
As Winter transitions to Spring, our thoughts shift from indoors, cozy fireplaces, hot chocolate to beaches, cocktails and the warm, sunny days of Summer. This is the time of the year when you should have a reminder set to call your local Service Agent!
Fireplaces are not often used in the warm months. However, this is when the Service Agent can do his best work, and prevent foreseeable damage that may cause a problem next Winter. You can increase the lifespan- and your ongoing enjoyment of your fireplace by simply giving your fireplace a little bit of tender loving care after it has worked so hard for you during the Winter.
Door rope seals, deflectors and grates are likened to spark plugs, tyres and windscreen wipers on a car. Neglect can result in a ripple effect of damage that will end up costing you a whole lot of money all at once to have your unit fixed, or in some cases, outright replaced.
Mary Poppins had the right kind of friends! Our preferred service agent may not be as entertaining as Bert and his crew dancing on London’s rooftops, but he will get the job done and keep your precious fireplace in tip top shape for a long, long time!
The bottom line is that you are making a fire inside of your fireplace. You may be thinking, “DUH!” but oddly enough people forget that fire is highly corrosive! The fact that you are making fire in it means that components will wear down. You will need to replace these at some point. The most commonly replaced of these include: the grate, deflector/baffle plate, internal bricks (in steel units), door rope seals, glass rope seals, glass clips, and sometimes the ceramic glass.
Here’s the rundown of what a complete service includes.
CHIMNEY SWEEP:
All flues (chimney pipes) require a regular, good sweep. As you use your fireplace – especially if you are not using seasoned wood – soot residue will build up like cholesterol inside your flue. Over time, this will choke the chimney, potentially causing your fireplace to smoke out into your house. Chimney fires can also be caused by years of soot build up that dries out and reaches flashpoint temperature. These are super dangerous, and can result in your house burning, putting your family at serious risk… BUT, with regular sweeping and maintenance, this can be avoided altogether!
CORRECTIVE RUST MAINTENANCE:
One thing that we can guarantee is that your fireplace WILL rust! There is no such thing as a rust-proof fireplace. The internal parts of any fireplace will rust faster than the outside. Rust causes a thickening of the steel/cast iron on internal parts, behind rope seals, around door hinges, etc. Door handles can break and glass panels can crack all because of the pressure caused by swelling rust spots. There is, however, no need to fear! Regular maintenance will keep all of this under control.
WATERPROOFING CHECK:
In order to install a wood burning fireplace, 90% of all chimneys require a hole through the roof. Hopefully, your fireplace was installed with the correct roof seal, and this can be checked on your service. Your service agent should inspect and rectify any issues regarding waterproofing.
RESEATING THE GLASS:
Heating and cooling causes metal to expand and contract. This slight movement, as well as the opening and closing of the door, sometimes allows for the ceramic glass panel in the door of your fireplace to shift. If left unchecked, and the glass touches the metal of the door, it can cause the glass to crack. Glass rope seals are also important to prevent this glass on metal contact.
COMPONENTS CHECK:
Deflectors, hinges, grates, glass clips and ropes, interior and exterior panels, vermiculite/ceramic boards, etc. all need to be checked. Your service agent should know what to look for, and either do the correction or report their findings to you if replacement parts are needed.
TOUCH UP:
Rust spots, accidental spills, and melted lego blocks or car keys can cause unsightly marks. It is easy to touch these up with sandpaper and paint which your service agent should have on hand.
Service agents are super busy during the Winter season. Having your unit is serviced during Summer will ensure that your servicing experience is much more relaxed and thorough.
IN-BETWEEN DIY MAINTENANCE: We recommend that you lubricate hinges and door latches between services, and ensure your wood is well-seasoned,