Wood-burning fireplaces are one of the most popular types of fireplace. They have a distinctive look and feel that other types don’t offer, but they require more care than gas or electric models. This article will show you how to prepare your wood-burning fireplace for winter so it is ready when cold weather hits!
The best way to keep your fireplace running efficiently and safely during the winter is by preparing it ahead of time. To do this, you will need to remove all logs from inside the unit and clean out any ashes that may be left behind. You should also make sure that no flammable materials are stored too close to the fireplace (such as a table or chair), and then cover up any vents on either side with screens.
Clean your Fireplace
- Before starting, make sure your fireplace is empty and completely cool. It needs to be free of ash. Clean the ashes out with a small shovel or dust pan at least once every use (after removing them from the grate). You can also buy special tools called “ash rakes” for easier cleaning after each fire; these are usually available at hardware stores.
- Use a wire fireplace brush to remove any built up soot and ash from the grate and inside of your chimney flue (the opening where the smoke travels through).
- If you have not used it in some time, take off the spark screen and lay it flat on a workbench or table. Use a wire brush to remove any ash. Inspect the screen for holes, cracks, or rust and replace as needed before winter hits.
- Clean exterior of fireplace thoroughly with soap and water. Check brickwork mortar joints on outside of house; if you see them crumbling apart, seal them up immediately so that they don’t let in rain water. Use silicone caulk or mortar to fill in any cracks.
Inspect the Chimney
Fireplace Chimneys should be swept and inspected on a regular basis. Check for cracks, rust or leaks – if you find any of these issues it’s important to work with a professional immediately as they can lead to dangerous problems in the future!
- Once you’ve made sure your chimney is safe, it’s time to make some repairs if necessary.
- You can do this yourself or hire a professional – either way they will be able to help fix up the fireplace and ensure that everything runs smoothly for next winter!
- Using a professional is always the best way to go, they’ll be able to inspect everything closely and fix any problems that may arise.
Sweep Down the Walls
When you clean out your fireplace, start from the top. Start by removing as much ash as possible with a broom or dustpan and then sweep down the walls to remove any residual matter that may have been missed. If desired, you can also use a vacuum cleaner to suck up whatever’s left over on the interior of the hearth.
If you want to get into the habit of replacing your fireplace’s ash pan, this is a good time to do it since you already have the hearth empty anyway. The grate that holds the ashes in place can be taken out and replaced with ease when there’s no fire burning at the time.
When you’re finished, sweep the hearth again to make sure everything is nice and clean before putting your fireplace back together.
Inspect or Install a Chimney Cap and Screen
You should inspect the chimney cap and screen for any cracks or damage. If there are any problems that need to be fixed, you can do this yourself or hire a professional chimney sweep service. If you choose to do this by yourself, make sure that the cap is secured in place and prevents rainwater from leaking into your chimney. The wire mesh screen should be securely attached or replaced entirely with a sheet of metal or something like stone which will prevent embers from escaping out of the fireplace.
- The next step would then be installing a chimney cap and screen.
If there are any cracks or damage, you should do this yourself or hire a professional chimney sweep service. The cap must be securely in place to prevent rainwater from leaking into your fireplace and the wire mesh screen needs to be replaced entirely with a sheet of metal that will keep embers from escaping out of the firebox.
Wood-burning fireplaces are great to use during the winter, but it is important that you keep your fireplace prepared for cold weather. This means ensuring that everything will work properly and safely when using your wood-burning fireplace. You can follow these steps in order to prepare your chimney for the upcoming cold season:
- First of all, make sure you inspect your chimney or call a professional to inspect it for you. If there are any cracks, breeches, damage, etc., get them fixed right away by either fixing the problem yourself or hiring someone else do it.
- Next step would be to install a chimney cap and screen that will prevent water from leaking into your fireplace (preferably a chimney cap). A wire mesh screen should keep embers from escaping out of your firebox.
