Are Wood Fireplaces Safe?

What is Fireplace Safety?
Prevention of fire accidents and air pollution from the fireplace is the primary concept of safety for your home. Regular maintenance of the fireplace is very important for ensuring safety. Cleaning, part repairs and replacements, and isolation of fireplace from flammable objects can also ensure safety. Now, you can apply these parameters to the wood fireplace and see how safe it is.
Wood Fireplace – Probability of Fire Accidents
Overloading could be one of the most common causes of fire accidents. Poor maintenance of firebox could be the other reason. Using materials other than wood can also cause fire accidents. For example, you can consider dry leaves and other combustible debris from your home and garden. Clogged chimney, improper brick insulation, and improper design of opening could be the other probable causes.
The probability of fire accidents from the wood fireplace could be higher compared to the gas fireplace. It could be due to the complex maintenance procedures and faster aging of the furnace due to heat stress on its internal parts.
The wood fireplace will be active even after the wood has burnt out. The ashes can also spark the fire and cause accidents.

Wood Fireplace – Probability of Air Pollution

The volume of soot, dirt, and dust from the wood fireplace is higher compared to a gas fireplace. Moreover, carbon monoxide deposits within the fireplace and the chimney grows faster. They can frequently block the exit path, resulting in internal pollution. Cost of maintenance could be higher than the gas fireplace.
It could be highly difficult to detect the leaking of carbon compounds into the home premises where the fireplace is installed. It is because they are colorless and odorless. Long term exposure and inhalation can result in critical or chronic health conditions. More on this website