How to Maintain Your Factory-Built Fireplace for Long-Term Performance?

In modern homes, having a factory-built fireplace has become extremely popular, especially in the most recent years. The elegance and cozy ambiance a fireplace brings into the home creates a welcoming atmosphere for family and friends. While it brings this warm feeling, without proper maintenance, a fireplace can be an eyesore and create safety hazards in the home. Scheduling regular maintenance to your fireplace and chimney will ensure long-term performance, efficiency, safety, and longevity of the fireplace. 

Cleaning a Factory-Built Fireplace

Creosote is a highly flammable substance that builds up inside fireplaces after wood is burned. Over time, this black and tarry substance will accumulate and create a serious fire hazard. This is one of the main reasons why you should clean your fireplace regularly. The buildup of creosote and other debris will also reduce airflow and make your fireplace run inefficiently. Here are some tips for cleaning your fireplace to ensure efficiency and reduce fire hazards: 

• Clean the Firebox: The firebox is the area where the fire burns. This area tends to accumulate soot, ash, and other debris. It is important to let the firebox cool down before cleaning. You first will remove ashes by using a shovel, then you will work on the walls. Use a stiff brush to scrub the inside of the firebox to remove soot buildup. After scrubbing, you will follow up with a vacuum to remove any remaining debris. 
• Cleaning the door: Many factory-built fireplaces have glass doors for aesthetic purposes. The best way to clean the glass doors is by using a fireplace glass cleaner. Follow the directions on the product to ensure correct use. 
• Sweep the Chimney: Cleaning your chimney regularly will reduce the amount of creosote buildup significantly. This is best done by a professional because of the risks involved. 

When cleaning your fireplace and chimney, it is best to hire a professional. A professional chimney sweeper has the proper tools and knowledge to perform a high-quality job while being able to identify potential risks and issues with the chimney or fireplace that may be difficult to see otherwise.

Inspecting and Replacing the Firebox Liner

The firebox liner plays a major role in efficiency and heat distribution in a factory-built fireplace. With time, your firebox will experience wear and tear that can lead to inefficiency and safety hazards. 

Performing regular inspections will ensure efficiency and safety in your home. The firebox liner is a barrier that lines the inside of the firebox and shields it from heat during combustion. The liner also improves heat retention and allows your fireplace to become more efficient.

 If the liner is damaged, it compromises the safety and efficiency of the entire fireplace. You may need to replace your firebox liner if you notice any cracks, damage, discoloration, excessive creosote buildup, or a decrease in heat output.

Maintaining Vents and Airflow

Airflow plays a major role in the performance of a factory-built fireplace. When your fireplace has proper airflow, wood will burn efficiently, allowing a perfect level of heat, all while maintaining safety inside the home. When the airflow or ventilation system is blocked, your home poses a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are some tips for maintaining vents and airflow:

• Blockages or Obstructions in Air Vents: Inside the fireplace, it is easy for debris like soot and dust to accumulate over time. This can cause blockages in the vents. Be sure to check inside the firebox as well as the outside vents. Blockages on the outside vents typically occur from leaves, dirt, and nests. 
• Blockages or Leaks in Venting Pipes: Venting pipes carry combustion gases from the fireplace to the outside. Debris, creosote buildup, and damage can reduce the amount of airflow. Start by looking in the firebox for any signs of blockages or leaks

By checking for blockages or leaks in the vents and pipes, you are reducing the risk of a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning occurring in your home. A professional will be able to use their experience and knowledge to safely confirm if there are any blockages or leaks that need to be handled. 

Preventing Major Issues: Regular Inspections

Regular inspections on a factory-built fireplace will ensure its functioning properly and efficiently, as well as point out any potential hazards that could cause damage to your home. Here are a few things involved in an inspection: 

• Chimney System: Performing a thorough check on the chimney and venting systems will make sure the smoke is ventilating properly as well as ensure no blockages are happening. A blockage can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide, which is extremely poisonous, or create a fire hazard inside the home. Routinely checking for blockages will reduce the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning as well as a fire occurring. 
• Seals and Gaskets: Always check the seals and gaskets when doing a proper inspection. The seals and gaskets around the doors and venting system play a major role in keeping air and heat contained inside the fireplace. If these areas are damaged, your fireplace won’t run efficiently and can lead to harmful gases escaping into your home. 
• Cracking or Rust: While inspecting your fireplace and chimney, look for any cracks or rust, especially in the metal components. Cracks or rust can indicate water damage that can lead to serious structural damage. By checking for cracks and rust, you are reducing the risk of experiencing structural damage, which is very expensive. 

It is recommended to have your factory-built fireplace inspected and cleaned at least once a year by a professional. A certified chimney sweeper will be able to inspect your chimney and fireplace and spot areas you may miss when doing an inspection yourself. A properly functioning and well-inspected chimney will minimize future hazards and risks. 

Schedule your Fireplace and Chimney Inspection Today with Valley Chimney!

Here at Valley Chimney, we understand the importance of keeping your home safe. By hiring certified professional chimney sweepers to inspect and clean your fireplace, you are reducing hazards in your home significantly. Contact us today at Valley Chimney to schedule your chimney sweep and inspection!