Wood-burning fireplaces are great to use during the winter, but it is important that you prepare them for cold weather. This means ensuring they work properly and safely when using your wood burning fireplace. You can follow these steps in order to prepare your chimney:
- Inspect or install a chimney cap and screen. If there are any cracks, breeches, damage etc., get them fixed right away by either fixing the problem yourself or hiring someone else to do it. Install a chimney cap and mesh screen that will prevent water from leaking into your fireplace (preferably a chimney cap). A wire mesh screen should keep embers from escaping out of your firebox.
Cover the Fireplace with a Protective Cover
Cover the fireplace with a cover. This is especially important if you live in an area where there are heavy snowfalls or high winds that can damage your chimney and home. You will also want to make sure it’s covered when not being used so for winter storms, dust, pollen etc., doesn’t get into the chimney and block it.
Make sure that the cover is high enough to ensure that no animals, birds or small children will be able to fall in when they’re playing nearby. If you live in an area where there are bears, consider using a fireproof screen with wire mesh attached over the fireplace opening so nothing can get inside.
Add fire-resistant Material to the inside of the Fireplace, such as Clay or Brick
Fire-resistant Material is needed to prevent your home from catching fire. This material will also protect your fireplace from becoming damaged.
- Do not use materials that are flammable. Instead, select fire-resistant material such as brick or clay.
- – If you have a fireplace insert, check the manufacturer’s instructions because these vary widely.
- If your home catches on fire due to an unsupervised wood burning fireplace it will cause significant damage and may not be covered by your home insurance.
- Make sure that you have fire extinguishers in the event of an emergency, and know how to operate them correctly. They should be tested regularly so that they are ready when needed.
- Keep a list of important phone numbers by the telephone or programmed into your cell phone. This should include the numbers for your fire department, police department and any other emergency services.
- Plan an escape route in advance of using the fireplace so that you will be able to get out quickly if need be. There should always be at least one person who knows how to use a telephone outside of the home in case there is an issue with the phone service.
- Check your chimney for any blockages before you light the fire, and clean it if necessary to ensure safe operation of the fireplace. If possible, have a professional do this work as it can be very dangerous otherwise.
- Make sure that everyone knows how to safely operate a wood burning fireplace so there is no confusion during an emergency or power outage.
If you have a wood burning stove, follow the same safety rules as for any other fireplace including making sure that your home is protected by fire resistant material and having an escape route planned out in advance. Unlike typical fireplaces where it can be difficult to heat more than one room with the flames, a wood burning stove can heat an entire house so you need to take additional safety precautions.
Cover any Exposed Wood on the outside
Cover any Exposed Wood on the outside of the fireplace with plastic or tarp. Make sure to secure it with clothespins or nails. If you use plastic, make sure the fireplace is turned off and cooled down before covering anything up inside of it.
If you use plastic, also make sure to remove it before starting a fire in the fireplace. If you use tarp, make sure that it is secured tightly on the outside of the fireplace.
Install a Metal Mesh Screen between the Grate and Lid
Install a metal mesh screen between the grate and lid. This will prevent sparks from flying out when you open or close your wood-burning fireplace’s door, but still allow airflow.
- This screen is included in most fireplace sets.
- If your set does not include one, you can buy one separately.
Check that all Gas Connections are Tight
Ensure that all gas lines are properly connected. If you do not know how to check the connection, please contact a qualified repair technician to make sure your chimney is safe for use.
Make sure to turn off the gas supply if you are done using your fireplace for the day. It is important that all appliances be turned off before leaving home or going to bed at night.
- Make sure your fireplace has proper ventilation.
If you do not have adequate ventilation, it is very dangerous to use the stove. Ventilation prevents carbon monoxide poisoning by allowing combustion gases and smoke to escape outside rather than filling up inside where they can be deadly. Open chimneys are needed when using wood burning appliances in order for them to function properly and safely.
