You may have heard from friends or family about keeping your fireplace open during the summer, so long as you have a chimney cap to keep the debris and animals out. Keeping the fireplace open all summer is known as “airing out” the fireplace. It makes sense, keep the stale air out and let fresh air in. Is it possible to air out the fireplace with only a chimney cap in place? 

What’s Left Over from the Winter

Inside the firebox and flue, there is most likely stale air and creosote buildup, especially if it’s a woodburning fireplace. Creosote is a natural residue left over from the combustion process. The creosote leaves a chemical smell inside your chimney, and should be cleaned regularly, as it’s highly flammable. There may also be ashes, small cracks, and small leaks inside the chimney. You need to get your chimney swept and inspected by a certified professional to prevent any further damages moving forward.

Why You Need a Chimney Cap in the Summer

During the summer months, while your chimney is not in use, it is especially important to have a chimney cap!

• Prevents Moisture Build-up: Without a chimney cap, rainwater can easily enter your chimney and cause moisture build-up. This can lead to mold growth, foul odors, and even structural damage to your chimney.

• Blocks Nesting Animals: Many animals seek shelter in chimneys during the warmer months to nest and raise their young. A chimney cap will prevent these animals from entering your chimney and cause a fire hazard.
• Avoids Debris Accumulation: Even in the summer, leaves, twigs, and other debris can still find their way into your chimney if it is left uncovered. A chimney cap will block these materials from entering and causing a blockage.

Can You Air Out Your Chimney?

Unfortunately, it’s not recommended to keep your chimney open. All summer long, you’ll be letting the damp, summer air in from the outside. Mold and mildew will naturally form in the flue. You’ll quickly need to clean the inside of the flue again before using it in the winter! That’s two times you’d get your chimney swept, once before the summer and once after. Even with a chimney cap to prevent animals from settling inside, and keeping most of the rain water out, a certified chimney professional highly advises that you close the damper when not in use. 

What About Gas Fireplaces?

If you have a gas fireplace, there’s an extra step you must do before closing your damper during summer months. The gas and pilot light must be shut off. This prevents the burner from getting clogged and making sure there’s no flammable gasses floating around your home. If you are not sure how to close the gas and pilot light, Superior Chimney professionals can help.

Need Help Closing up Your Fireplace? Superior Chimney professionals are happy to help you with closing up your gas or masonry fireplaces. We provide services all throughout the Chicagoland area. A certified chimney professional will ensure your chimney cap is well fitted and in place for the summer, so no bugs, animals or rain can get in. Call us today to set up an appointment at 877-244-6349.

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

Let’s face it, chimney tuckpointing isn’t at the top of your mind this summer. Spring cleaning is over, it’s time for a vacation. Maybe spending time at Lake Michigan or the pool took over your to-do list! But, have you noticed some familiar critters falling from the trees (and into your pool…) all over the Chicagoland area? Big cicadas made their way out this spring, and created plenty of mischief like crawling into the loose chimney cap and cracks in the mortar. However, there are a variety of bugs and critters that crawl through your chimney’s cap and cracks, especially if you haven’t gotten the chimney tuckpointing or the chimney cap checked recently. 

How Do Bugs Get In?

Bugs are small and sneaky. They can crawl into your home through any unsealed crack. A chimney that hasn’t been repaired is at high risk for bugs (even weather elements) to find a cozy home inside a chimney crack. Especially spiders, stink bugs, and ants. Sometimes, you can’t even see the cracks without squinting for a closer look. A thorough inspection by a certified chimney expert at Superior Chimney can help you identify underlying mortar problems that are not readily visible.

How Does Tuckpointing Work?

Notice any holes in the outside of your chimney? Maybe some bricks are flaking or falling apart, or chunks of masonry missing from the chimney? These are common signs that your chimney needs repair. A certified chimney professional will grind down any existing compromised mortar between the bricks and replace it with new mortar that blends with the rest of your mortar and home. Chimney tuckpointing doesn’t need to happen every year, you just need to get your chimney checked for damages once a year from the winter freeze thaw cycles. That’s because the weather in Chicago is brutal between the rain, wind, snow, and changes in temperatures. Damages caused by weather, bugs or critters that are left unfixed can take a toll on the chimney, costing you lots of unnecessary money in repairs. Preventative checks are always the best and more cost-effective way to go.

