building a home addition - what you should knowbuilding a home addition - what you should know


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building a home addition - what you should know

When building an addition to an existing home, many things can go wrong. If you don't know what you are doing, the addition may not be structurally sound, it may leak water and the electrical system could put the entire home at risk of a fire. When I added two bedrooms to the back of my house, I thought that it was going to be an easy project that could be completed in no time. Little did I know that there is a lot of planning that goes into this type of project. This blog will show you what you need to know before you begin building an addition.

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Safety Tips For Your Fireplace

Chimneys are designed to allow you to have a fire inside of your home with a very limited risk of asphyxiation or fire. The fireplace is often made from masonry but can also be made from metal. There is also the flue that vents the smoke and toxins, releasing them from the house to maintain healthy air quality. In order for your fireplace to remain safe for use, you need to make sure you are aware of the different ways you need to have maintenance tasks done and know why they are done. Here is more information on your fireplace and chimney that you need to know.

Fireplace screens are very important

One thing you want to have to offer protection from fire, floor damage, and furniture damage is a screen or glass that goes in front of the fireplace to prevent hot embers from exiting the fireplace. If they do come out and land on a surface, they can burn it and possibly even start a fire.

Knowing what's safe to burn is crucial

You are going to want to make sure you aren't burning anything that shouldn't be burned, or you can have toxic fumes enter the home that will be dangerous for yourself and your family members to breathe in.

Cleaning the flue is a must

The flue is what you are counting on to help carry the smoke and toxic gas out of the fireplace area. When you have a fire going in the fireplace, creosote will accrue on the sides of the flue and over time it will only become thicker. If it is allowed to accrue, then this can cause a blockage. Plus, it is also flammable.

This means that a blockage can cause dangerous carbon monoxide to enter the home, which puts your family in a very dangerous situation since carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless and breathing it in can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, the increased risk of fire is something to take seriously. If there is a fire in the flue, then it can easily spread to the rest of the house. In order to maintain proper ventilation and decrease fire risks, make sure you have your flue professionally cleaned each year before you begin using the fireplace again.

Conclusion

By taking the protection above and making sure to have the flue cleaned annually you can continue using your fireplace knowing you have taken the appropriate steps to keep those in your household safe.

For more information, reach out to a chimney ventilation service in your area.