There is something delightfully traditional about fireplaces. Nothing can quite match the hypnotic feeling of sitting in front of a roaring fire, adding logs or coal, feeling the heat emanate and watching the flames flicker. A natural centerpiece and focal point of any room it graces, a fireplace provides a sense of warmth, conveys a lived-in, welcoming atmosphere, and also a very handy mantelpiece for storing your nik naks! A modern fireplace, with either gas or electric `fake fire`, can quite as easily be a design feature in a room. Indeed, recent years have seen a trend for people opening up previously boarded-over fireplaces, and if not using them for their traditional purpose, staging candle, logs or even plant displays within them, all for the purpose of aesthetics.
If however you are intending to use a fire place for burning coal or wood, then it is essential that you know how to care for your fireplace. Firstly, you must ensure that the fireplace is indeed suitable for use (especially if it has not been used for a very long time). Keeping a fireplace maintained, to ensure its safety is of the utmost importance.There are however, some hints and tips which can help you ensure that your fireplace is cared for, safe and clean.
Have an annual clean and maintenance check done by a professional chimney sweep. Although you may image a cockney lad of about eight, or short stature and covered in soot, you will in fact find that chimney technicians are CORGI registered and belong to the National Association of Chimney Sweeps. Having a professional inspect your fireplace will ensure that you can rule out damage to the flue, build ups of creosote, creosote glaze or even soot. Once the annual check has been done, it will be up to you to maintain your fire place and regularly check it - especially for bird’s nests.
Ensure you have the correct fireplace accessory equipment to allow you to maintain and clean your fireplace. Sets can usually be bought which contain dustpan, brush, stokers, pokers, bin, shovel, etc. Ensure you have a fire-guard, never burn rubbish or random materials, as they may exude poisonous fumes. Fit a carbon monoxide detector, clean the flue and plates on a regular basis, and also, obviously, ensure children do not play near your fireplace. It is advised that you do not leave a fire unattended and always ensure a fire have completely extinguished before going to bed.
Wooden fire surrounds are best cleaned with a damp soft cloth, try to avoid wax polishes, as this will build up over time and discolor the fire surround.
There is seemingly a lot of work required to maintain fireplaces, but remember you can always place a fake fire in them instead! If you are renting or buying, and your property has a fireplace ensure your estate agent has carried out annual checks on it. Whether a large firm like Right Move, or local firm like Cathedrall Lettings, all estate agents should know whether annual checks have been carried out and be aware of any previous problems with the fireplace.