When to Invest in Chimney Tuckpointing

Like we said before, if you notice any visible cracking, it’s time to call a certified chimney professional. But when you should invest in chimney tuckpointing is based on a few more factors. 

• Age of your home: if you have an older home, your chimney may be more susceptible to mortar deterioration. Natural wear and tear occurs over time, so it’s important to keep up to date on any chimney repairs.
• Environmental damage: The Chicagoland area has experienced some significant weather changes over the past few months. Rain, humidity, snow, wind and freezing temperatures take a toll on the chimney’s brick and mortar structure.
• A Proactive Approach: Regular inspections and timely chimney tuckpointing help to avoid any unexpected costs in the future. It also reduces the risk of damage to your home, and stops any unwanted bugs from entering through the cracks.

Catch Them Early!

Don’t let those nasty summer bugs live inside the cracks of your chimney. Call Superior Chimney for a chimney inspection today. A professional will decide to what extent your chimney needs tuckpointing repair, and get the job done right. Call us today for an inspection at 877-244-6349. 

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

“Is it safe to use my chimney?” is a common question many homeowners ask themselves. Regretfully, not all the information about the topic is correct.

You should note that the safety of your chimney is dependent on numerous factors, some of which are under your control and others of which are not.

Thankfully, there are several measures you can take to ensure your chimney is as secure as possible by being aware of the apparent warning flags. These signs include:

Animal nests and debris buildup

Squirrels, bats, and birds are just a few creatures that could live in your chimney. Chimney inspection professionals advise that using your chimney is dangerous if you witness animals emerging from it or hear strange noises like squeaking, shrieking, or cheeping.

Smoke can find it difficult to escape due to obstructions and buildups. Additionally, they may contain diseases that you and your family could contract.

In addition, any debris—such as sticks or leaves—inside your chimney may indicate an obstruction that could become harmful if you try to start a fire.

Have your chimney inspected by a competent provider before using it. Before using your fireplace, ensure everything is safe; cleaning it yourself could be risky.

Smoke draw issues

A draft produced by the rising hot air in a chimney at optimal working conditions draws smoke up and out of the hearth. This draft may be disrupted by obstructions or other problems, which cause the smoke to start re-entering your house.

This lessens the appropriate airflow that keeps your fireplace burning correctly.

In addition, harmful chemicals from combustion and smoke, such as carbon monoxide, might seep into your house. Because CO poisoning is a severe health risk that can be fatal, it’s critical to recognize the signs and leave your home as soon as possible.

Some of the signs you should look out for include:

• Headaches
• Neasa
• Weariness
• Bewilderment
• Irritation

If you encounter these symptoms, immediately leave your home and dial 911.

To ensure that your family is always safe, consider installing carbon monoxide detectors that will let you know when the levels of carbon monoxide are too high.

Broken or blocked chimney flue

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a clogged flue is one of the main causes of chimney fires. Possible obstruction causes include creosote accumulation, fallen leaves, and bird nests.

You should note that your flue will not draft correctly if it is entirely or partially obstructed.

When hazardous gasses accumulate inside your home due to a broken or obstructed chimney flue, you and your family risk carbon monoxide poisoning.

To help you out, the following are some indicators that your chimney flue may require repair:

• Your chimney has a fire, but the smoke isn’t rising.
• Your fireplace’s draft isn’t as forceful as it once was.
• There are gaps in your chimney mortar through which light can enter.
• Your chimney’s inside has a buildup of soot or creosote.

If you observe any of these symptoms, you should get your chimney inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

The beauty is that expert chimney sweepers have the necessary training, equipment, and supplies to ensure that your fireplace and chimney are in good operating order.

They will assess whether the chimney has to be replaced or if they can resolve the issue.

You have soot and creosote buildup.

Inspecting your chimney for soot and creosote accumulation is imperative to ascertain its safety. Soot is the black powder left over after burning wood.

When wood doesn’t burn all the way through, creosote, which resembles black or brown tar, accumulates on the walls of your chimney.

This material is highly combustible, and if it accumulates enough, it can cause chimney fires. In addition, a house fire can quickly follow a chimney fire.

