Fireplaces can be a great addition to any home because they offer comforting warmth, ambience, and a cozy atmosphere in every season. But just as they have numerous pros, there are a few cons as well, depending on the type of fireplace. If not cared for properly, even a high-end fireplace can put its owners through a lot of trouble. Traditional fireplaces are used to present a list of problems in the absence of regular or frequent maintenance. Modern and contemporary fireplaces for sale can do the same if you have no idea what you’re in for after their installation.
In this article, we will talk about the five types of common problems with fireplaces and how to address them.
1. Creosote Buildup:
A lot of people who have old-style fireplaces that burn wood as fuel know about creosote, a natural byproduct. This accumulates in the chimney of your fireplace and requires cleaning from time to time. Removing creosote is necessary because it can be a dangerous fire hazard as it catches fire very quickly. Creosote buildup can only be stopped if you get professional assistance and maintenance for your chimney. Frequently cleaning and monitoring creosote buildup can save you from accidents.
2. Poor Draft:
A draft is the flow of air that comes through a fireplace and spreads indoors. In its absence, constant fire could lead to excessive smoke in one’s home, which is a known health hazard. At times, a properly functioning fireplace may have a poor draft due to several reasons. But the most common reason is having a dirty chimney that doesn’t allow a draft to flow correctly. Making sure that there is nothing blocking the air vent is how you can avoid it.
3. Smoke Odor:
Smoke entering your home never goes unnoticed, but at times people are late to notice a persistent smoke odour. Coming from a fireplace, this kind of smoke odour can be a hassle for fireplace owners who don’t understand how and where it is coming from without someone’s help. The causes of smoke odour are identified as faulty ventilation and airflow inside your home. The best way to solve the smoke odour problem is to use a fuel that doesn’t produce smoke or an electric fireplace.
4. Carbon monoxide poisoning:
Carbon monoxide is often called the silent killer because it is a hazardous gas that has no odour or colour. It is produced when wood burns and even with other fuel sources sometimes. It could linger in the atmosphere for a while if a fireplace does not have a functional ventilation system. The consequences of having carbon monoxide in your home are deadly, and one should avoid it at all costs. To remedy this, consider installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
5. Cracks or Damage to the Chimney:
Fireplaces are said to last generations at times, but that varies these days because of external and internal causes. For starters, fireplaces from different brands do not possess the same craftsmanship and durable materials. Some fireplaces might even get damaged over time due to careless installation or some other impact. From these cracks, heat, smoke, and gases could escape and reduce the efficiency of a fireplace. To avoid such a thing, get your fireplace inspected by experts so that they can repair any cracks and damages.
Conclusion
All the common problems that plague fireplaces can be addressed with proper maintenance and care. But for that, you need to choose the right fireplace as per your preferences and lifestyle. For example, you cannot just purchase a wood fireplace if you are unprepared for all the residue and smoke. These common problems and their solutions are meant to solve all your fireplace problems.
