According to the National Fire Protection Association, seven people die every day from home fires – taking more lives each year than all other natural disasters in the U.S. Fire Prevention Month helps educate families about the dangers of fires, how easy it can be for fires to start, and how much easier it can be to prevent them.

This October, we invite you to learn about better ways to prevent fires, including methods such as inspecting your heat sources, maintain your electrical cords, and updating your smoke alarms.

We suggest that every household establish a family emergency action plan, discuss escape routes with family members, and locate fire extinguishers in your home. Additionally, you can conduct a mock fire drill with your family members to ensure you and your loved ones know how to get out safely. During this drill, outline meeting places that are at a safe distance from the home. Designate a neighbor to contact for help in the event of an emergency.

Simple exercises such as these could mean the difference-maker in your family, even making it out alive in the event of a fire in your home.

Fire safety awareness in the workplace is crucial as well. Review your emergency action plan, communicate supervisory roles, and walk evacuation routes with your team. October is the perfect time to conduct a fire drill before a real-life event occurs. Ensure nobody is left behind, and all are in tune with the life safety route!

Here are the critical components to ensuring your home and workplace are fireproof:

Eliminate Clutter

Clutter can easily become a fuel source in the event of a fire, allowing a fire to spread quickly. Furthermore, clutter can restrict access to emergency equipment and exit routes.

Inspect your Fireplace and Heating flue

Third-degree creosote buildup is highly flammable. Regular maintenance on your chimney and flue is imperative for fireplace and heating exhaust venting.

Designate Smoking Areas

Permit smoking only in designated smoking areas and provide means for extinguishing smoking materials safely.

Fire Extinguishers

Maintain the appropriate type and number of fire extinguishers. Conduct monthly and annual extinguisher inspections to ensure they are in good, working condition. Provide training for employees on the correct use of fire extinguishers.

Chemical Safety

Use and store chemicals safely. Read hazard warning labels and safety data sheets to determine flammability and other fire hazards. Ensure your chemical storage areas provide adequate ventilation for the storage of chemicals or other hazardous substances.

Waste Control & Storage

Limit the accumulation of flammable or combustible materials and residues to prevent the risk of such materials contributing to a fire emergency.

Contact Information

Home and work should have access to a list of emergency contact phone numbers in case of emergency. Remember that human nature is to panic in emergencies; therefore, basics such as important phone numbers and building floor plans should be posted on or with the emergency action plan.

We want to remind you to test your smoke detectors to be sure they’re functioning properly.

Try to remember to test your smoke detectors monthly and replace them accordingly. Be sure to check the expiration date! They should be changed out immediately if they have expired.

It is much better to be proactive rather than reactive, and it is best to put these preventive tactics in place now and not end up in crisis mode.

Wishing you safety and warmth,

The Team at Boston’s Best

The post October is National Fire Prevention Month! Here’s What You Need to Know. appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Within the fireplace and chimney services industry, the 2016 scuffle between the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and Angie’s List is fairly well-known. For those of you not familiar with the issue, here’s the thumbnail version.

Angie’s List, a popular article mill, posted a piece that implied that homeowners could properly clean their own chimneys. Knowing this was false, misleading and dangerous information, the CSIA got to work and forced Angie’s List to remove the article titled “How to Clean Your Chimney.”

 

In a letter to the president of Angie’s List, shown here on the CSIA blog, CSIA President Mark A. Stoner wrote:

“Encouraging the average homeowner, who does not meet the (National Fire Protection Association’s) definition of a ‘qualified agency’, to perform his or her own chimney service [. . .] is not only irresponsible and negligent but could lead directly to the loss of life or property due to a chimney fire or carbon monoxide intrusion into the residence.”

Stoner continued: “By posting this article to its website and promoting it via social media, Angie’s List has effectively endorsed this content and it should be held liable for any and all damages ensuing from a homeowner’s adherence to instructions therein.”

Why DIY chimney cleaning is not recommended

Mark Stoner of the CSIA was right in pulling out all the stops to get Angie’s List to remove that article. While there are some fireplace and chimney maintenance tasks the average homeowner can perform safely and effectively (cleaning the firebox; doing a general inspection of chimney masonry or some of the chimney’s components), cleaning creosote out of a chimney is not one of them.

Professional chimney sweeps go through a rigorous process to obtain valued certifications from the CSIA and other hearth-industry agencies. These include:

• Certified Chimney Professional
• Certified Master Chimney Technician
• Certified Chimney Sweep
• Certified Chimney Reliner

Individuals who hold these and other high-level certifications have demonstrated that they understand the multiple elements of a chimney’s operation and structure and have shown specific expertise in using the tools and equipment that are industry-standard in cleaning chimneys.