If there is more than one-eighth or a quarter-inch of soot or creosote on the walls, it’s time to have your chimney cleaned.

Creosote comes in three classes with varying degrees of risk.

Stage 1 is the most prevalent and least harmful kind of creosote. Typically, it is detected in small amounts and effortlessly eliminated with a wire brush.

If stage 2 creosote is not cleaned frequently, it can lead to chimney fires and is more challenging to remove.

The most dangerous kind of creosote is stage 3, which is nearly impossible to remove and readily ignites, creating a potentially devastating chimney fire.

You should seek advice from qualified chimney sweepers if you are worried about creosote accumulation in your chimney.

The professionals will evaluate the circumstances surrounding the creosote and recommend the best course of action.

Getting professional help early when using your chimney will save you money and ensure the safety of your house.

Leaks

Leaks are the main offender when it comes to the early warning indicators of a failing chimney. You should note that it’s time for repairs if you hear or see droplets coming from your chimney. After looking into other places in your home, determine where they might be coming from.

Given how fast water travels across surfaces, locating the leak’s source might be challenging for the untrained eye. You should note that in most cases, a broken or cracked chimney crown or chase cover is a common reason for chimney leaks.

The concrete slab that sits on top of your chimney to shield it from the elements is the chimney crown. Temperature variations and moisture can cause this part to deteriorate and crack over time.

As a result, there might be a leak. To be on the safe side, have an expert inspect the area and fix any issues that might be there.

Parting shot

These are some of the signs that might signal that your chimney isn’t safe. To stay on the safe side, work with experienced chimney contractors Elicott City who will not only inspect the unit but also recommend the best course of action.

The post Is Your Chimney Safe to Use? first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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

In the world of commercial chimney maintenance, staying ahead of potential issues is crucial for safety and operational efficiency, making commercial chimney inspections necessary. But when technology expands, so do our strategies and services. That is exactly why we offer drone inspections!

At Best Chimney Services, we prioritize your building’s operation and tenants’ safety, hence why we take chimney safety so seriously. Maintaining your commercial chimney is essential for ensuring your chimney is operating safely without any existing damage or growing problems. Stay updated with your chimney by booking a commercial chimney inspection today! In the meantime, learn about the game-changing benefits for both chimney technicians and property owners of booking commercial chimney drone inspections, below.

Enhancing Accessibility & Safety

Traditional chimney inspections can be dangerous at times, making the process time-consuming and hazardous depending on the size of the building. With the addition of drones, chimney technicians are able to access those hard-to-reach areas without putting themselves at risk or losing high-quality visuals.

Gaining High-Quality Visual Data

Commercial chimney drone inspections provide high-resolution images and video footage of your chimney. This detailed visual data allows technicians to detect even minor cracks, blockages, or structural issues that may not be visible during a standard inspection but require a necessary chimney repair. Property owners then benefit from a more thorough understanding of their chimney’s condition by having the chance to see what’s happening inside and outside of the structure without having to access the chimney.

Improving Cost-Effectiveness

While the upfront expense of adopting drone technology may seem considerable, its long-term advantages justify the investment. By cutting down on inspection time and labor, drone technology enables chimney service companies to operate more efficiently. This efficiency directly benefits customers by potentially preventing costly repairs and minimizing safety risks through early issue detection, while also offering a more cost-effective chimney inspection option.

Showing a Commitment to Customers

Choosing a chimney company that utilizes drone technology demonstrates a commitment to quality and innovation. Customers appreciate the transparency and professionalism that come with advanced inspection methods. The ability to view drone footage and inspection reports instills confidence in the service provided, fostering trust and long-term relationships.

Furthering Environmental Consciousness

Depending on the current status of your commercial chimney and access, heavy equipment  may be necessary for a traditional inspection which operate on fossil fuels. With the use of drone inspections, you minimize the carbon footprint associated with typical methods. Therefore, furthering your dedication to environmental sustainability as a property owner.

Book Your Drone Chimney Inspection with Best Chimney Services

Commercial chimney drone inspections offer benefits for both you and your local chimney technician. You gain the benefits of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability as a property owner, while chimney technicians can benefit from advanced safety. By taking advantage of drone inspections, you’re staying ahead of the curve by maintaining your chimney for safe operation. Give us a call today to book your first drone chimney inspection, or to learn about our other reliable commercial chimney services. 

