and wood frame and are a fire hazard (you to and them).

And Fifth, when burning real wood be sure to choose the hardwoods like oak, elm and locust. They leave behind smaller amounts of flammable creosote.

As you go through the reasons and evaluate them, I expect that you may have to admit that a compelling case can be made for thinking about how you can check the fireplace before you light it.

Just think about it. What if you really could prevent your house from burning down from a simple inspection?

If you happen to look at all of the reasons and evaluate them, you will have to admit that a very compelling case can be made for starting to consider the way to check the fireplace before you light it.

Just consider it. Maybe, just maybe, you really, in all seriousness, should really think about the result of being negligent instead of just lighting that fuse.