Don’t let a “handyman” work on your chimney

When you allow an untrained individual to clean or do other work on your chimney, you’re setting yourself up for some potentially serious problems.

Creosote, which forms in a chimney every time wood burns, is highly flammable and is the cause of most chimney fires in the U.S. each year. Cleaning creosote out of a chimney often is a challenging job – even for a professional. Creosote can present as a flakey, sticky or solid substance. Each form requires specific actions for effective removal.

Certified chimney sweeps make use of electric and hand brushes, specialized solvents, scrapers, vacuums and other equipment to safely remove creosote without damaging the chimney’s interior masonry or liner.

Just as you would only go to a qualified physician to perform an important medical procedure, you should only hire a qualified, certified chimney sweep to clean your chimney. This professional will know a lot more about the cleaning process and chimneys in general than any “average” person.

High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, is staffed with trained, experienced, certified chimney professionals. When we clean your chimney, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing it was done correctly and in accord with all safety precautions. Give us a call at (301) 519-3500 for your next professional chimney service.

 

The post Chimney Sweeps vs. DIY for Chimney Cleaning & Service appeared first on Highs Chimney.

Getting the most out of your fireplace and the wood you burn in it is easy, if you follow these six tips on efficient and safe wood-burning practices.

1. Seasoned woods

Seasoned wood has had time to fully dry and won’t produce nearly as much smoke as damp or unseasoned wood. Give your firewood plenty of time to dry out, and you’ll enjoy fires that are easier to start and that thoroughly burn all your logs.

To aid in the drying process, if you cut your own wood, make sure to store it in a place not susceptible to rain. Cover the stack with a tarp, but leave the sides open so air can get in. Finally, use pallets or a similar structure to keep the wood several inches off the ground, which may be wet or damp.

2. Hardwood vs. softwood

All wood feels hard to the touch, but some wood types are harder than others. Hardwoods like hickory and maple are very dense and produce longer and hotter burns than cedar, pine and other softwoods, which are lighter and more porous. Consider this when deciding how long you want your fire to stay active.

3. The best way to start your fire

Start by stacking logs in a way that allows for air to get in between them. Logs packed too tightly together is a major cause of fires that burn sluggishly. On top of the stack, place a good amount of smaller wood scraps, or kindling. On top of the kindling, add some crumpled-up newspaper to serve as tinder. Burn your fire from the top down for the best results.

4. What not to burn in your fireplace

Clean, unfinished wood and small amounts of newspaper are the only items that should burn in your fireplace. Never use the following:

Household trash

Cardboard boxes/pressed wood/particle board

Accelerants such as lighter fluid and gasoline

Styrofoam containers

Plastic material

Christmas trees

Clothing or any other fabric

5.  proper drafting 

The space between your logs provides needed oxygen to your fire, but a good draft circulation is necessary to really get a fire going. Achieve a proper draft by:

Making sure your fireplace damper is fully open

Keeping your chimney flue free of obstructions such as built-up creosote and outside debris

Cracking a window or two if your home is particularly air-tight

6. Schedule yearly chimney cleaning

A clean chimney assists in producing a great fire, but it also keeps you and your family safe by reducing the chance of a chimney fire. Certified chimney sweeps use specialized tools and equipment to safely remove creosote from chimneys. Many people don’t realize it, but the majority of chimney fires in the U.S. each year are caused by chimney creosote that has ignited, not simply because the inside of the chimney has overheated.

By following these tips for burning wood in your fireplace, you’ll be in for many years of warmth and enjoyment – and safety.

When it’s time for professional chimney cleaning, chimney inspection or chimney repair work, the experts at Northeastern Chimney of West Hartford, CT, are ready to help. Give us a call at (860) 233-5770.

 

This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

Southern Chimneys will help you figure out the level of inspection you need.

Do you realize how important your chimney is to the health and safety of your home? It’s one of the major components of your home’s safety and energy costs, yet it often gets ignored. Southern Chimneys is out to change that! If it’s been over a year since you’ve had one…it’s time for a chimney inspection. 

