Fireplace care
The hearth room as a working space
Screens, tools, and firewood are not props — they shape how cleanly you can tend a fire and how much ash escapes into the room.
Hearth and firebox
The hearth extension catches embers; firebrick lines the firebox and throat. Cracked panels and ash buildup deserve attention before lighting another season of fires — a local sweep can say whether replacement or repointing is appropriate.
Damper, screens, and tools
Damper — Top-sealing and throat dampers both need smooth travel; stiffness or gaps change how much room air escapes when the fire is out.
Screens and doors — Mesh stops sparks; glass doors change air supply — follow appliance guidance when adjusting openings.
Tools — Poker, brush, and shovel should live on a stand or hanger so handles stay cool and dry.
Wood storage and clearances
Seasoned firewood stores off the ground with air space between rows. Keep combustible décor and furniture at the clearances your insert or open hearth manufacturer lists — those numbers belong on a label or in the manual.