Suggestions from Your Trusted Chimney and Fireplace Company 

Spring is in full bloom, summer is just around the corner, and in the next few months, you are not likely to use your fireplace. However, a hearth is a feature that always draws attention. So, why not take advantage of this focal point in your home and accentuate it smartly. Not only will it add a different kind of accent to your home décor, but a cleverly decked out fireplace can completely revamp the look of a room.

Top 3 Things You Can Do with Your Fireplace

There are several ways to decorate your hearth and make it a standout centerpiece when it is not being used, especially during the summer months. Here are our top 3 suggestions: 

1. Make It into a Candle Cradle or a Botanical Hub: Stack up a cluster of candles of varying sizes in a wrought iron tray or use your fireplace grate to place a bunch of aromatic votives and give your room a soft, dreamy glow. Alternately, bring on the gorgeous ferns and succulents and pack your hearth with pots and planters for a soothing, green accent to your room. 
2. Give It a Kaleidoscopic Touch: Paint the ends of wood logs and stack up a tall log pile within your fireplace to give your home décor a colorful twist. You can create a kaleidoscopic swirl in other ways, such as placing vases of vibrant florets, or a collage of photo frames inside or atop your hearth.
3. Showstopper Screens: Add a stunning screen to your fireplace and elevate the look of your entire room. You can repurpose an old window shutter, or make a trip to the thrift store for some vintage finds, or shop for beautiful gold or bronze plated designer screens from any home décor showroom. 

Before you decorate your fireplace this summer, make sure you have cleared the creosote and soot, removed the ashes and cleaned up the outer hearth. Let skilled and experienced technicians conduct an annual fireplace maintenance and a chimney sweep to ensure that your unit remains safe and efficient. 

For professional and reliable chimney inspections, choose Elite Fireplace. Call us at (610) 489-4274 today or contact us online and we will be in touch soon.   

Top Tips from Your Trusted Chimney & Fireplace Company 

There is something truly charming about sitting by the warm, dancing flames of a glowing fire. And what would be even more appealing is if you could experience this warmth while sitting in your backyard, enjoying a cool breeze and the beautiful outdoor ambience. Outdoor fire pits and fireplaces have become increasingly popular in recent years. In addition to offering comfort when there is a chill in the air, they make for an attractive design feature in your backyard. 

Whether your home has an outdoor gas fire pit, an automated fire bowl or a natural stone fire pit, read up our useful tips on fire pit safety. These will come in handy even if you are looking to invest in a new one.

Tips for Fire Pit Safety

Here are some basic guidelines to ensure that your cozy fire does not turn into a destructive inferno: 

• Pit Selection and Positioning: Your fire pit should be at least 6 inches in depth and 2 feet wide to ensure that the embers and flames are contained within the pit. Ideally, you must position your pit at least 10 feet away from any structure or neighboring property. Ensure that there are no low overhanging tree branches or covered structures above the pit. Let the fire pit sit on non-flammable surfaces such as paver blocks or concrete, and do not place them on wooden decks or directly on your lawn.
• Prepping Your Fireplace: Try to see that there are no flammable materials within 5 feet of your fire pit. Instead, pile up rocks around the pit to prevent an errant spark from transforming into a full-fledged fire. If possible, install a screen to limit the embers within the area of the pit.
• Using Your Fire Pit: Before you light your pit, take a quick look at the weather and wind conditions. If winds are strong, avoid lighting a fire during that time. Keep a container of water or a fire extinguisher close by, just in case you have to tackle a minor fire. Use only the manufacturer recommended fire starters and do not leave the pit unattended. If you have young children or pets in the vicinity of the pit, keep a close eye on them and teach them to be respectful of fire safety norms from an early age. 
• Extinguishing Your Fire Pit: Drown your pit in water and stir it with the shovel to make sure the fire is fully extinguished. Keep the shovel within easy reach if you have to snuff out any escaped sparks. Safely clear and store the ashes in a separate container; do not dump them in a paper or plastic bag or any other combustible material. Keep in mind that even after 2 to 3 days, ash can stay hot enough to cause fires.

Follow these safety precautions and make the most of your outdoor fire pit. In fact, don’t just limit its usage to a bonfire for sitting around with family and friends. Instead, use it to roast marshmallows, or add a grill on top and convert it into a versatile outdoor stove.  