The post The Benefits of a Commercial Chimney Drone Inspection appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Do you love to use your outdoor fireplace during the summer to roast marshmallows, host outdoor gatherings, or simply warm up on a cooler night? It’s one of the many benefits of having an outdoor fireplace! However, it’s important to take care of your outdoor fireplace in order to ensure it’s safe to use and performing efficiently.

At Best Chimney Services, we help homeowners keep their chimneys in the best and most efficient condition for proper operation and safety. We’ve offered a range of residential and commercial chimney services in the Boston area since 1989. If you believe your outdoor fireplace with a chimney needs to be inspected or cleaned, give us a call! In the meantime, learn about the regular maintenance you should be performing this summer, below.

Regular Cleanings

One of the most important steps to maintaining your outdoor fireplace is with regular sweepings. Over time, your chimney and fireplace will accumulate ash, soot, and other debris that can affect the operation and safety of your fireplace. At a bare minimum, you’ll want to remove any debris or ash sitting in the firebox before each usage. 

As for a less consistent maintenance procedure, we recommend having your chimney professionally inspected and swept at least once during the summer to avoid creosote buildup. Creosote buildup can lead to dangerous chimney fires because of how flammable creosote is if not removed.

Cut Back Nearby Vegetation

Many don’t know that overgrown vegetation around your outdoor fireplace can pose a fire hazard. During the summer, plants and trees can grow rapidly, so keeping them trimmed back is important. Keep any plants, bushes, and trees at least ten feet away from your fireplace and chimney. This reduces the risk of fire spreading to nearby vegetation. This will also help improve airflow and reduce the risk of sparks igniting nearby foliage.

Inspect for Damage

Booking regular inspections can help you identify and address any potential signs of chimney damage before they become major problems. Inspect the exterior and interior of your fireplace and chimney for any signs of cracks or deterioration. Pay close attention to the mortar joints, as these can wear down over time, and ensure that the chimney cap isn’t rusting and is securely in place. The chimney cap prevents rain, debris, and animals from entering your chimney, which can cause blockages and damage.

Schedule Professional Inspections

While regular sweepings and inspections are essential, it’s also important to schedule professional maintenance with your local certified chimney technicians at least once a year. Hire a professional chimney sweep to thoroughly clean your chimney and inspect for any hidden issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye. 

Reach Out to Best Chimney to Maintain Your Outdoor Fireplace

Are you unsure how to maintain your outdoor fireplace? Give us a call to get started! Following these tips and working with chimney technicians will ensure that your fireplace is running safely and can be enjoyed all summer long. Schedule an appointment with us today for your first chimney inspection.

The post How to Take Care of Your Outdoor Fireplace in the Summer appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Why Now is the Perfect Time for a Chimney Inspection

As New Englanders, we’re savoring these precious moments outdoors, basking in the warmth and beauty of our current season. Yet, we know all too well how swiftly the weather can change in our corner of the world. Before we know it, the crisp autumn air will beckon us indoors, and we’ll be reaching for that cozy throw blanket and lighting the season’s first fire. At Best Chimney, we understand that now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the ever-changing New England seasons. While you’re enjoying the outdoors, let us help you ensure your chimney is ready to keep you warm and safe when those chilly nights inevitably return.

Your home is more than just a structure; it’s a complex network of systems working in harmony, much like your car or your own body. We understand that your house is not only your largest investment but also the place where your family finds safety and comfort and builds lasting memories. Just as you wouldn’t wait for your car to break down before seeing a mechanic or ignoring your health until you fall ill, your home deserves the same proactive care and attention.

