A fireplace can be a good attraction in any single-family rental home in Lutherville-Timonium. Yet fireplaces also present a handful of unique risks to renters. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireplaces are the leading cause of home fires in the U.S., causing nearly 500 deaths and over $1 billion in property damage every year. To enjoy your fireplace and stay safe at once, it is essential to go along certain fundamental fireplace safety rules.
The most common reason a fireplace causes a house fire is due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimney. Ultimately, wood-burning fires produce a thick layer of soot and ash, called creosote, on the inside of the chimney walls. If not properly cleaned, this material can ignite, causing significant damage to the property and threatening the safety of everyone in the home. Other setbacks, like dead leaves, bird nests, or falling bricks can block the airflow in the chimney and cause sparks to fly out into the room, possibly igniting rugs, nearby décor, or furniture. In the case of gas fireplaces, and obstructed chimney could cause dangerous fumes to vent into the home. Either status is extremely perilous for you and the home’s other tenants as well.
To avoid these and other problems, there are several important steps that you should obtain. First, use only the recommended types of fuel for your fireplace. For wood-burning fireplaces, that is dried and well-seasoned wood free of any chemicals or accelerants. For gas or electric fireplaces, never put anything in the flames. This can bring on showers of sparks and hot ash capable of starting the house on fire. Chimney fires can become as hot as 2000°F, too hot to crack bricks, dissolve metal, and catch your attic, wall, and roofing on flames. Correct use of your fireplace is one of the best ways to avoid such dangers.
Afterward, ensure to supervise the use of your fireplace carefully. For both gas and wood fireplaces, never leave a lit fireplace unsupervised. It is crucial to have an updated fire extinguisher nearby and to make sure that you regularly change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If your fireplace possesses an operating manual, keep it in an accessible location for easy reference. Make sure not to come too close to the fireplace while lit and be sure to monitor any pets attentively to prevent injuries and casualties.
Conclusively, you must check with your property manager or landlord to check if the fireplace is being regularly inspected and cleaned. A reliable property manager will have a fireplace maintained frequently to confirm that it is in good working condition and ventilating correctly. To stay safe, it is essential to perceive that pilot lights, valves, and sensors are working correctly and that you understand how to function your fireplace correctly. If your landlord gives you materials on fire safety, read through them carefully before attempting to use your fireplace. For tenants, obeying appropriate fireplace safety is an essential component of keeping you and your properties out of destruction’s way.
Exhausted of implementing it yourself? Why don’t you give Real Property Management Essentials a call? We don’t mind if you hold one rental home or many, we aim to protect and maximize your real estate investment. Reinforced by over 30 years of nationwide experience, our crew of Lutherville-Timonium property managers is here to help rental home owners maximize rental income while minimizing expenses and inefficiencies. Contact us online or give us a call at 410-832-3138 today.
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