With the season of back to school upon us in full swing, it’s time to make a mental and physical shift from the outdoor days of summer to cooler weather indoor activities and cozy nights around the fireplace. If you’re someone who is lucky enough to have a fireplace, you know the natural beauty that it can bring to a home, especially when the lights are low and the fire logs are ablaze. But before you build your first fire this season it’s important to prepare the fireplace and the fireplace surround for upcoming use before cool weather sets in.
Start your fireplace preparation at the bottom by assessing the outside of the fireplace and chimney for leaning, cracks, chips, stains and loose bricks. Next, work your way up the chimney to check if the chimney cap is in good condition – keeping wildlife and water out of the home and shielding the roof from stray sparks. While you’re up there, look to see if the flashing around the chimney is in good shape and the chimney at the flue line is free from any telltale stains and leaks.
Once the outside inspection is complete, check things inside the fireplace and also all around the fireplace surround, the architectural element that surrounds a fireplace. A fireplace surround made of granite or natural stone provides an additional layer of protection from stray fireplace sparks that could compromise the walls around the fireplace. It also provides a note of beauty and distinction around the fireplace.
When cleaning a granite or natural stone fireplace surround, begin by removing any stains from dirt or soot that are left over from the last use. We recommend Rock Doctor Granite & Quartz Cleaner for safe cleaning without harsh abrasives. The Granite & Quartz Cleaner removes stains and dirt from cultured and sealed marble and granite. Once you’ve eliminated any residual dirt or stains, apply Rock Doctor Granite & Stone Sealer. The Granite & Stone Sealer bonds with the natural stone to provide a barrier against moisture, dirt and soot. The water-based sealer can be used on marble, granite and other natural stone surfaces and is also safe for use on grout. Once the granite sealer is dry, then it’s time to apply the Rock Doctor Granite & Quartz Polish. The Granite & Quartz Polish enhances the natural beauty of the granite, marble or other natural stone fireplace surround through a combination of emollients and carnauba wax. The polish fills in tiny imperfections to create a smooth surface and a water-resistant coating that protects the natural stone. Non-acidic Rock Doctor Granite & Quartz Polish is a great way to enhance the natural beauty of any natural stone fireplace surround by restoring the original luster and smoothness to the stone.
This article was brought to you by Rock Doctor, which offers a line of specially-formulated stone cleaner, stone polish, and stone sealer products. Rock Doctor stone care products can be purchased through a number of fine retail stores, including Wal-Mart, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ace Hardware, Do it Best Hardware, Hy-Vee, and Wegmans.