Ensure that your Wood Burning Fireplace is Clear for UseAfter the ashes have cooled down, clear them out of the fireplace grate. Ashes can be very hot even after a couple of days so make sure you do not attempt to move or clean them until they are completely cool enough to touch without getting burned (usually a few days).
- Clean the interior with hot water.
To clean out your fireplace, you will need to use either an ash vacuum or wet/dry shop vac if available since these tend to work better than standard vacuum cleaners for removing ashes. Next, mix soap and water in a bucket until it is sudsy then use a soft brush to wash the inside of your fireplace. Use a damp towel or sponge to clean any remaining ash from the exterior of your wood burning stove, and wipe it dry with a lint free cloth.
Clean out creosote Buildup or risk Chimney Fire
Creosote is highly flammable so it must be removed from the chimney to prevent fire. This can be done by using a chemical cleaner, or burning high-temperature logs with built up creosote for several hours until it is gone.
Prepare your Wood Burning Fireplace for useBefore you start using your fireplace again, make sure that there are no obstructions in the chimney. If you have a fireplace screen, now is also a good time to place it back in front of your fireplace so that no sparks escape outwards where they could burn your home or garden down.
- Make sure there are no embers still smoldering inside before turning on the gas supply line and lighting up with firelighters.
- Make sure your chimney is properly sealed to prevent smoke leaks and drafts at the top of your fireplace before leaving home or going to bed for the night.
- Ensure your Wood Burning Fireplace is Clean and Ready to UseBefore using the fireplace again, make sure that there are no obstructions in the chimney. If you have a fireplace screen, now is also a good time to place it back in front of your fireplace so that no sparks escape outwards where they could burn your home or garden down.
- Clean out creosote buildup or risk chimney fireCreosote is highly flammable so it must be removed from the chimney to prevent fire. This can be done by using a chemical cleaner, or burning high-temperature logs with built up creosote for several hours until it is gone.
Tools and Tips
- A clean fireplace has a higher heating efficiency.
- You can use an ash shovel to remove the ashes from your stove or chimney, but it is important that they are dry before you do so. You should never try to move hot ashes with anything other than tools made for this purpose, as you could seriously burn yourself!
- If your fireplace is not used often, you may want to invest in a grate that allows air to circulate under the wood.
- This will help reduce creosote buildup and prevent smoke from seeping into other rooms of your home!
- Once it’s time for winter weather, we recommend investing in an effective chimney cover. This will prevent the snow from getting inside your chimney and will also protect it against ice.
- It is important to remember that you shouldn’t cover up your fireplace before winter starts, as this may lead to a buildup of moisture inside the flue.
- Never burn wet wood!
- If you are moving your fireplace to a different place, make sure the chimney is sealed and secure. If it’s not already there, consider adding mesh wire around the edges of any skirting boards or flooring to prevent creosote from dropping onto other surfaces below.
- Remember to keep your wood dry and firewood covered at all times.
- If you are stacking it outside, make sure the stack is completely covered or that there is a tarp between each layer of logs to prevent moisture from getting into your pile!
- You should also consider adding an extra door mat in front of your fireplace for added safety.
- This will help you remove any dirt or debris that may be on your shoes before entering the room, which could fall into the fireplace and cause a blockage! You should also regularly check for spider webs around your flue as they can create an extra layer of fire risk if left unattended too long.
- Never use flammable liquids to start a fire!
- This will only make your chimney more dangerous and can cause an explosion instead of starting the fire. Also, never use gasoline or any other flammables in place of kindling. You should always have plenty of newspaper or dryer lint on hand for this purpose!
Call the Professionals
If you don’t feel confident in cleaning out your fireplace by yourself, it is best to call the professionals. They will be able to safely clear away any ashes, soot or creosote that has built up over time and prevent a fire hazard from developing in your home. Check with family members for recommendations before hiring someone.
Environmental Protection
Agency says that it is important to properly maintain your fireplace if you use wood as a primary source of fuel. If not, the contaminants produced by burning solid fuels may cause health problems for some people who are exposed to them on regular basis.
