Michigan Chimney Repair: What NOT To Burn In Your Fireplace

The weather in Michigan is getting colder, which means it’s almost time to start warming up the fireplace. As you prepare for this season, it’s important to understand what you can and cannot burn in your home. We have handled a number of brick repair and chimney repair projects in the past as a result of burning the wrong items in a fireplace. You can avoid such catastrophes with the tips below.

Gift Bags And Wrapping Paper

Your fireplace may seem like a convenient place to throw gift wrap after a birthday party or holiday celebration, but that is never a good idea. Wrapping paper is extremely flammable. It ignites faster than the chimney can handle, which means that the flames will start spilling out of the front of the fireplace. Even with a screen in front of your fireplace, the flames will be too large to contain. Not only will this damage your walls, carpeting, mantle, and other home elements, but it will also put your family at risk. When it comes to gift wrap, trash it – don’t burn it.

Styrofoam Packaging And Packing Peanuts

Another item you may be tempted to throw in the fireplace is Styrofoam packaging, like what you might get in a box for a new microwave or television. Packing peanuts can also be a nuisance to throw away, so you may decide that the fireplace is a good alternative. The problem here is not so much the speed in which the foam burns as much as the chemicals it emits when it does burn. These chemicals are incredibly toxic and bad for the environment. Most of them will go up through your chimney, but some will float inside your home. You may also have pieces of black, burnt foam in the air, which will be a big hassle to clean up.

Pizza Boxes And Cardboard Boxes

Pizzas boxes are clunky and they take up a lot of space in a trashcan. The same can be said for cardboard boxes, like the ones you may use when you move or get food from the store. These are not items you want to put in the fireplace because they burn quickly. Much like with the wrapping paper, the flames can come out of the front of the fireplace and put your home in danger. The best thing to do is to break down the boxes and make them as small as possible for the trashcan.

If you need chimney repairs or chimney cleaning in Michigan as a result of burning the wrong items in a fireplace, contact Brickworks Property Restoration at 586-868-3234.