Fireplace and Your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a beautiful investment for any home. Although, being wooden, it is vulnerable to different types of damage. If you have a fireplace that is near your hardwood floors, this can be a fire hazard. Also, if little sparks of wood hit your floors, this can damage your floors. Instead of worrying about this, there are ways to protect your floors. Here are some tips:

Hearth extension

This is put right outside the fireplace and acts as an extension of the hearth, which protects your floors from damage. They can be made from different material such as brick, stone or slate.

Have a cover

Having a grate or another type of cover for your fireplace is another way to protect your floors. They have small openings to let smoke through, but are usually small enough to stop sparks from hitting your floors.

Don’t burn anything other than wood

If you try to use other flammable material like paper or plant matter, this can cause fires or burn even hotter which can damage your hearth. Also, never ever use grease, oil or any other combustible substances to start a fire.

Other Ways to Protect Your Hardwood Flooring from Your Fireplace

No matter whether you use a gas or natural wood, a fireplace can add a lot to the look and feel of a home. And the natural beauty of the unit typically pairs really nicely with hardwood flooring. However, in addition to the steps above, there are other measures you should take to maintain the floor’s integrity and longevity.

Use a Fire-Resistant Hearth Rug

A hearth extension is a great way to protect your flooring from fireplace damage, but if you can’t have one installed for whatever reason, a rug is a great replacement. Look for hearth rugs – these are fire resistant and made to catch any sparks or embers that may try to escape. Don’t discount this if you have a gas stove either!

Keep Your Fireplace Area Well-Maintained

Secondly, you’ll want to ensure you’re keeping up with regular maintenance around the fireplace during the winter season. Keep the area around the hearth clean and free of debris such as ashes and soot to minimize the risk of damage to the flooring. In addition, you can apply a sealant to the hardwood around the fireplace as an additional means of protection.

Avoid Building Fires that are Too Hot

This is primarily a concern for those with wood fireplaces, though it can happen sometimes with gas units too. Building a fire that’s too hot makes it one that is difficult to restrain. In addition, the excessive heat radiating from the fireplace can lead to damage – not just to your hardwood, but to the hearth and the fireplace itself.

 

As long as you follow these simple steps, your floors will get through the wintertime damage-free. If you want to know more about how to protect your floors this season, contact our flooring experts at Signature Hardwood Floors 410.415.0755 or click here today! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn!