Get matched with top fire pit installation pros in Flat Rock, NC

Some Christmas lights are marked as being “UL Safety Certified” or Underwriters Laboratories Safety Certified. This lab is a trusted source for determining the safety standards of electrical products—you should make sure your Christmas lights have this label. Brush up on other electrical safety tips before installing any lighting features. 

The NFPA model codes and International Residential Code (IRC) mandate that all new one- and two-family homes have fire sprinkler systems. However, all municipalities are different. The best way to determine if your municipality requires fire sprinklers is to contact your state fire marshal’s office. One reason to install a fire sprinkler system is that it’s the first line of defense in putting out a fire and alerting your family of emergencies.

A chimney requires both a cover and a cap, but these parts often get confused with one another. A chimney cover seals the top of the chimney around the flue pipe to prevent water from entering the chimney. A chimney cap is a piece that sits above the flue to prevent animals, debris, and water from entering the flue.

In some cases, you can use a fireplace once the insert has been removed. However, before burning a fire, you must have a professional inspect it and the chimney to make sure they're functioning properly and no damage has occurred from removing the insert. That’s because using a fireplace without an insert could create fire hazards due to issues with airflow and heat dispersion, depending on the fireplace design and material. A professional can advise on whether you should make certain repairs or modifications before using your fireplace as an open hearth.