Not only do fireplaces provide physical warmth, but they provide the warmth of the soul. The home is centered around the warmth of the hearth with family and friends around. It’s safe to say it makes sense why you chose a home with a fireplace as your next home adventure. Fireplaces are like the beating hearts to homes, and now you have your own!
Fireplaces increase the values of homes, as found by a survey conducted by The National Association of Home Builders. Nearly 75% of home buyers are looking for a home with a fireplace in the living room. Fireplaces can increase the resale value of your home from anywhere between 6 and 12%.
There are a few things you should know about fireplace maintenance. Pittsburgh’s Ed’s Woodshed shares some tips below.
You probably can’t wait to use your new fireplace. You should do some things first before you begin your first use to ensure your family’s safety. The first thing you should do is learn about the previous owner’s usage of the fireplace. When you learn about the previous owner’s usage, you will be able to know what immediate next steps should be taken for maintenance and what can be scheduled for later.
For example, if the fireplace was used regularly by the previous owners, there is a good chance that more creosote has built up. This becomes especially true if the fireplace is not taken good care of. If the previous owners neglected the fireplace, you would want to make sure there are no critters who have made the chimney home. It is a good idea to get your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly, even if you do not use the fireplace.
One of the most important things you can do is to get an inspection. This can be done during the buying process by a chimney sweep. By taking this step, you can reduce the risk of more repairs and avoid potential safety hazards.
During the home buying process, you will probably learn what type of fireplace your home has. It’s important to know the unique functions of each, so you are best equipped for next steps.
Wood burning fireplaces are the most standard type of fireplace. With this type of fireplace, you will be burning seasoned firewood and keeping your home both safe and warm by using a screen or doors to prevent sparks from shooting out.
Gas fireplaces are more modern. They have come a long way and now burn very realistic-looking fires. Each type of gas fireplace requires a different kind of maintenance and usage, so it is important to know which type of gas fireplace your home has.
Electric fireplaces are more low maintenance as they produce no fumes. They are a perfect addition for a home without an existing fireplace.
With any type of fireplace, there is necessary maintenance the fireplace owner needs to be aware of. Whether you plan on frequently using the fireplace or not using it much at all, proper maintenance is important for your and your family’s safety.
Contact Ed’s Woodshed in Bridgeville to receive full-service assistance on your fireplace needs. Ed’s Woodshed has been serving the Pittsburgh area it’s high-quality fireplaces for over 35 years. Call Ed’s Woodshed at 412-257-0492!