That’s where we come in. At Best Chimney, we bring our expertise to bear on one of your home’s most crucial systems – the chimney. Regular, professional inspections are key to ensuring your chimney functions safely and efficiently, protecting your home and loved ones from potential hazards. Let’s explore the two types of chimney inspections we offer, along with some home-saving and money-saving tips:

Level 1 Chimney Inspection:

Our basic inspection is ideal for annual maintenance when no significant changes have been made to your chimney system. During a Level 1 inspection, our certified technicians will:

1. Examine readily accessible portions of the chimney’s interior and exterior
2. Check the basic structural integrity of the chimney and flue
3. Ensure the chimney is free from obstructions and combustible deposits
4. Verify proper installation and security of chimney connections and appliances
5. Inspection of visible portions of the chimney exterior

Level 2 Chimney Inspection:

This more comprehensive examination is necessary when changes occur in your system, such as switching fuel types or after events that might have damaged the chimney, like a fire or severe weather. A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 inspection, plus:

1. Inspection of accessible areas in the attic, basement, and crawl spaces
2. Evaluation of the chimney’s interior using specialized video scanning equipment
3. Verification of proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations
4. Assessment of flue liner condition with internal camera

By scheduling regular inspections, you’re taking a proactive step in maintaining your home’s safety and efficiency. This proactive care ensures that most issues in your chimney, which aren’t visible to the untrained eye, can be identified and resolved before they become costly hazards. This not only saves you money but also ensures your peace of mind, knowing that your home is safe and efficient.

As you enjoy the current season, let Best Chimney help you prepare for the changes ahead. Our expert inspections and maintenance services will ensure that when the time comes to light that first fire or turn on your heat, your chimney will be ready to perform safely and efficiently, keeping your home warm and your family protected throughout the coming New England seasons.

The post Preparing for New England’s Changing Seasons: appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

It’s summertime in the Chicagoland area! The birds are out, making nests in chimneys, rain soaking into the bricks, heat and humidity wearing away slowly on the outside of your chimney. As the sun beats down on the chimney cap, you might notice some small bits of rust tucked away underneath the cap’s edges and the beginnings of new cracks forming on your chimney’s concrete crown. These are just small problems that the summer likes to expose.

Yes, it’s true, you aren’t using your chimney this summer. With these hot temperatures across Chicagoland, we hope you are not! Just because it’s summer, doesn’t mean that deterioration stops. Even if you just got your chimney inspected earlier this year, it might have undergone too much stress from the rain, hail and wind conditions.

Tips For Chimney Maintenance

We always recommend that you to make an appointment for a chimney inspection before the fall busy season and have a Superior Chimney certified technician evaluate and complete any necessary chimney repairs. Here are 4 ways that will help reduce the amount of chimney repairs this summer.

1. Keep your chimney waterproofed! Your chimney’s porous mortar, bricks and/or stone are prone to the most damage during the summer. Water from rain and high humidity are absorbed in the bricks and mortar. Having it sit there for months at a time causes slow and steady deterioration, which at first you can’t see. Your chimney professional will waterproof the chimney with ChimneySaver, keeping moisture from being absorbed.
2. Rusting on your chimney cap is inevitable, but may be a sign you need to replace it. Without a properly working chimney cap, animals, debris and water can get inside the flue. You don’t want those little birds living inside the flue, cute as they are! Replace the chimney cap by a certified professional from Superior Chimney.
3. Inspect your chimney at Least Once Per Year. Have you noticed missing mortar? It looks like deep holes? Any strange smells coming from the firebox? If so, call Superior Chimney as soon as possible. The goal is to keep the cost of repairs to a minimum.
4. Cleaning your chimney is difficult to do on your own. We recommend that if there’s black or white streaks on the outside (creosote or calcium buildup from water damage), to call Superior Chimney certified professionals. The cleaning process can be very dirty and challenging to do yourself. By having a certified technician maintain the health of your chimney and fireplace, you’ll reduce the cost of repairs.

No Damage? Can you Pass the Chimney Inspection? Hold on, not quite! Maybe you didn’t notice any of the above damages, and you recently got your chimney waterproofed. You still need to have an annual inspection. Though it may look good on the outside, there’s always something going on inside of the chimney that can manifest into a bigger problem. Only a Superior Chimney professional can tell you if your chimney passes this year’s inspection! Call us at 877-244-6349 to make an appointment today.

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

Stone or brick masonry, gas or wood burning…There are many types of chimneys out there! Are you wondering what type of chimney you have in your home? Knowing the type of chimney you have is important for proper maintenance. In this article, we will discuss the different types of chimneys, their characteristics, and how to identify which type you have in your home.

