If you own a home with a wood-burning fireplace, you likely know the importance of keeping up with routine maintenance. This includes removing ashes from the firebox. When it comes to how often concerning this particular chore, you may be surprised to learn that The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) advises homeowners against removing ashes on a daily basis. In fact, they recommend leaving an insulating layer of ashes about an inch deep in your firebox. This makes it easier to build and maintain a fire.
However, you do not want to neglect your ash level for too long though. It can cause the premature burning out of the grate. Removing and disposing of fireplace ash is a fairy simple task. It is also important to know how to do it safely. For over 20 years, Ace Chimney Sweeps has placed a high priority on the safety of our customers. As the provider of superior professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services to the Elkton, MD area, we would like to share some proper ash removal tips with you.
TREAT ALL ASHES AS HOT, NO MATTER HOW MANY DAYS THEY HAVE COOLED
Many people mistakenly think they have waited long enough after extinguishing the fire for the ashes to cool. However, fires are reported across the country every year because of the improper ash disposal. Fireplace ashes can stay hot enough to start a fire for days after you have put out the fire. It can be hard to know exactly how long to wait. At Ace Chimney Sweeps, we recommend that you always treat your fireplace ashes as if they were hot, even after cooling for several days.
ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE THE PROPER TOOLS AT HAND
After you have given the ashes a few days to cool down, you will need to gather a metal bucket and shovel along with a breathing mask and latex gloves. To remove ashes, you simply scoop them up with your shovel and place them into the bucket. However, it is very important that your bucket has a lid and can tightly close so that the ashes will not get oxygen to fuel any more fires. A closed lid also keep ashes from spilling out, if the bucket get knocked over accidentally.
STORE YOUR BUCKET OF ASHES OUTSIDE YOUR HOME
You will want to place the closed bucket of ashes outside on a non-combustible surface such as concrete, bricks, or asphalt to prevent a possible fire from heat transfer. After you give the ashes a few days to cool down inside the bucket, you can safely dispose them in your outside trash can.
Keep your family and home safe from accidental fires this winter. Contact us at Ace Chimney Sweeps to learn more safety practices for your fireplace this winter.