A fireplace is a great feature that will add elegance and comfort to any home. But to get the most from your fireplace, you must take care of your chimney. Proper chimney maintenance practices will help you avoid the need for chimney repairs and will keep the fireplace safe and enjoyable for your family. The team at Absolute Chimney Service in Kennebunkport has been helping the residents of southern Maine use their fireplaces safely since 1979.

They recommend the following chimney maintenance practices:

Build Fires Properly 

Using best practices to build a fire is essential for maintaining your chimney and keeping your home safe. Always place logs in the back of your chimney grate and provide the proper support to prevent them from slipping. Never use green wood, old furniture, or other inappropriate fuel sources for your fire, as this could release toxic gases into the air and create blockages in your chimney. Keep other objects at a safe distance from both your fireplace and the chimney, and never leave an open flame unattended.

Other Safety Practices

Of course, there’s more to chimney maintenance than knowing how to build a fire. Be sure to store any ashes from your fires in a safe, noncombustible container. Never keep these materials in the garage or other locations where fuel and other flammable materials are present. In addition, consider investing in carbon monoxide detectors, which can warn you if toxic gases are present in the air. This protects your family and also informs you when your chimney is not ventilating like it should.

Get Regular Cleanings & Inspections 

Few things are more important for the continued safety and well-being of your family than getting regular chimney inspections. A chimney cleaning and inspection ensures proper ventilation, which enables toxic gases to escape safely into the outdoors. These inspections also allow professionals to identify any potential issues with your chimney before they become serious problems. 

For all your chimney maintenance needs, you can depend on the team at Absolute Chimney Service. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (207) 967-2274.