As winter approaches in Colorado Springs and Monument, the last thing on your mind is probably fireplace maintenance. Many homeowners look forward to gathering around their fireplaces for warmth and comfort during the unpredictable Colorado winter. A well-maintained fireplace not only creates a cozy atmosphere but also adds significant value and beauty to your home. However, without regular care, your fireplace could become inefficient, unsafe, or even cause serious damage to your home.
Over time, issues like creosote buildup, cracked bricks, or deteriorating gas lines can arise, putting your safety at risk and reducing the overall performance of your fireplace. Whether you own a traditional wood-burning fireplace or a modern gas model, neglecting routine maintenance can lead to costly repairs or even the need for a full renovation.
At Stewart Remodeling, we specialize in diagnosing and addressing common fireplace issues before they turn into major problems. Homeowners might require repairs for a range of reasons, including cracked masonry, faulty gas lines, or outdated designs that no longer meet current building codes. In more serious cases, complete fireplace renovations may be necessary to restore both function and aesthetic appeal.
Whether you need simple repairs to fix a drafty fireplace or want to upgrade your outdated unit with modern technology and a fresh design, Stewart Remodeling is here to help. Our team has extensive experience working with fireplaces of all types, ensuring that your home stays warm, safe, and stylish throughout Colorado’s coldest months.
Why Fireplace Maintenance Matters
Taking care of your fireplace is more than just about aesthetics—it’s about safety and functionality. An improperly maintained fireplace can become a fire hazard, lead to inefficient heating, and even affect your home’s air quality. Especially in Colorado’s dry and windy winters, fire safety is paramount. A neglected fireplace can cause creosote buildup (in wood-burning models) or gas leaks (in gas models), both of which are dangerous. By performing proper fireplace maintenance, you can take actionable steps toward keeping your family safe during a Colorado winter.
Neglecting regular fireplace maintenance can lead to costly repairs or even a complete renovation. Over time, minor issues like creosote buildup cracked masonry, or faulty gas lines can go unnoticed, leading to dangerous conditions and inefficient performance.
For example, in wood-burning fireplaces, creosote buildup inside the chimney not only reduces airflow, making it harder for smoke to escape but also increases the risk of a chimney fire. Failing to inspect or clean your gas fireplace can result in gas leaks, poor combustion, and carbon monoxide exposure—serious hazards that can harm both your home and your health.
Fireplace Maintenance Tips for Wood-Burning Fireplaces
Wood-burning fireplaces are a classic feature in many homes in Colorado Springs and Monument, CO. They provide warmth and ambiance, but they also require regular upkeep to keep them functioning safely and efficiently.
Clean the Chimney
One of the most essential maintenance tasks for a wood-burning fireplace is chimney cleaning. Over time, soot and creosote (a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood) build up inside the chimney, increasing the risk of chimney fires. A blocked chimney can also prevent smoke from properly venting, which can fill your home with dangerous fumes.
Take Action: Hire a professional chimney sweep at least once a year, ideally before the start of winter. A cleaning will ensure that your chimney is free from debris and creosote buildup. If you use your fireplace heavily during the winter, schedule an additional mid-season cleaning.
Inspect the Damper and Flue
The damper controls the airflow in and out of your chimney while the flue directs smoke out of your home. Over time, both components can wear down, becoming stuck, rusted, or damaged.
Take Action: Before winter arrives, check that your damper and flue are in good working condition. Watch to make sure the damper opens and closes with ease, and inspect the flue for any signs of wear. If you’re unsure how to check these components, call a professional for an inspection.
Use Seasoned Firewood
The type of firewood you burn can significantly impact the health of your fireplace. Wet or green wood creates more smoke and causes creosote buildup in your chimney.
Take Action: Always use seasoned firewood that has been dried no less than six months. Older, dry wood burns cleaner and produces less creosote, making it safer for your fireplace. Avoid burning painted or treated wood, as these materials release harmful chemicals when burned.
