One of the highlights of wintertime is relaxing in front of a crackling fire on a cold night. However, a smoky, overflowing fireplace will ruin the ambiance – and fast.
Keep reading to learn how the pros at Rainbow Restoration recommend preventing fireplace smoke from getting into your house:
First, Why Does My Fireplace Smoke Up the House?
A fireplace and chimney seem like simple, straightforward equipment, but the engineering behind them is key to keeping your home and family safe from smoke. If any part of the fireplace doesn’t work, it’s possible for problems to arise.
Fireplace Flue
A fireplace chimney is a brick or stone structure visible from the exterior of your home. A fireplace contains something called a flue. A flue facilitates an updraft that pulls smoke and hot gasses from the fire, up and away from your home. A flue will not work properly if it is cracked, partially, or completely blocked flue (either at the chimney base or cap). Problems with a blocked flue may be due to a broken fireplace damper.
Fireplace Damper
A fireplace damper is a device that opens or closes a fireplace flue (inside the chimney). A fireplace damper closes when the fireplace is not in use to keep pests, water, and debris out of the firebox (the portion of the fireplace that sits inside your living room and where the fire is lit). When the damper is open, it allows smoke and gases from a fire to vent outside of the home. If a fire is lit when the damper is closed, smoke will fill the home.
4 Simple Steps to Avoid Fireplace Smoke in the House
Enjoy the warmth of a glowing fire – smoke-free with these tips:
- Open the fireplace damper before lighting the fire.
- Check the flue and damper by carefully holding the burning newspaper up to the damper for a few seconds.
- Burn seasoned wood, which means it has been at least 6 months since it was cut.
- Have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected once a year.
What About Existing Smoke Damage?
Has your home already experienced smoke damage from a fireplace mishap? If so, you need professional assistance right away.
Smoke in your home is unpleasant and can lead to respiratory health problems. Plus, the longer the smoke smell lingers in your home, the more difficult it will be to remove from your belongings, furniture, and carpeting.
At Rainbow Restoration, our IICRC-certified experts specialize in smoke damage remediation. From fire damage remediation to odor removal – we take steps to restore your home to its pre-loss condition and improve the indoor air quality of your home.
Choose Rainbow Restoration for Smoke, Odor, and Fire Damage Restoration
Our trusted local experts at Rainbow Restoration are standing by to help you with all your fire, smoke, and odor damage needs. Schedule an appointment online or call today to speak to a member of our team.
Is your fireplace smelly? Learn how to deodorize your home’s fireplace with help from our friends at Molly Maid. Like Rainbow Restoration, Molly Maid is a part of the Neighborly® community of trusted home service brands.
