4 Tips to Ensure a Long-Lasting Fireplace Masonry Installation
Nothing feels quite like gathering around a cozy fireplace with family and friends, but ensuring that the fireplace masonry lasts for years to come involves properly considering multiple factors throughout the installation process. There are a few essential steps you can take to prevent damage to your masonry. And one is by ensuring that you hire the right masonry contractor for the job. Here are other four vital tips to ensure your fireplace masonry lasts as long as possible:
Choose Appropriate Materials
Make sure that the materials used to construct the fireplace masonry are suitable to your environment and the intended use. What works well in one part of the country will not always be suitable for another location. As a general rule, clay masonry units such as concrete blocks are the preferred materials for an outdoor fireplace, with fire bricks being best for indoor applications.
Adhere to Building Codes
Familiarize yourself with local, state, and security codes before you build your fireplace masonry. Most towns and cities have specific requirements for venting, clearances, and other safety aspects related to a fireplace’s construction. Make sure to get the necessary permits and inspections when building a fireplace, and adhere to the existing building codes.
Check Before You Burn
Treat your fireplace masonry like an automobile and perform regular check-ups after each use. Visually inspect the outside of your fireplace and the surrounding hearth. If dirt, debris, or creosote accumulate on your masonry, you can use a brush and masonry cleaner to remove the build-up. Also, check vents, cuts, and joints to make sure they haven’t degraded, cracked, or pulled apart.
Don’t Contribute to Fire Hazards
Masonry fireplaces need to be regularly maintained to prevent combustion byproducts from collecting on the walls and possibly creating a fire hazard. Don’t leave any combustible materials such as kindling and newspaper in your masonry. Make sure to let the fire burn in a contained and controlled fashion.
We hope these four tips will help you prevent damage to your fireplace masonry and ensure it lasts for years to come. If you ever need assistance with masonry installation, repair, and maintenance, CMI Services is the masonry contractor that you can rely on. Our services are available to those in Des Moines, IA and you can easily reach us by calling (515) 328-6511!