When you invest in a new fire pit, or have any concerns about your existing one, rely on your local chimney and fireplace company. Let Elite Fireplace advise you and help you for all your fire pit needs. 

Call us at (610) 489-4274 today or contact us online to learn more about our services and products. A representative will be in touch soon.   

Home is where the hearth is, especially in the cold, winter months, when most activities revolve around the fireplace. You huddle around it with food, wine and friends; play board games with your family; or simply curl up for warm comfort with your loved one to enjoy a quiet, romantic evening. Whether this cozy spot is at the center of your home or in one corner of a room, it is special for all, inviting everyone to congregate, converse and feel at home.

If you have decided to install a new fireplace or replace an existing one, why not look at a location that brings out its best and exhibits the unique design that you so carefully selected. Here are some tips to determine the best location for your fireplace to create maximum impact.

Valuable Guidance from Your Trusted Chimney & Fireplace Company 

A home that has a fireplace has a charm of its own. The sight and sound of a gently crackling fire in the middle of your room adds a warm, cozy element that is irreplaceable. Are you planning to add a hearth to your home or replace an existing one? Read up our useful guide on the factors to consider before installing a new fireplace.

Advice from Your Trusted Chimney and Fireplace Company

Most of us are fond of the crackling sounds and beautiful sight of a cozy fire on a cold wintery night. But in order to enjoy warm comfort without any interruptions, your unit needs to function smoothly and safely throughout the season. Order a periodic inspection to eliminate any concerns about chimney fires or carbon monoxide leaks.

During an annual inspection, we look for buildup and blockages while a sweep will address the problems that are inhibiting performance. If you are a DIY enthusiast, you may be tempted to do this on your own. However, accessing the chimney for a thorough check is not an easy task. Trying to accomplish this without the right training and equipment may cause accidents or damage to the property. Leave fireplace inspections and chimney sweeps to the experts. Engage the services of a professional chimney and fireplace company that offers different levels of inspection. 

Expert Advice on How to Take Care of Your Fireplace at the End of the Season 

One of the coziest things to do on dreary, cold winter nights is to build a roaring fire in the hearth, and gather your friends and family around it. However, winter is almost over, and you will soon start spending more time outdoors, making the most of spring and summer. While you are enjoying the last few cozy fires of the season and making a spring cleaning checklist, remember to include your fireplace maintenance in that list. 

Due to several months of non-usage, your gas or wood burning fireplace can lead to potentially dangerous situations which can put your home and family in harm’s way. Prevent hazardous issues and expensive problems by scheduling a regular cleaning and inspection.  Here are some quick tips to optimize the life of your hearth and keep your home safe.

How Your Professional Chimney and Fireplace Company Can Help

When it comes to home maintenance, your chimney may not always receive the proper attention it deserves. Even though chimneys are designed to withstand a lot, they still require proper care to function safely and effectively. With that said, some of the most common chimney issues are caused by its frequent exposure to moisture.

Advice from Your Professional Chimney and Fireplace Company 

Its very likely you have a clothes dryer in your home. Unfortunately, many homeowners are under the false impression that cleaning out the lint trapped in your dryer is enough to keep your home and family safe. While emptying out your dryer filter before and after each load of laundry is important, it is also essential that you have your dryer vent cleaned at least once a year to ensure that you are protected against the risks associated with blocked dryer vents. 

How Your Professional Chimney and Fireplace Service Can Help 

One of the biggest advantages of a gas fireplace is that it burns very clean. However, it is unwise to assume that just because these units are incredibly low maintenance, they require no maintenance at all. 

An annual gas fireplace inspection will help you identify any potential safety hazards that may not always be visible to the naked eye. Work with our team of chimney sweep experts who can assess if your appliance is performing at its best so you can continue enjoying those warm, crackling fires over several winter seasons.  

Tips from Your Professional Chimney and Fireplace Company 

In recent years, gas fireplaces have emerged as a popular feature among homeowners. These appliances are especially attractive since they provide the same look and feel of a traditional wood burning fireplace, without the extra maintenance and high price tag. 

However, when you are choosing a gas fireplace for your home, there are many factors you must take into account. Sometimes, this process can prove to be more challenging than anticipated. Follow our simple guide, and we guarantee that you will find the perfect unit for the whole family to enjoy.