Stone vs. Brick Masonry Chimneys

There are lots of different styles and designs of chimneys. You might have noticed a few of them while walking around your neighborhood. The most popular chimney type is brick masonry. This type of chimney is great if you like a more traditional home look. Maintenance and upkeep of a brick masonry chimney can be challenging, as the materials such as mortar and brick are porous. Over time, the constant exposure to the elements deteriorates the masonry and brick. In the Chicagoland area, this can be a real challenge, with spring and summer storms and winter snow.

Another common chimney type you might have seen around your neighborhood are stone chimneys. Stone chimneys aren’t too structurally different from brick chimneys. Stones are held together with the same porous mortar, which deteriorates over time.

Gas Chimneys

Gas chimneys are different from stone and brick masonry chimneys. Gas chimneys have a different structure, inside and out. On larger buildings, like apartments, you might notice small pipes attached to a gas heater inside which then leads to a small vent outside. The vent looks like a metal pipe sticking out of the building. This type of chimney generally experiences the least amount of water damage. 

Metal Chimneys

Metal chimneys are best made of stainless steel and are used with modern fireplaces. They are lightweight, but don’t provide as much insulation as stone or brick chimneys.

Is there “a Best” Chimney Type? Your preference is what chimney type is best for you! Let’s find out what that is. Aesthetically pleasing stone or brick masonry chimneys that are pleasing to the eye, or a metal chimney that looks more contemporary and cleaner. However, whatever your preference is or chimney you currently have, you still must have your chimney inspected once a year. A certified technician will help with inspecting the inside and outside of your chimney to make sure that it’s fireworthy and in good, working order. Though a metal chimney requires less repair, it’s still important to get it swept and checked by a certified technician once a year. Leaks happen to all chimney types and build up occurs as well. If you are interested in looking into the type of chimney you have and want to keep it in good working order for the coming fall and winter, call Superior Chimney for an inspection today at 877-244-6349.

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

When you get a bigger project done such as tuckpointing the chimney, or partially rebuilding the chimney, it seems like it was just completed yesterday.

A customer recently called and asked for one of our masonry tech experts to inspect the chimney. When we looked up the customer’s name and address, we found that the project was completed just about ten years ago. When we shared that with the customer, she said, “What? That was ten years ago!” “It seems like yesterday when you were here repairing the chimney.” We take that as a compliment.

It’s Lonely at the Top

When a company, like Superior Chimney, takes quality of work seriously, comments like this customer are regularly shared. That’s because ‘Peace of mind’ and trust are important. Homeowners don’t get to climb up on the roof to ‘see’ what’s going on. Homeowners don’t think about the chimney unless you find water stains on your walls or hear dripping water in the fireplace. That’s why Superior Chimney is important to the overall health of your home.

Start from the Outside

The chimney is the highest point on your home. It stands tall each day through all of the rain, sun, snow, wind, hail and whatever else Mother Nature has in store. Those elements hit, slam and pound at the chimney from every direction, challenging its integrity. One slip up, and the water, debris and animals are coming in!

• Tuckpointing the chimney is critical! Missing mortar is like a door that just swung open and said, “come on in!” Clearly, we’re open.
• Loose Bricks or Stone – When there’s missing or loose mortar, you can be sure the bricks or stones are loose as well. What happens when the bricks or stones are loose? They can fall away from the chimney exposing the interior of the chimney, and encouraging much faster deterioration.

How Do You Know the Above Problems Exist?

During the inspection, the certified chimney technician takes pictures of the chimney. We point out the good and the areas that need repair. With the pictures, we discuss what the issue may be, explain what we do to repair it and discuss what it will look…and perform like in the end.

We believe this is a critical part of the ‘peace of mind’ and trust that we build with our customers. With every satisfied customer, we know that when you have a question, you’ll be giving us a call, just like the customer we shared at the beginning of our story.

Be a part of the Superior Chimney family. Contact us today.

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

According to estimates from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), creosote is the leading cause of one-fourth of home fires in the US, with 25,000 incidents reported every year.

One of the reasons for this is that many homeowners don’t hire chimney cleaning services to clean their chimney as often as they should.

When you have a chimney fire, you might wonder what to do. Well, there are several precautions you should take. These precautions include:

Get everyone out

Everyone should leave the house as soon as possible if you suspect a chimney fire has started. By doing this, you’ll be able to limit the quantity of oxygen that the fire can absorb and prevent larger flames from spreading.