Fireplace Maintenance Tips for Gas Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces are a popular choice in modern homes because they are low-maintenance and provide efficient heating at the touch of a button. However, just like wood-burning fireplaces, gas fireplaces need regular maintenance to ensure they’re operating safely.
Schedule an Annual Inspection
Although gas fireplaces don’t produce soot or creosote, several components—such as the burner, pilot light, and gas lines—need to be checked regularly.
Take Action: Have a licensed professional inspect your gas fireplace once a year to ensure everything is in good working order. The pros will check for gas leaks, inspect the ignition system, and make sure that your fireplace is properly venting exhaust gases.
Clean the Glass and Fireplace Interior
With continued use of the years, the glass on your gas fireplace can become cloudy due to the gas combustion process. Dust and dirt can accumulate inside the fireplace, affecting its appearance and performance.
Take Action: Clean the glass on your gas fireplace regularly to keep it looking clear and free of residue. Use a non-abrasive cleaner designed for fireplace glass to avoid scratching the surface. Additionally, vacuum the interior to remove dust and debris that could impact the performance of the unit.
Test the Carbon Monoxide Detector
A malfunctioning gas fireplace can leak carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that is dangerous to your health. Installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home is a crucial safety feature for homeowners with gas fireplaces.
Take Action: Test your carbon monoxide detector regularly to ensure it’s functioning properly. If you don’t have a detector near your gas fireplace, install one to keep your family safe this Colorado winter.
Don’t Ignore These Issues – Proper Maintenance Prevents Poor Performance
When minor fireplace maintenance issues are ignored, they can snowball into major structural damage. Cracked bricks or deteriorating mortar in the chimney may weaken the entire structure, necessitating expensive repairs. If the fireplace’s internal components are severely damaged, the only solution might be a complete overhaul, including removing damaged materials and rebuilding critical elements from the ground up. Not only does this require more time and money, but it can also disrupt your household, especially during peak winter months when your fireplace is most needed.
General Fireplace Safety Tips
Whether you have a wood-burning or gas fireplace, there are some general safety tips every homeowner should follow to protect their home and family.
Keep the Area Around the Fireplace Clear
Whether it’s a festive holiday season or just a cozy night by the fire, make sure the area around your fireplace is free from flammable items like curtains, furniture, or holiday decorations.
Install a Fireplace Screen
For wood-burning fireplaces, a sturdy fireplace screen can prevent sparks and embers from escaping onto your floor or furniture. It also keeps children and pets at a safe distance.
Check Smoke Detectors Regularly
Every home should have functioning smoke detectors, especially in rooms with fireplaces. Check your smoke detectors every four to six months to make sure they’re in working order.
When to Call a Professional for Fireplace Maintenance
While there are some fireplace maintenance tasks you can handle on your own, others require the expertise of a professional. If you’re unsure about the condition of your fireplace or if you’ve noticed any issues—such as unusual odors, smoke not venting properly, or difficulty lighting your fireplace—it’s time to call a pro.
A full fireplace renovation may also become necessary if the fireplace is no longer up to current safety or building standards due to prolonged neglect. By this point, your fireplace may be more of a liability than a functional feature in your home, requiring a professional to assess the damage and recommend a long-term solution. At Stewart Remodeling, we’ve seen firsthand how neglect can lead to unnecessary complications, and we’re here to help you avoid these pitfalls by offering routine maintenance, repairs, and full-scale renovations when needed.
Ready to Prepare Your Fireplace for Winter? Contact Stewart Remodeling Today!
Don’t wait until the cold hits—make sure your fireplace is ready for Colorado’s winter by scheduling a maintenance check today. At Stewart Remodeling, we specialize in fireplace repairs and renovations in Colorado Springs and Monument, CO. Whether you need a quick inspection before the winter season or a complete fireplace remodel, our team is here to help. Call us at (719) 266-0336 to schedule your consultation today. Let Stewart Remodeling help you enjoy a warm, cozy, and worry-free winter!