Fall Fireplace Maintenance & Decorating Tips

Is Autumn your favorite season? For many, this is the time of year they wait for all year. The days become cooler. The nights are getting colder. You bring out those comfy sweaters and warm fuzzy throws. Now is the time to think about the maintenance that may need your attention.

This is a two-part blog. One to discuss the needed maintenance before you light your fire for the season. And second, some fall decorating tips. So, let’s get right to it.

Fall Maintenance

Here is what you need to think about as the fall burning season begins:

• Annual Inspection and Chimney Sweep: Now is the time, if you have not done so thus far, to call your professional chimney company to book your inspection and chimney sweep.
• Get your wood: The best wood to burn in your fireplace is well-seasoned, hardwood. Be sure to buy wood that has been seasoned for at least six months. If you have to cut wood yourself, let it sit in a well-ventilated area for six months to one year for proper burning. We suggest burning hardwoods such as oak, maple, hickory, ash, and birch. Burning well-seasoned, hardwood will give you a more efficient fire. It will also reduce smoke emissions and create less creosote.
• Ventilation: Be sure that you have proper ventilation. Check your damper, make sure that it is open all the way.
• Fireplace screen or glass doors: For your safety secure a fireplace screen or glass doors. This will protect you and your family from sparks being sent into your living room.

Fall Decorating

It is a time of year when all the colors of fall peak out. From the oranges of pumpkins to the burgundy of mums, you are sure to get an array of colors for decorating.

Mantel

• Decorate your mantel with pumpkins: You can find many different colors as well as textures to make your mantel pop. Display them in vignettes. A group of three is popular.
• Candles will enhance any mantel: Don’t be afraid of color. The autumn is a time to display all the wonderful neutral colors.
• Artwork and mirrors: Add a mirror or a piece of artwork above your mantel. You may also want to lean it against the back wall for a nice touch.
• Flowers: Use the colors of mums to decorate your mantel.

Fireplace Hearth

• Don’t leave the fireplace hearth vacant: Decorate with lanterns, candles, and sprigs of leaves. Now is the time to collect the beautiful changing leaves.
• Small scarecrows, ghosts, or witches can be placed to decorate the hearth: This is a great time of year to decorate for Halloween.

Contact Us Today!

Schedule your annual inspection and chimney sweep! We are a third-generation chimney and fireplace company, dedicated to giving you the best quality and craftsmanship in Western New York.

We currently look at over 2000 chimneys each year and can give you the confidence that we are educated on every aspect of your chimney. Our owners are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, National Fireplace Institute, and National Chimney Sweep Guild, yielding the highest quality of expertise for our customers.