Fall is officially here & nights are getting chilly. We are turning on our furnaces & installing storm windows. Winter is just around the corner. Soon we will be closing & sealing windows & adjusting weather stripping.     There's nothing New Englanders enjoy more this time of year than a cozy fire. Following some important maintenance & safety tips will ensure the fire is contained to the firebox where it belongs. HAVE YOUR FIREPLACE INSPECTED ANNUALLY Your chimney sweep can examine creosote build up, the condition of bricks, mortar, tile & flue, as well as chimney caps & flashing and make necessary recommendations. KEEP YOUR MASONRY IN GOOD REPAIR Bricks or clay tiles can suffer wear and tear and break over time. This allows heat and fumes access to the home causing an increased fire hazard. CLEAN YOUR FIREPLACE AFTER YOU HAVE BURNED ONE CORD OF WOOD A cord of wood measures 4 ft. tall by 4 ft. wide and 8 ft. long. AVOID BURNING SOFT WOODS Hard wood leaves less creosote deposit. Creosote is a blackish brown residue that sticks to chimney walls. It is highly combustible and should be removed regularly. NEVER BURN PAPER IN A FIREPLACE Ash can rise out of the fireplace and ignite the roof and surrounding vegetation. NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED Sparks can sometimes get through mesh screens and land on carpeting, hardwood floors and furniture.   fall page 1 | fall page 3 back     Home | Who We Are | Policies Offered | Companies Represented Privacy Statement | Save Money | Community Service | Contact Us