Get matched with top fire pit installation pros in Bismarck, ND

A home fire sprinkler system reduces heat, flames, and smoke within seconds. Fire sprinkler systems hide in walls with sprinkler heads running along the piping throughout your home.

When the air surrounding a sprinkler reaches a specific temperature, the heads closest to the fire activate and release anywhere from 10 to 25 gallons of water per minute.

Yes, you should seal and cap an unused chimney to protect it from damage. Sealing the structure helps prevent moisture damage, which can lead to issues like cracks, spalling, efflorescence, and damaged mortar joints. Capping the chimney is also crucial to prevent blockages, damage from invasive critters, and downdrafts, while still allowing for proper air ventilation to manage moisture. For the best results, consult a chimney professional to select the right type of chimney or flue cap for your home. It's also wise to continue with annual chimney inspections to maintain the structure's integrity.

Certified fire door inspectors should inspect fire doors. These professionals receive training to specifically assess the condition, functionality, and compliance of fire doors. They often hold credentials from groups like the Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) or the International Fire Door Inspector Association (IFDIA). While fire marshals won’t usually do hands-on inspections, they’ll check that doors are being maintained properly during routine safety audits. If a building relies on fire doors for code compliance, it needs someone who understands the details—the difference between a cosmetic issue and a safety failure—and standards to sign off with confidence.

Ensure you have a safe environment for them to work on, and there aren’t items such as logs, build-up of yard materials, missing or damaged shingles, and weak areas on the roof. Communicate any known electrical issues with contractors at the beginning of the project, and consider hiring an electrician to fix those. Finally, if you are attempting the project yourself, do so when there isn’t any rain, and you can safely get your footing on the roof using proper equipment, such as an extension ladder. Don’t attempt this alone, and have a helper nearby to assist.