Andy A wood-burning fireplace can make a beautiful addition to your home. The wood burning fire delivers a kind of warmth and ambience you can’t get from virtually any other heat source. However, there are several safety precautions you should follow if you own a residential wood-burning fireplace.
Otherwise, in the blink of an eye, that warm ambience from your fireplace could turn into a disastrous fire. In that light, let’s explore some safety considerations to having woodburners:
Only Burn Firewood
You should realise that pretreated or painted wood normally releases toxic fumes when burned. So, avoid burning such woods in your fireplace. Be sure to always burn only firewood. Avoid using any waste wood that you’re unsure about with regards to whether or not they have been treated.
Clear Excess Creosote
Over time, a substance called creosote will accumulate in your fireplace, as well as your chimney. It is advisable to often inspect your chimney for excess creosote accumulation and have it cleaned up. This will allow you to continue using your fireplace without worrying about health complications and fire damage.
Prevent Accessibility
Most domestic fire-related accidents occur due to lack of proper protective measures against fire damage. You should install sufficient screens, as well as fire-resistant glass doors, in front of your fireplace. The doors should have locking mechanisms on them to keep children and pets at bay,
Invest in Smoke Alarms
Every year, thousands of lives are lost in the UK due to residential fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. One of the cheapest ways to prevent such deaths is to install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Even if you don’t use your fireplace every day, a functioning smoke alarm or carbon monoxide is essential. It can alert you if something is wrong, and it can potentially save your life. There should never be any excuse for not installing a carbon monoxide detector if you’re planning on having a wood burning fireplace, so be sure to get it installed in a suitable area of the room to detect any leaks fast.
Bottom Line
If you own a residential wood-burning fireplace, you are at risk of fire-related accidents and health issues. Fortunately, you can easily avert the dangerous situations by taking proper safety measures as outlined in this article. Your installer will also be of great help too, and you must always find a fitter who is HETAS and DEFRA approved. With these two accreditations under their belt, you can feel confident in them and believe in what they’re saying. You don’t want to choose an installer you do not necessarily trust, and a good professional will always ensure the safety of yourself and your family is paramount before completing a job. If you do find any issues with your fireplace early on, whether that be too much smoke, weird noises or unpleasant crackles, do not delay in getting back in touch with your installer so they can carry out a few additional checks. You pay for their time, but you also pay for a professional installation, and they must offer you that.