Chimney Inspection Levels

There are technically three levels of inspection set by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and followed by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). We’ll let you know right from the jump that Southern Chimneys typically performs a Level 2 Inspection and that’s what you’ll most likely need from us. But what are the three types? (taken from the CSIA website)

Level 1 –  this is a general, visual, 18-pt., safety inspection that can determine if and when work is needed to be done at the lowest cost. If your appliance or your venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system as you have in the past, then a Level 1 inspection is a minimum requirement. A Level 1 inspection is recommended for a chimney under continued service, under the same conditions, and with the continued use of the same appliance.

​In a Level 1 inspection, your technician will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. The technician will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

Level 2 –  A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. Changes can include a change in the fuel type, changes to the shape of, or material in the flue (i.e. relining), or the replacement or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency. Additionally, a Level 2 inspection is required upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operation malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. Building fires, chimney fires, seismic events as well as weather events are all indicators that this level of inspection is warranted.

There are no specialty tools (i.e. demolition equipment) required to open doors, panels or coverings in performing a Level 2 inspection. A Level 2 inspection shall also include a visual inspection by video scanning or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish shall be required by a Level 2 inspection.

Level 3 – When a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue, a Level 3 inspection is recommended. A Level 3 inspection addresses the proper construction and the condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Removal or destruction, as necessary, of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure, will be required for the completion of a Level 3 inspection. 

Watch this helpful video from CSIA that explains the three types of inspections: 

Let Southern Chimneys help you with whichever inspection you need.

Get your chimney inspection done with Southern Chimneys! We’ll schedule a time to come look things over and perform an inspection. You can also schedule a cleaning or repair if you wind up needing it. But you should hurry and call now! Time is running out to get things done before the winter months! 

This post first appeared on https://southernchimneys.com

As a homeowner, one of the things you have to deal with is a chimney leak. According to chimney inspection professionals, chimneys leak due to different reasons. Here are some of the reasons and how to fix them:

Missing chimney cap

The chimney cap keeps rain, animals, and birds out of the chimney. When the cap is missing, you can’t keep wind-driven rain out of the flue. Animals and birds also enter the fireplace at will.

To keep out rain, you need to install a chimney cap. Begin with measuring the flue tile at the top of the chimney then purchase and install the right size of chimney cap. While there are many types of caps you can go with, stainless steel caps are the best.

In addition to being durable, they also have a large bonnet that plays a vital role in keeping out the rain. If you have the skills, you can install the cap by yourself but if you have never done it before, ask a professional to help you out.

Cracked or broken chimney crown

The chimney crown is the cement part on top of the chimney. Just like the chimney cap, the crown keeps out the rain.

If you have had your chimney for years, you are bound to have a cracked or broken crown. Cracks in the chimney come about due to shifting of the structure. The crown can also shrink due to old age.

Of course, when the crown cracks, water gets into the chimney. For you to fix the problem, repair the chimney crown with rebar and quality cement mix.

Some people will tell you to fix the crown using elastomeric or silicone-based products. Don’t fall for this as they don’t provide a long-lasting solution.

Damaged brick and mortar

If you have small cracks and gaps in the mortar and bricks, water will get into the chimney. If you don’t address the issue early enough, the waterlogged bricks will crumble when the water inside freezes.

You can offer short term relief or fix the problem permanently. The short term solution is to use clear painters caulking. Since damaged brickwork crumbles after a short term, expect the caulking to fall off after a few months.

The permanent solution for the problem is to remove the cracked or spalling bricks and replace them with new ones. This project is complicated, so don’t try undertaking it if you have haven’t done it before. Let an expert chimney contractor handle it.

Damaged flashing

After being exposed for years to a wide range of weather elements, it’s normal for the flashing to rust, get loose, and eventually fail to prevent water from getting into the chimney. To restore the flashing, scrape away the defective caulking and reapply a flashing type sealant.

While this will fix the problem, the solution is short-lived.

For a permanent relief, remove the damaged flushing and replace it.

Sometimes your chimney will leak if you had a flashing that was installed improperly or in the wrong sequence with roofing. The sealant system will slow down the leaking but for a more durable solution, replace all the flashing. You also should replace tar paper and surrounding shingles.

Missing chimney cricket

A telltale sign your chimney is missing a chimney cricket is water entering the attic on the uphill side of the fireplace. When water pools in the uphill side, the flashing rusts.

For your chimney to last for a long time, install a chimney cricket. Chimney cricket installation is a significant chimney project and should only be done by an experienced chimney company. The company shouldn’t simply install the cricket. It also should perform water leak tests to confirm everything is functioning optimally.

