Many people enjoy the benefits of having a wood-burning fireplace. The warmth on cool nights, the flickering light from the flames, the wood fire smell, all add comfort and ambiance to your home. To keep your fireplace lasting for years to come, you need to make sure you properly maintain it. What should you do to maintain your wood-burning fireplace?

• Remove Ash from Firebox – wood-burning fireplaces may have an ash dump to remove ash from the firebox, or you can remove ashes from your fireplace once the fire has been completely put out and the ashes are cold. Removing ashes will ensure an even burn for your next fire and the ashes can actually be recycled. As a good source of plant nutrients, ashes can be sprinkled over flower beds.

• Hire a Chimney Sweep – Once a year your chimney should be professionally inspected and swept as a part of fireplace maintenance. Chimneys become coated with soot and debris from use over time. You put yourself at risk for a fire if the soot is not properly cleaned out yearly. At the same time your chimney is cleaned, the bricks will be inspected. Missing, loose, and cracked bricks will need to be repaired or replaced to ensure the fireplace and chimney function properly.

When lighting a fire in your wood-burning fireplace, it is important to also make sure the area around your fireplace is safe. A fireplace fender in front of your fireplace will protect you and surrounding areas from ashes and sparks from the fireplace. If you would like an antique or vintage fireplace fender for your home, Adams Fireplace Shop has a great selection online and in store at our Cambridge, MA location.