fireplace – Cooper Realty Associates

5 Reasons to Have Your Fireplace Inspected

It’s the most wonderful time of year….. for fires crackling in the fireplace that is. But before you use your fireplace too often – you might consider having it inspected by a good chimney sweep. Here are five reasons why:

1. If your chimney isn’t capped properly you can suffer leaks from both rain and snow as well as have problems with birds, rodents, or other critters building nests and/or making their way into your house uninvited.

2. If your flue liner has excessive buildup they can clean it. Excessive build up in the flue is the number one cause of house fires from fireplaces, so it’s definitely important.

3. They can ensure that the gaskets around any openings can be replaced if necessary to ensure proper operation and prevent damage.

4. They can clean the blower if your fireplace has one. This will help extend the life of your blower and prevent it from becoming a fire hazard.

5. An inspection can reveal broken, cracked, or hazardous bricks both in the lining and outer fireplace and chimney. Fixing or replacing broken bricks or mortar is important to ensure the safety and longevity of your fireplace.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Real Estate Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

5 Firewood Tips

It’s the time of year when lots of people have fires burning in their fireplaces, so here are five tips for dealing with firewood:

1. Know what a cord looks like. A cord should be 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long. If you purchase your firewood by the cord, do your best to make sure that you are getting everything you pay for.

2. Know the difference between “seasoned” and “green.” Seasoned wood is dry and has been out in the open air for a while after its been cut. Green wood still has a lot of moisture content so it burns cooler and is therefore not as efficient.

3. Consider long term storage. You should never store firewood against your house, but it should be kept in an area where it can be kept dry but still have access to the wind and sun. The best option is a shed with open sides for air circulation but a roof and raised floor to protect the wood from absorbing rain and snow.

4. Think about indoor storage. Keeping a small amount of wood indoors makes it more convenient, especially if you are using your fireplace as an alternate heat source. It is best to store about a weeks’ worth of wood indoors, if possible. The basement or garage is an excellent option for indoor storage. Just be sure that wherever you store your wood it is far from the fireplace or anywhere else where it could combust.

5. Keep safe. Of course you will want to store a very small amount of wood directly at your fireplace. There are many options for storing this wood (some more attractive than others!), so you just have to find one that fits your style and needs. However, do be sure to keep the wood far enough away that it won’t catch fire if sparks fly. And never, ever, ever store kindling or other combustible materials near your fireplace. Although it may be convenient it is not safe. A home with a fireplace is lovely. A home that catches fire because of the fireplace is just unsafe.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

3 Ways To Update Your Fireplace

With fall upon us, those of us with fireplaces will probably think about using them soon. Before fireplace season begins, consider updating your home by updating your fireplace. Here are three updates to consider:

1. Change your Mantel. Changing your mantel can work wonders, especially if you never have before. A mantel with enough depth to display photos and anything else you’d like to showcase is a necessity. Between style, material, and color, there are so many options that you can really personalize this detail of your home to your exact taste.

2. Make it More Efficient. Adding a gas or wood burning insert to an existing fireplace can make your home more energy efficient without tearing apart your home. Just be sure to research it first!

3. Makeover the Face. If you have an older fireplace that seems dingy and/or falling apart, consider installing a stone or other face over the existing wall. Often, this can be done on a tight budget, but you can also be as extravagant as you’d like!

Thinking of buying of selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.