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Heat-resistant mesh curtains are important accessories for wood-burning fireplaces. It’s good to know how to remove the fireplace mesh curtain for annual cleaning. A fireplace usually makes the loveliest focal point for any room, but the sooty residue must be kept under control. The comparatively small amount of soot to be cleaned from mesh curtains can serve as a reminder that an unseen and dangerous buildup of creosote could be inside the chimney flue. The chimney experts at A-1 Chimney Specialist are the ones to call for help with anything related to fireplaces, chimneys, and the sooty wood fire residue called creosote.
Can My Mesh Curtain Prevent a Fire?The heat-resistant mesh curtains in your fireplace protect your home from the sparks and embers emitted by wood fires. They can also protect pets and children that may venture near the hearth opening. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has provided heating equipment statistics that lend importance to fireplace mesh curtains. Their painstaking research uncovered the following:
The best way to prevent embers and sparks from escaping through the top of the chimney is to invest in a chimney cap with mesh. The mesh on chimney caps is similar to fireplace mesh curtains, and it should also be cleaned occasionally.
Before cleaning your fireplace mesh curtains, it’s important to realize that fireplace soot is toxic. Creosote is a sooty and tar-like substance produced by wood fires. It is highly flammable, and it causes dangerous chimney fires.
A “chimney fire” is an accidental fire that ignites inside the chimney liner. It is fueled by creosote deposits, which are left behind by every wood fire. The same sparks and embers that could go into your home from the hearth opening are the ones that can start a chimney fire. It is very dangerous if a chimney fire is continually fueled by a large quantity of creosote buildup because the result is often an out-of-control home fire.
Nearly every chimney fire causes structural damage. The chimney liner is a feature of the structure that must be completely intact to protect the building and the people inside. It is essential to schedule a chimney inspection after there has been a chimney fire, to determine whether the chimney flue liner has been damaged.
Remove the fireplace mesh curtain for annual cleaning according to the manufacturer’s instructions. As needed, let a dirty mesh curtain serve as a reminder of the buildup of flammable combustion byproducts inside the chimney flue. All fire protection agencies urge homeowners to schedule annual chimney inspections. This ensures that hidden dangers are exposed, and as needed, actions can be taken to make delightful home fires safe. Annual creosote removal is recommended by the NFPA, though the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that you schedule a chimney cleaning once there is ⅛” of creosote buildup in the chimney flue.
The chimney technicians at A-1 Chimney Specialist can answer any questions you may have, such as how to remove the fireplace mesh curtain for cleaning. The more you know about your fireplace and its various components, the more you will appreciate our professional chimney sweeps.
When you have a fireplace, safety should be the priority. We provide comprehensive chimney services, which include creosote removal, chimney inspections, fireplace installation, masonry repair, chimney cap installation, chimney crown repair, damper repair and replacement, and full or partial chimney masonry rebuilds.
Give us a call today! Call 931-967-3595 in Tennessee or 256-285-4895 in Alabama for dependable chimney services and greater peace of mind. You can also reach us by filling out our online form.
