Never Burn These Things in Your Fireplace

While a fireplace is charming, it can also be a source of danger, especially if it is not used properly. Lighting up your fireplace may seem simple, but, a lot of things can go wrong. Yes, with a fire roaring in your fireplace, it may be tempting to throw in a bit of paper or cardboard box. To keep you and your family safe, burn only, dry seasoned wood and never throw any of the following items into your fireplace.

Cardboard

Small recyclable materials are used to start a roaring fire as they can catch fire quickly. However, do not use cardboard that is treated with chemicals including pizza boxes and cereal boxes as it can release hazardous fumes into the air that are harmful to breathe in. Instead, you can go with approved fire starters or small splinters of wood chipped with an ax from seasoned firewood.

Charcoal

While it is good to use charcoal in your grill, keep away from your fireplace as it can burn much hotter than wood and may exceed the temperature levels that are safe for the fireplace and chimney.

Wet wood

Wet wood is difficult to ignite and keep burning, but the problems with burning wet wood go beyond that. When wood is not burned properly it produces more smoke that causes condensation and leads to a rapid buildup of dangerous creosote. In fact, creosote buildup is one of the primary causes of Chimney Fires. When you burn wet wood it accelerates the buildup of creosote putting your chimney at risk of fire. This is why chimney cleaning St Louis should be scheduled twice a year to remove creosote from your chimney.

Christmas tree

If you have an old Christmas tree, it may be tempting to chopping it up and tossing it in the fireplace. But, burning a Christmas tree is not advisable. Like wet wood, burning x-mas tree will lead to excessive creosote buildup.

Wrapping paper

You may think why not throw all the wrapping paper in the fireplace to get rid of it easily. But, like the treated wood, the colored paper can fill your home with unhealthy fumes. Moreover, it can cause a dangerous flare-up that could cause your chimney to ignite.

Burning the right materials is the beginning of fireplace safety. But, before you start the first fire season, schedule chimney cleaning St Louis and inspection with the help of a certified chimney sweep. Once you are done with the chimney cleaning St Louis MO and ready for the cold weather, never leave a fire attended, burn only dry, seasoned wood, and never let a fire burn unattended overnight. Stay Safe!

The author works for one of the best chimney cleaning companies in St Louis. Along with a team of professionals, he provides premium quality duct cleaning and chimney cleaning. Visit https://madhattersl.com/ for more details.

With over 40 years of experience, The Mad Hatter has been offering air duct cleaning & chimney sweep services at affordable prices. We have serviced over 80,000 satisfied clients in the greater St. Louis area.