Be sure to check out our firewood calculator so you know how much firewood you need before heading out to buy it.
Safety Tips
- Keep people and pets away from the fireplace. Make sure no one is in front of it before you light a fire.
- Cover up all flammable things around your home, including furniture or curtains near by with anything that can burn easily if they are not being used for some time.
- Keep an eye on your fireplace when it is lit. It should be at least one meter away from anything flammable, including the material of the home itself. Check that nothing close to it can catch fire easily or even ignite quickly into flames if something does happen.
- Make sure you have a working smoke detector in each floor of the home.
- Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, which you know how to use properly, in case anything happens and the fireplace needs emergency attention.
- Don’t forget that there is always someone available to help if needed – just call 911 or your local fire department right away! You can also visit this website for different ways to stay safe during winter.
- Keep all windows closed tightly or put up temporary plastic shutters if you are planning on leaving the home for a while.
- Make sure your fireplace is free of ash, burned logs and other debris before closing it off with any doors or covers. This will avoid carbon monoxide buildup in your home.
- Keep a window open or have some air ventilation between rooms that are closed off from each other to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning if you’re going to leave the house for a long time.
- Keep all flammable things away from the fireplace while it is being used, including furniture or curtains near by.
- Keep an eye on it while it is being used, making sure no one is standing in front of it until the fire goes out.
- Make sure you have a smoke detector installed with every floor of your home and that they are all working properly so you can get help if needed quickly. You can also visit this website for different ways to stay safe during winter.
FAQs
Are you wondering what to do with your fireplace?
Are you considering using it or are there some preparations that need to be made beforehand? We have put together this guide for those who plan on burning wood during the winter.
When should I start preparing my fireplace for winter?
You can begin readying your fireplace as soon as fall begins, but it is best to start early in order to have enough time.
Should I burn wood during the winter?
Yes, if you are prepared for it! If not, then we recommend that you read our beginner’s guide on how to light a fire. However, if this is something that interests you and makes sense under your circumstances, be sure to read this article first.
What is the best type of wood for burning?
There are several different types that you can use. Picking out the right one all depends on your personal preferences and what kind will work best with your fireplace. If you have never used a certain type before it may take some time to get used to it.
What are the best tips for burning wood?
Be sure that you have your firewood cut into smaller pieces before starting up a blaze, this will help facilitate more efficient combustion. Be careful not to overload the fireplace with logs at once as well! It is recommended that you only put in two or three pieces at a time. Finally, make sure to keep the flue open while you are burning wood!
What is the best way to clean my fireplace?
It really depends on what type of wood you are burning. If you just use kindling then it will not be necessary, but if you have an actual fire going than we recommend using a brush and broom. We also suggest that after every few fires that you take out ash from the inside of the fireplace.
How long should I burn wood for?
It all depends on your personal preferences, but typically it is recommended that you keep a fire going no more than three hours at a time and to let the embers cool down before introducing any new logs. Once they are hot enough though, then feel free to continue burning away!
What are the most common mistakes people make when burning wood?
There are many different mistakes that users tend to make, but one of the biggest is not properly cleaning their chimney before starting a fire. Another mistake that they usually do is overloading it with logs at once and even leaving them in there after the fire has been put out. Make sure to not make these mistakes and your fireplace should continue burning wood smoothly!
What are some common misconceptions about burning wood?
There a lot of different myths that tend to be repeated over and over, but one of the biggest is thinking that it will emit more carbon dioxide than other types of fires. Burning wood does not produce as much carbon dioxide and it actually produces a large amount of heat!
When should I start preparing my fireplace for winter?
You can begin readying your fireplace as soon as fall begins, but it is best to start early in order to have enough time.
Conclusion
As you can see, wood-burning fireplace is a perfect way to heat your home. And now that winter has officially begun it’s time to prepare the hearth for the next months of autumn and ernest coldness. If you read this article, we hope that by following these simple steps you will be able to enjoy your home and the fireplace for many years ahead.