Getting a new fireplace is exciting, but there’s an important first step many people don’t know about. A process called breaking-in needs to happen first to your fireplace. When you get professional fireplace installation done, your installer should tell you about this crucial process . Let’s explore break-in methods and their significance with newly installed fireplaces.
What Is A Fireplace Burn-Off?
A fireplace burn-off is when you run your new fireplace for the first time to get rid of leftover manufacturing materials, oils, and paint. Manufacturing processes leave various substances upon fireplace components. These materials need proper elimination through controlled heating sessions.
Why Do You Need A Burn-Off?
The main reason for a burn-off is your family’s safety and comfort. Those manufacturing leftovers can create some pretty funky smells when they heat up, and breathing in these fumes isn’t great for your health.
Your fireplace’s paint also needs special treatment. The high heat from first use makes the paint cure properly, and the heat helps protect the paint coatings bond. Without a proper burn-off, your fireplace might not work as well as it should.
How To Do A Proper Burn-Off
The burn-off process isn’t rocket science, but you need to do it right. First, open up all your windows wide. Fresh air circulation is important during this process. Next, crank up your fireplace at maximum output settings and let it run hot. Maintain this continuously between three and four hours.
During a break-in, you might see some smoke or weird colors in the flames. Don’t panic! This is totally normal. It means those manufacturing materials are burning away like they should. You’ll probably notice some strong smells too. Maintaining adequate ventilation helps in managing these temporary conditions.
What To Watch Out For
While doing your burn-off, you should monitor several aspects. For starters, odors should diminish gradually over time. Sharp chemical smells persisting unusually long might indicate problems. Under such circumstances, discontinue operation immediately and give your installer a call.
Smoke detection systems might activate during breaking-in sessions. To avoid this headache, you might want to temporarily disable them. Remember, safety first for continued protection.
After The Burn-Off
Once you’ve finished the burn-off, your fireplace is ready for everyday use. The paint will be fully cured, and those factory smells should be gone. Now you can enjoy your fireplace without worry.
When To Call A Pro
Sometimes things don’t go as planned during a burn-off. If you notice anything weird happening, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A professional fireplace installation expert can check things out and make sure everything’s okay. They know all the ins and outs of different fireplace models and can spot potential problems before they become serious.
The Bottom Line
Although waiting several hours before enjoying enjoying your brand-new fireplace might seem like a pain, it’s worth it.
Remember fundamental steps, including thorough ventilation, planning around strong odors, and careful monitoring throughout breaking-in processes. If anything seems off, don’t hesitate to call in the pros. Your family’s protection means paying careful attention to the proper procedures. With the right professional fireplace installation and a proper burn-off, you’ll enjoy long-lasting fireplace performance, providing warmth throughout the coming years.