Damaged mortar joints

Mortar joints deteriorate, allowing water into the chimney. In some fireplaces, large sections of mortar might be missing allowing water to enter the chimney easily. If you don’t fix the problem early enough, water weakens the chimney, and the entire unit crumbles.

For you to fix the problem, repair the damaged joints with new mortar. This isn’t a significant project so you can fix the joints by yourself without requiring the services of chimney contractors Bowie.

This post first appeared on https://www.firstclasschimneyservices.com

Getting a long and efficient life out of your wood stove and keeping your home and family safe when using it are important to every wood stove owner. Here are five operational and safety tips to follow for the best experience with your wood stove.

1. The wood your burn in your stove

Modern heating stoves are high heat producers and are designed to burn more efficiently than wood stoves of the past. You can contribute to your stove’s efficiency and heat generation by burning the right wood in the right way.

 

First, use only seasoned (dry) wood for your fire. Damp wood is harder to get started and keep burning, and it produces far more smoke than dry wood.

Hardwoods such as elm, maple, beech, oak and ash will produce longer, hotter fires than fir, red pine, cedar and other softwoods. Choose your firewood based on the length and intensity of the fire you want. Remember that because of their density, hardwoods take longer to dry, so keep that in mind when purchasing or chopping your wood.

2. Wood stove maintenance

For safety reasons, it’s important to clean out your wood stove’s firebox periodically. You’ll want to remove ashes and wood chips, then use a wire brush or similar apparatus to scrape soot and creosote from the stove’s inner surfaces. Excess creosote inside your stove can become a fire hazard, so keep it clean.

3. Cleaning the vent pipe

More of a concern than built-up creosote inside your stove is the creosote that builds up inside the vent pipe, which you can’t see. Creosote forms when smoke is burned and can be flakey, sticky or hard within your flue pipe.WFD

The best way to deal with cleaning your stove’s vent system is to let a professional do it. Certified chimney sweeps have the tools and expertise to safely remove creosote, soot and other debris from stove pipes. They also can perform system-wide inspections to check for structural damage, venting/drafting issues and worn components. Chimney sweeps are best known for cleaning fireplace chimneys, but they also service vent systems for all supplemental heating appliances.

4. How not to start a fire

Using non-approved items to get your fire started can result in dangerous stove operation and also can void certain free-standing heating stove warranties. Never use these items to start a fire:

• Accelerants such as gasoline, charcoal starter or lighter fluid
• Charcoal
• Painted or treated wood
• Clothing or any kind of fabric
• Magazines
• Christmas trees
• Road flares
• Household trash

5. Smoke and CO monitors

Whenever you have a stove or fireplace in your home, you also should have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) monitors. You already know the reason for smoke detectors. CO monitors check the air for carbon monoxide, which is critically important because this gas is invisible, odorless and potentially fatal to humans and pets. Set up your smoke and CO detectors according to manufacturer’s instructions or the advice of your chimney sweep.

These are five important tips for running your wood-burning heating stove safely and efficiently. When you schedule regular cleaning and inspections from a CSIA-certified chimney sweep, you’ll learn a lot more about getting the most out of your wood stove and keeping your home and family safe.

If it’s time for a good cleaning and stove inspection, High’s Chimney Service of Gaithersburg, MD, is ready to get to work. We offer the very best in chimney sweep services, stove/fireplace maintenance and all levels of stove and fireplace repair. Call us today at (301) 519-3500.

 

The post 5 Safety Tips for Wood Stove Owners appeared first on Highs Chimney.

When the heat of summer is still bearing down and autumn is on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to prepare your fireplace and chimney for the cooler temperatures to come. As early as September but definitely by October, appointments with reputable chimney sweeps like the experts at Northeastern Chimney fill up quickly. Schedule an appointment for a chimney inspection for safety’s sake, but that’s not the only reason. You don’t want to miss that first glorious opportunity to light a cozy fire in your fireplace as the cold weather arrives.

How Important is a Chimney Inspection?

A chimney inspection should be conducted annually, according to virtually all the leading fire safety experts. The purpose is to ensure that your fireplace and chimney will operate properly and safely. Each year, thousands of home fires occur when a fireplace is first lit in fall or winter. Lack of chimney maintenance is the primary cause. Circumstances such as obstructions in the chimney and flammable material in the chimney lining are among the culprits.

Your Part in a Chimney Inspection

Our uniformed experts at Northeastern Chimney arrive in a company vehicle to perform a thorough inspection of your chimney. For your part, we ask that you prepare the area where we’ll be working. We’re careful but would hate for our work to cause a treasured item to be broken. Remove décor and any other loose items in and around the fireplace.

