Relaxation is something that is sought after by everyone in the world within all walks of life. In today’s society, people have become all too accustomed to a fast-paced style of living that doesn’t leave much time to kick their feet up at the end of the day. Between getting the kids to school, going to work, shuttling children to extra-curricular activities, and completing spontaneous errands on a daily basis, the ability to unwind at the end of the day seems like something that can only be found in a fairy tale.
Finding the time to relax might be a struggle, but whenever the opportunity for some peace and serenity presents itself, sitting in front of the warmth of a fireplace is the best way to find your Zen. Whether this takes place in your living room or in your backyard, the crackling of the burning wood is enough to turn all of the day’s stress into ash. While the mention of this ancient stress-reliever might persuade you to force more free time into your schedule or even entice you to seek ownership of your own fireplace, it is important to remember that this area of your house requires regular care and maintenance. A fireplace is an important ingredient when searching for a moment of pure bliss, but without proper care, the risk of negative consequences like house fires and carbon monoxide multiply. Listed below are some tips on how to maintain proper care of your fireplace or fire pit so that there will be nothing to worry about you ever come across the opportunity to relax.
Keep the Fire in the Fireplace
The first tip seems incredibly obvious but this precaution should not be taken lightly and is worth mentioning. In an attempt to stop house fires before they start, all flammable objects should be moved away from the fireplace. This includes rugs, drapes, and furniture, but spare firewood and tables are commonly neglected and should also be moved to a safe distance. Placing a guard in front of the fireplace should also stop any stray sparks that happen to shoot towards your living room.
Technical Preparation
Whenever there is an open fire involved with any activity, there is always a chance for mishaps. So make sure that there are working smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms installed in the house so that any accidents can be quickly recognized and corrected. The ash should also be removed from the fireplace whenever it reaches the grate so that vertical airflow is not hindered. Frequent testing of the fireplace with small amounts of seasoned wood should also be completed to verify that smoke is not entering the room, there are no unwanted objects (like bird nests or damp wood), and there is minimal soot build-up. Even when all of these precautions are taken, you should still have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a professional at least once per year.
Wood Types Matter
Seasoned fire wood should be burned as opposed to green wood. Seasoned wood is dried for 6-12 months which allows it to burn much easier than other types of wood because it does not contain as much moisture. Placing full logs into the fireplace is also not a good idea. Splitting seasoned wood before using it will generate a surface that catches fire more efficiently and it will not create as much waste as green wood or a log would. The use of hardwoods, like oak or maple, would also be to your benefit because they produce more heat than softwoods, like cedar or pine.
Make the Time!
There is no reason to put forth the extra effort that is required to maintain proper care of your wood-burning fireplace if it will never be used. Life can be hectic and, at times, it might seem like it may never slow down. However, spending quality time with your family is crucial and there are few better places to do that than in front of a warm fire. So, why not make a little extra time in your busy schedule and provide some extra effort to bond with your family and make sure that it is done right? If you still need some assistance, let American Deck and Sunroom build you a top-notch, custom fireplace. Everyone should have the opportunity to relax with their family in front of a fire so we are here to help!
As a deck builder with deep engineering roots, we believe that the planning and construction of your new outdoor living space requires the precision that only expert blueprinting, surveying and building science will bring. To put it simply: the plan works when the planning is good. Our customers aren’t just buying top quality wood— they are buying a place for their children to enjoy and grow, or to make memories that will last a lifetime. They may pay for a builder’s expertise, but they have in mind good friends sharing a bottle of wine and a quiet evening under the stars around a slowly burning fire.
American Deck & Sunroom effortlessly creates and constructs first-class custom decks, complex and beautiful paver patios, and decks for both above and in ground pools that will absolutely enhance your home. With proper maintenance, our custom architectural solutions will last a lifetime. Interested in learning more? Visit our services page for an extended list of what we offer, or check out examples of our work by clicking here.
After nearly 20 years of experience and almost 13,000 drawings later, our best credentials remain our list of satisfied customers. Though our projects are concentrated in Lexington & Louisville Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, we have projects completed from Arkansas to Rhode Island and from Dallas to Green Bay. Our custom decks, designs, and our commitment to excellence are second to none.
We only have two rules: our designs will look like they belong with the architecture of the house, and we build anything but square decks. Our goal is to go beyond what you’ve dreamed to create a unique space unlike any other. What are you waiting for? Give us a call today!
