Read on for important info about firewood and fire safety in your Joppa home.
One of the greatest things about the chill of winter is the opportunity to build a comforting, beautiful fire in your home fireplace. Having a wood-burning fireplace requires that you educate yourself about building a fire safely, which includes much more than just a match and some wood. Read on for important info about firewood and fire safety in your Joppa home.
Firewood Choices
When it comes to choosing the firewood you’re going to use in your Joppa fireplace, keep these things in mind. First, the best fuel tends to come from deciduous trees – so if the tree variety loses its leaves in the fall, it is a good choice. Conifers and softwoods tend to have too much sap. Some varieties, like cedar, have even been known to pop over the grate and out on to the floor. The wood you burn should also be adequately seasoned or kiln-dried.
Firewood Storage
Make sure that you have a good place to store your firewood outdoors. Only bring in what you need to avoid tracking in pests or mold. The outside storage should have shelter from moisture and allow air to circulate around the wood.
Firewood and Other Fuel
While using some old newspaper for kindling to start a fire is fine, you should not use anything other than wood for fuel. Don’t burn any papers with plastic or waxy coatings, anything synthetic, or even old rags, since the fumes from burning them could be toxic. The other thing that fuels a fire is oxygen – without enough of it, the fire won’t burn as hot and could go out. If your fires aren’t burning hot enough, have a professional come out to check the chimney to make sure that there is adequate oxygen flow.
General Safety
Having a fireplace is nice, but you have to make sure you’re following basic safety measures. Never leave a fire unattended, and definitely don’t leave kids or pets alone near a fire. Also, when you’re building a fire, build it towards the back of the firebox. This will help ensure that the smoke goes up the chimney, not out into the room.
Questions? Lehnhoff’s Supply is Here to Help
If you still have more questions about how to best prepare your landscape or garden for summer and fall, the trained professionals at Lehnhoff’s Supply are here to help you. Find us at 2708 Belair Road, Fallston, MD 21047 and give us a call at 410-510-7646. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
We serve but aren’t limited to, the following parts of Maryland: Harford County – Fallston, Forest Hill, Joppa, Edgewood, Bel Air, Churchville, Havre de Grace, Jarrettsville, Street, Aberdeen, Abingdon, and Joppatowne.
In Baltimore County: Kingsville, Perry Hall, Overlea, Fullerton, Nottingham, Parkville, Towson, Carney, Loch Raven, Lutherville, Timonium, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Sparks, Glyndon, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Ruxton, Parkton, Glen Arm, Baldwin, Monkton, Long Green, White Marsh, Rosedale, Phoenix, and Fork.