Also, be prepared to answer some questions. We’ll want to know about your chimney system and how your fireplace has been working in the past. If you’re unfamiliar with the fireplace, no problem. We’ll make a full assessment of its condition during the inspection.

What’s Involved in a Chimney Inspection?

There are three levels of chimney inspections, and the details of each are outlined by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

Level 1

Basically, a Level 1 inspection is recommended for a chimney under continued use with the same appliance as in the previous inspection. All parts of the chimney interior and exterior that are readily accessible are inspected. The chimney technician checks for obstructions, soundness of the flue lining, chimney structure, and appliance connections and installation. Creosote deposits are a matter of concern, as well. Creosote is a tar-like substance made from deposits of combustion materials from wood fires. It is highly flammable and continues to build up inside the flue in layers until the chimney is cleaned.

Level 2

A Level 2 inspection is a requirement when a home is sold or the property is transferred to another person. This type of inspection encompasses everything in Level 1 and includes the use of video inspection. A special camera is used that checks the flue lining from top to bottom.

Level 3

If a potential hidden hazard is suggested by a discovery during a Level 1 or 2 inspection, a Level 3 inspection is needed. Some type of tear-down and rebuild of the chimney is typically involved.

Chimney Cleaning

It’s not unusual for a chimney cleaning to be recommended at the same time that an inspection occurs. You don’t need to be concerned that the sooty mess inside the chimney will affect your home, however. We use special equipment plus we lay a drop cloth in front of the fireplace so that your home is protected.

Contact Northeastern Chimney Today

If damage is found during an inspection performed in summer, you’ll have time for repairs to be made before winter comes around. Our certified chimney sweeps at Northeastern Chimney can provide all chimney services that might be needed. We will also help you choose a new heating appliance from leading manufacturers if you’re ready to add an efficient new heating system to your home. Call today at 860-233-5770.

 

 

 

 

 

This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

As temperatures across the country finally drop, leaves are turning and falling little by little. Make sure these leaves aren’t falling into your chimney and clogging it up. One of the best times of the year for your fireplace may also be the worst if you have a flammable obstruction in your flue. Leaves and other organic materials can be a dangerous hazard if your chimney isn’t capped. Call a chimney expert now to make sure your flue opening is protected with a cap.

Protection from the Top Down

Without a chimney cap, your flue opening is left wide open so that anything can fall or climb right into it. If you have trees hanging above your house, the leaves and limbs can fall directly into your flue, obstructing airflow and leading to serious fire hazards. The cap also protects your chimney from other hazards.

• Chimney Caps Keep Water Out
  Your chimney is susceptible to all types of weather if it’s left uncapped. Precipitation can enter year-round, leading to serious water damage whether it’s spring showers, summer storms, winter snow and ice, and more. Protect your chimney system against costly damage by protecting it against water damage with a cap.
• Chimney Caps Keep Other Weather Out
  Your fire may be affected by wind if it isn’t capped. If you live in an area of high wind, you can have a special cap installed that moves with the wind instead of allowing it to blow into the flue. This prevents gusts from affecting your flame while a fire is lit and prevents drafts from affecting your central air and heating.
• Chimney Caps Keep Animals Out
  Animals don’t just become a bother in the spring. They can enter your chimney in winter too! If the flue is uncapped, anything can get into it that can get onto your roof—birds, chipmunks, squirrels, and even raccoons. Keeps critters from damaging your chimney, leaving debris behind them, and even dying and becoming an obstruction.
• Chimney Caps Keep Sparks In
  When your fire burns hot, sparks may rise up the flue and even out the chimney still alight. These sparks can go on to ignite debris on the roof or even dry grasses and brush on the ground. A chimney cap is equipped with a spark suppressant that sends it straight back down the flue.

Don’t light your fire in a dangerous chimney this fall! This is the time for your fireplace to shine, and it can all be ruined when the chimney isn’t capped.

Prevent serious fire hazards by calling the chimney experts at Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep today. Prevent water damage, weather interference, and animal intrusion by trusting the professionals this fall. If you’re not certain that your chimney isn’t free of damage or debris this fall, schedule a chimney sweep or inspection today.

Call 617-469-4528 today or schedule an appointment online.

