How Well Seasoned Wood Prevents Fire Damage In Los Angeles Wood Burning Stoves

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

Wood burning stoves can add a warm look and a great amount of heat to your home. But there are some cautions with them as well.

Preparation and Prevention can Help Avert Fire Damage in Your Home

Wood burning stoves are popular with many Los Angeles homeowners. A traditional stove looks beautiful and provides a lovely, cozy ambiance in your home. However, because flames are burning in the appliance, there is always a risk of fire damage. SERVPRO recommends all homeowners who have a wood stove be aware of the risks of a blaze and take steps to prevent an incident.
 
One way homeowners can prevent fire damage in Los Angeles is by always choosing well-seasoned wood for their fireplace or stove. Also, the choice of timber is also important. For example, red oak, apple, beech, hickory, ash, and ironwood are all hard enough to burn well. It is important to choose hardwoods because softwoods do not burn as well.
 
SERVPRO warns customers against using green wood. Recently cut branches and trunks are “green,” that is to say they have not had sufficient time to dry out. Damp timber does not burn well, and even worse than that, it contributes far more to creosote build-up than properly dry wood.
 
Greenwood does not burn well because it is still damp. Incomplete combustion causes the formation of creosote, a sticky, oily substance that builds up inside the chimney and stove pipe, and can even drip down the outside of the burner. Creosote is highly flammable, and one spark can ignite a dangerous blaze that puts a home at risk.
 
Well-seasoned means that wood is properly dry. Choose timber that was cut and split (splitting helps it dry faster) at least a year ago. Proper storage is also important – a shed or even a tarp provide cover and help with the drying process. Properly seasoned wood has cracks at the end.
 
Choosing the right fuel for your fire keeps you safe, and also gives you a cleaner and more efficient burn.
 
If a fire gets out of control, SERVPRO is on hand to help with cleanup. We scrub and clean away soot and residue and take care of deodorization to leave your home feeling like your own again.
 
For help with fire cleanup in Los Angeles, Chinatown, Elysian Park and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Silver Lake / Echo Park at (323) 255-1000 today.

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