Getting everyone outside will also stop pets from escaping into the burning rooms. If you have children living in your house, this is especially crucial.

Using the right fireplace tools whenever you use a wood stove or fireplace is a way to avoid chimney fires. Doing so can help produce an updraft that will force the smoke up the chimney and out of your room.

Along with following these simple guidelines, you can hire a cleaning expert to clean your chimney regularly, which will help avert chimney fires before they start.

This is a crucial step since chimney fires can be quite dangerous, especially those that burn slowly.

Close all the openings

The purpose of your chimney system is to keep smoke, fumes, and flammable gasses out of your house. It must, therefore, be thoroughly inspected and cleaned regularly.

The flue is the hole in your chimney where smoke travels. It should be the right size to fit the capacity and chimney height of your stove.

Dampers are installed inside the flue to help regulate ventilation and keep a fire from getting too hot. When the fire isn’t burning, they also prevent cold air from entering.

There could be major issues if you open the damper when there is a fire. Your fire will have difficulty getting oxygen, producing smoke and carbon monoxide.

While the fire is blazing, the damper can be turned off by pulling chains at the inner front of the fireplace or by pressing a lever. As long as you know what you’re doing, that method is safe.

Put out the fire

Make sure your flue and fireplace are kept clean and clean of combustible materials to prevent chimney fires. This includes burning glossy pages, cardboard, and paper, spilling chemicals up the chimney, and discharging toxins into the air.

Additionally, you should keep the duration of your fire to no more than five hours per day. You should note that spending too much time in the fire can harm your chimney and possibly ignite a fire inside your house.

It is challenging for you and your family to experience a chimney fire. A chimney fire can spread quickly and endanger the building’s structure or demolish your home’s internal walls if not put out.

First, open the fireplace damper to put out the fire. Make sure to open the damper slowly because leaving it open too quickly could result in the start of another fire inside your house.

Get in touch with the fire department.

You must notify your local fire department and get everyone out of the house when you discover a chimney fire. In addition to putting out the fire, they can determine whether it has spread to other areas of your home.

A chimney fire can potentially destroy both your house’s structure and your life. It may even result in severe harm.

There are multiple indicators that a chimney fire might be present. Some are obvious, like a strong smell coming from your house.

Flue tile damage and potential flue wall cracks might result from a slow-burning chimney fire that burns through the exterior of your chimney.

Another indication that a chimney fire has occurred is the presence of melted roof shingles and other accessories.

In addition, keep an eye out for any additional indicators of a chimney fire, such as falling ash or loose soot down your chimney or blazing materials inside your chimney.

Ways to prevent chimney fires

You can significantly lower the risk of chimney fires and guarantee the security of your house and family by being aware of these issues and implementing the appropriate safety procedures. The common problems that will prevent chimney fires include:

Frequent Chimney Sweeping: To reduce the chance of a chimney fire, schedule routine sweeping. The kind of fuel being consumed determines how often sweeping is necessary.

If you are wondering how often you should clean your chimney, here are recommendations based on fire-prone appliances:

• Oil: Yearly
• Gas: Yearly
• Twice a year for bituminous coal
• Burning wood: Four times or more annually
• Burning smokeless fuels (such as coal): At least one time annually

Prevent burning wet wood: Ensure the wood you burn has no more than 17% moisture content. Burning damp wood increases the risk of creosote buildup and chimney fires because it causes incomplete combustion.

Use a fireguard while using open fires: To avoid embers that are smoldering and sparks that are flying, generating a fire hazard, use a fireguard when using open fires. The fireguard will control any possible sparks and embers near the fireplace.

Keep combustible items and dangerous compounds out of children’s reach: It’s critical to keep combustible items and hazardous compounds out of children’s reach. To avoid mishaps, chimney contractors Columbia MD recommend keeping kids away from fire hazards.

Keep wood and fuel away from the fire to prevent unintentional ignition of nearby objects like flammable materials or supplies meant for burning by flying sparks. Ensure that you keep every igneous substance at a safe distance from the hearth.

The post What Precautions Should You Take During a Chimney Fire? first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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