Maintaining Fireplace Safety

With the temperatures dropping, it’s starting to become cold outside, causing our homes to be chillier than normal. While we may dread the cold, we’re excited to start using our fireplaces. Not only do they provide warmth, but the aesthetic a fireplace gives us is so cozy and homey. While we always enjoy the ambiance of them, it’s crucial to be aware of the dangers a fireplace can cause if they’re not well kept or paid attention to.   

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), “Slow-burning chimney fires don’t get enough air or have fuel to be dramatic or visible and they often go undetected until a later chimney inspection….” The fire can get hot and cause damage to the chimney. The scary thing is realizing that the fire that’s so comforting, can also be dangerous in Utica area homes.

Cooler weather means we need to heat our homes, whether it’s by a furnace, chimneys, or pellet stoves, we need some source of heat. Let’s face it, what’s nicer than a fire burning when you’re sitting down to relax with a book or turning on a fun TV show?  

Many Mohawk Valley diehards say they stay in the area because they love the change of seasons. And a beautiful fireplace is something many of us look forward to.

However, an average of 17,600 chimney fires occurred annually in the United States between 2015 and 2017. With these statistics that might be eye-opening, what can you do to make sure your fireplace doesn’t cause a catastrophe in your home? Follow these safety tips and teach those in your home about them, too. 

Fireplace Safety Tips

1. Participate in yearly chimney inspections. We recommend you hire a certified CSIA sweep for the job. If you’re looking for recommendations, contact us and we can assist you. 
2. Burn seasoned firewood only! That means the wood has been split for at least six months to a year and stored, covered, and elevated.We also suggest that only firewood is placed in the chimney. Do not put anything other than seasoned firewood in there, such as treated wood, outside branches, or Christmas tree branches
3. Keep furniture or any combustible material away from the heat of the chimney. The fire gives off high temperatures and often sparks can be released from the fireplace. If that happens,  things can easily catch on fire, potentially leading to a house fire.
4. Investing in a fireplace screen can help to protect your home, and items surrounding the fireplace, from high temperatures and sparks. The screen catches flying sparks as the logs pop every so often, as mentioned previously. As they are a requirement in all homes, make sure your smoke detectors are working and are frequently tested to ensure that the alarm will sound should anything happen.
5. Never leave your home unattended while a fire is still burning. Rule of thumb: Once the fire is going, you are staying!

How to Make Sure the Wood is Good

Believe it or not, freshly cut firewood contains up to 45% water. Seasoned firewood is down to 20-25% water. The problem with water in green wood is that it takes more energy to burn the wood, meaning less heat is delivered to your home. Moreover, acidic water ends up deposited in your chimney.

So, how do you know your wood is properly seasoned? That is, cut 6 months to a year before burning and dried in the sun. Seasoned firewood has darker ends with cracks and splits visible to your eye. It tends to be relatively light and when you knock two pieces together, it makes a distinct clunking noise.

Greenwood, on the other hand, is heavier with fresher-looking ends. When greenwood is knocked together it makes a dull thud that is not as loud as seasoned firewood. Of course, the best way to know is to buy split wood in the spring for use the next winter. We suggest buying your wood from a supplier you know and trust! Support locals.

Homeowners Insurance Will Respond in Case of Fire

Here at Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig, Inc. we realize that no matter how careful you are, accidents happen. What if your chimney catches fire? Or a spark causes a fire in your home? Will your homeowner’s insurance policy respond? The easy answer is, yes it will.

The question is, will you have enough coverage? Are you wondering about a second opinion on your homeowner’s insurance policy? Looking to save money? Give us a call and we’ll go over your current policy and premiums with you. Our goal is to get you the right coverages for the best price that best fits your needs.

Enjoy a safe winter season in front of the warm fire!

Until next time,
Your SZW Team

SZW Insurance is your Utica area Trusted Choice™ independent insurance agent. Call us for a quote on insurance for your home, car, business, or life at 315.792.0000. Or request a quote here. In Westchester County call Zak Scalzo at 914.246.0315 or email at zaks@szwinsurance.com.