A fireplace can really establish the ambiance of a space, which is why fireplaces are common fixtures in many dining areas as well as hotel lobbies. If you recently purchased a business that has one or more fireplaces within it, you need to know how to take proper care of the fireplace within your business. 

#1 Your Fireplace Should Be Cleaned Annually

The fireplace in your business should be cleaned on at least an annual basis. If you stop using the fireplace for a period of time, for example, over the summer, you should have the fireplaces within your business cleaned again before you start using them in the fall. Cleaning out your fireplace before you start to use it again will provide you with a chance to get rid of all the soot and build up inside of your fireplace.

Cleaning out your fireplace before you start to use it will also provide you with a chance to make sure that any debris that may have gotten into the chimney while it was not being used is properly removed. You don't want to start a chimney fire because leaves or a bird nest got into your chimney. The last thing you want to happen when you are running is business is to have smoke blow back into your home. 

#2 Your Fireplace Should Be Inspected Annually

The fireplace in your business should also be inspected annually. When you get your fireplace cleaned, you are not just removing soot and build-up from your fireplace, you are actually getting your entire chimney inspected as well. Any qualified chimney sweep should also run an inspection on your chimney when they clean it. They will be able to let you know if you have any issues with your fireplace and chimney that need to be addressed before you start using it. Often, the chimney sweep may not be able to complete repairs in the same visit due to supply demands but should be able to provide you with detailed notes about what needs to be fixed and schedule a follow-up repair.

#3 Your Fireplace Needs to Meet Fire Code

As a business owner, you have a few additional obligations when it comes to taking care of your fireplace. You have to make sure that your fireplace stays up to fire code. It is best to contact the governing body in your area to learn what the fire code requirements are, as they can vary greatly. If you have a fireplace in your business, you need to make sure that you get it cleaned and inspected on an annual basis. You also need to make sure that your fireplace meets local fire code standards as well. 

For more information, contact your local commercial chimney cleaning service.