What should I do before the first fire of the season in my wood-burning fireplace or wood stove?
What you check before the first fire in Weaverville depends on your house — the new Reems Creek builds have factory boxes and modern venting, while older downtown homes have inefficient original masonry fireboxes that need a harder look. Either way, sweep and inspect the flue, confirm the damper seals, and burn dry hardwood. We're 15 minutes north in Buncombe County.
Two kinds of Weaverville fireplace, two checks
The Reems Creek subdivisions are going up fast, and those homes tend to have factory-built or clean-face units where the pre-season check centers on refractory panels, venting, and door gaskets. The older downtown fireboxes are original masonry — inefficient, often drafty, and due for a look at the clay liner, crown, and smoke chamber. Tell us which you have and we'll inspect for what actually fails on that type.
A north-facing valley burns late into spring
Weaverville sits in a valley that faces north, so spring warm-ups come slower than Asheville's and the hearth stays in use longer. That extra burning lays down more creosote, so a late-summer sweep beats waiting. If an old open firebox loses more heat than it makes, a sealed insert with a proper liner — we permit the liner work with Buncombe County — turns it into a real heater.
Dry wood and a working damper
Have seasoned hardwood ready before the cold sets in, and test the damper by hand; it should swing free and seal. If it's rusted or the firebrick is failing, hold off and call (828) 545-0525 for an inspection before the first fire.
Fireplace help in Weaverville
We install and service fireplaces throughout Weaverville and the rest of Buncombe County — just 15 minutes north from our Asheville-area showroom.
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