Is this the first time you are installing a chimney? Here are a few fireplace dos and don’ts as given by fireplace repair experts:

Fireplace Dos

These are the things you should do to keep your fireplace in top shape. Some of these things include:

Burn the right wood: The type of wood you burn has a significant impact on the amount and type of heat you have. The type of wood also determines the amount of creosote that your chimney produces. To be on the safe side, make an effort of burning hardwoods such as oak, birch, maple, and ash. These woods produce less creosote and are often hotter.

You should also burn seasoned wood. This is wood that has been air dried for at least six months. The wood burns better and leaves less creosote residue. As a consequence, you don’t have to undertake chimney sweeping more regularly.

Choose a heavy fireback: The more massive the fireback is, the longer it radiates heat. According to chimney repair experts, firebacks come in handy in increasing the efficiency of the fireplace. According to the experts, the units enhance the effectiveness of the fireplace by up to 50%. There are many types of firebacks you can choose from. All you need to do is choose the right one for your application.

Undertake regular inspections: Just like any other unit in your home, you need to inspect your chimney regularly. You can do it on your own or hire a chimney contractor to help you out. At least once a year, hire a contractor to go around your chimney and fix any issues that might be there. In addition to chimney inspection giving you peace of mind that your chimney is in good shape, it also ensures that bigger chimney problems don’t come about.

Fireplace Don’ts

Don’t live with a cracked chimney: Is your chimney breaking? While the break might seem minor, it poses a danger to your home. If you notice a crack in your chimney, contact a masonry contractor as soon as possible.

Don’t install the fireplace on your own: Some homeowners try to install the chimneys on their own. This shouldn’t be you especially if you haven’t done it before. While the installing of the fireplace might seem easy, it requires specialized skills. The same thing applies to the installation of the chimney inserts and stoves. The best way of going about it is to hire a chimney company to do the work.