The post Fall Leaves – Keep Them Out of Your Chimney! appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

The harshness of Fall is beginning to settle in. High winds, rain, dropping temperatures all have an effect on your chimney and fireplace. Before you get cozy by the fireplace, don’t delay any longer, get it cleaned and checked. Here are 5 Common Chimney Issues to watch for:

1. Crack in the Flue – chimney liners serve an important purpose. The chimney flue controls or contains the heat, gases and creosote – it is a firewall. The certified chimney technician will inspect the flue searching for cracks, deterioration or spalls. If you didn’t have the chimney flue replaced or have record of any repairs, have it checked before you go to use the fireplace.

2. Exterior Chimney Masonry – the mortar keeps the outside elements from coming into the home. When the mortar is compromised, meaning the mortar has deteriorated, cracks have formed and/or the bricks have begun to shift, rain water and/or cold air have a clear path inside. The technician will check the exterior chimney ensuring the integrity of the bricks and mortar.

3. Chimney Cap & Chimney Crown – The chimney cap and crown are located at the top of the chimney and is the first line of defense from weather, debris or furry critters. The technician will check to ensure the chimney cap is in place and will also check for any cracks or deterioration in the chimney crown.

4. Blockage in the Chimney – If you haven’t used your chimney or fireplace in a year or so, it’s best to get it checked. There could be a bird’s nest, leaves (especially from the high winds) and other debris. One of our jobs is to check and clear the passage to the outside.

5. Creosote – for those wood burning lovers, you know how important it is to check the fireplace and chimney for any creosote buildup. Creosote is a highly flammable material and can prevent proper venting of the chimney. When a Superior Chimney certified technician comes out, he’ll use professional tools that can remove creosote from the flue lining.

Now that you have the top 5 issues and reasons to have your chimney checked, get it cleaned and inspected by a Superior Chimney certified technician so you can enjoy the warmth of a fireplace for months to come with pace of mind. Click here to view the full 14-point inspection.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

Now that summer is over and we start moving toward the cold season, make sure to add chimney cleaning and chimney inspection to your to-do list. Getting your chimney and fireplace in top shape now will give you peace of mind during the winter months when you start using your fireplace regularly. Inspections and professional cleaning for your chimney are important for several reasons. Here are a few of them.

Fire Safety

Wood-burning fireplaces add flammable creosote to your chimney flue every time you burn logs. Creosote is responsible for the majority of chimney fires in the U.S. each year. CSIA-certified chimney sweeps use special brushes, scrapers, solvents and vacuums to remove creosote from inside the chimney and restore safe operation.

A clear path for smoke to draft

Creosote can build up to the point it causes an obstruction to the flow of smoke. Other obstructions also can prevent smoke from drafting properly, which can result in smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide backing up into your home. Leaves, twigs, large amounts of dust, small-animal nests and dead small animals themselves all can lead to drafting issues. Professional chimney sweeps remove these obstructions from your flue.

Chimney inspections spot early signs of damage

The best way to keep your chimney structure and its components safe is with annual chimney inspections by a CSIA-certified inspector. Chimney inspectors can spot early signs of damage that homeowners normally miss and recommend the best repair solutions to keep the damage from becoming a serious and expensive problem.

A typical chimney inspection covers:

• exterior bricks and mortar
• some inspections include video technology to look down into the chimney’s interior
• chimney cap
• chimney crown
• roof flashing
• fireplace damper
• smoke chamber/smoke shelf
• and all other chimney components

Reasons to schedule a chimney inspection right now

If you notice any of the following, don’t wait for your annual chimney inspection. Call your chimney sweep company right away.

• Loose or missing bricks within the masonry
• Crumbling mortar on the roof near the chimney
• A chimney that leans to one side
• Water inside the firebox
• Dampness on walls/ceiling near the fireplace
• Excess smoke backing up into the house
• Strong or unpleasant odors coming from the firebox
• Growing patches of white staining on the exterior of the chimney

You also should schedule a chimney inspection if you know or suspect you’ve had a chimney fire. Not all chimney fires are large and obvious; many start and then go out on their own. But no matter the size, a fire in your chimney can cause serious damage to the flue liner and the bricks and mortar of the chimney. The most common signs of a chimney fire include larger-than-normal amounts of smoke, a strange clicking or tapping sound and a rumbling sound like a distant train. If you notice any of these signs, call your local emergency services and follow up soon with a thorough chimney inspection.

 

Fluesbrothers Chimney Service of Kansas City, KS, is ready to help with chimney cleaning and chimney inspection in your home this fall. We’ll get you ready for a safe winter with a chimney that works the way it should. Call us today at (913) 236-7141.

 

The post Fall Is the Perfect Time for Your Annual Chimney Cleaning & Inspection appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.