“Chim chim-in-ey, chim chim-in-ey
Chim chim cher-ee!
A sweep is as lucky, as lucky can be
Chim chim-in-ey, chim chim-in-ey
Chim chim cher-oo!
Good luck will rub off when I shakes hands with you ” -Marry Poppins
This weekend I was watching Marry Poppins with my Niece, and as we watched, I remembered that it is getting to be that time of year again. The summer is on the down slide, and now instead of trying to keep the heat out, we will be fighting to keep in inside. I don’t know about you, but nothing says fall like a roaring fire place. Curled up with a warm blanket, a good book, and hot chocolate sounds like a perfect time to me! Even though we love to use the fireplace, it isn’t something that we always think about when it comes to maintenance. Here are three tips to help you prep your fireplace, or things to think about when you are buying a home…
1. Get your fireplace inspected. According to a survey, by National Fire Protection Association, last year an alarming 42% fires in the country were credited to home heating fires. They suggest to have your chimney swept once a year to remove all of the soot and debris (building smaller fires will prevent build up in your chimney, and prevent cracking in the mortar). So make sure you call a local chimney sweep and have them come out to take a look, before you use your fireplace this fall. I have had some clients work with a local chimney sweep (Taney county area) R&L Chimney Sweeps and have had wonderful experience. They do professional work for a reasonable price!
2. Check chimney for cracks and loose bricks. Ash can escape through these cracks, and could potentially start a fire in or outside the home. The fireplace cap is located on the top of the chimney, and looks like wire mesh around the top, and on the inside rim. This is the part of the fire place that takes the most damage because it is always exposed to the elements. The chimney cap is there to make sure the air is filtered against rouge ashes, and to keep animals out of your home. This reminds me of the commercial for All Stateabout the raccoon (mayhem) in the attic. Don’t let that be you!
3. Be sure that you are burning the right wood in your fireplace. Lets first start with the not to burn list. Do not burn freshly cut wood. This type of wood has more moisture, and produces more smoke than heat. Synthetic logs are a do not use because they can burn unevenly, and produce carbon monoxide. Which leads to my next tip. Make sure that you have a carbon monoxide detector inside your home. The perfect type of wood to burn is “seasoned” wood (wood that has been stored in a dry place for at least 6 months).
Speaking of fireplaces, we have tons of homes on the market with fireplaces! One of my favorites is this gorgeous ranch style home in Branson Missouri.
Plenty of room in this 5 bedroom 4 bath home situated on 3+ acres backing up to conservation land, is only 10 minutes to Branson’s northside shopping! This beautiful home is located within the Branson School district. Beautiful brick front, and spacious living room with vaulted ceilings and cozy fireplace. Nice walkout basement, large walk in cedar closet, formal dining room, oak cabinets in kitchen, and 24′ x 24′ workshop. A must see for those wanting a little more space around them!
Double Deck
Interested in seeing this home on person? Feel free to contact us and set up an appointment!
The Jim Robertson Team
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