When the weather turns colder, cozying up to the warmth of a crackling fire in the fireplace is something many homeowners enjoy. But not everyone looks forward to lighting it. If this sounds like you, then you’re in luck. The following guide will show you the right way to light a fire in the fireplace and keep it lit.

Chimney Inspection and Cleaning

You’re probably anxious to start that fire to take the chill out of the room, but there may be risk factors lurking in the chimney or fireplace. So, you will first need to check to ensure it is safe for use. Hire a professional chimney sweep to inspect and clean the chimney of any obstructions or creosote before lighting the first fire of the season. You will also need to make any necessary chimney repairs too. Then, check the firebox to ensure there isn’t excess ash. Having too much ash inside the firebox can make it challenging to start the fire. About an inch or so of ash will help keep the fire lit and burn more efficiently.

Step by Step Process

To light the fireplace, you need three main ingredients: fuel, kindling, and tinder. For the fuel, you need seasoned firewood logs. For the kindling, gather some large twigs or small branches. You can use old newspapers or pinecones for the tinder.

Prepare the fire bed. A strategic arrangement of your wood, kindling, and tinder is vital. Start with the tinder at the bottom of the pile, add kindling on top of the tinder, and stack some wood logs on top of the kindling. Start with a few seasoned firewood logs; you can add more later. Remember to leave some space between the logs for better air circulation.

Open the damper. The damper must remain open to draw in the oxygen to fuel the fire and allow the smoke and exhaust to vent through the chimney. But don’t forget to close the damper after you extinguish the fire.

Warm up the flue. You can light your fire without warming the flue, but you could experience a draft where smoke may flow back into your home. To warm the flue, light some rolls of newspaper and hold them up inside the flue for around ten to fifteen seconds. It will also reduce air pressure, and oxygen will flow more smoothly.

Lighting the fireplace. Grab your box of long matchsticks. You can pick them up at your local hearth dealer. Strike the matchstick to light the tinder. The tinder will spread the fire to the kindling, and the kindling will slowly ignite the wood. A word of caution – never use a lighter, kerosene, or any flammable liquids or materials to start a fire in the fireplace. It can cause an explosion.

While the firewood is burning, you can add extra logs as necessary to keep the fire lit. Depending on the quality of your wood, each log can burn for about two to three hours.

That’s all there is to it. Use common sense when operating your fireplace. Never leave a burning fireplace unattended. And keep pets and small children away from the fireplace. Finally, always extinguish the fire before leaving your home or going to bed. Now sit back with your favorite hot beverage, relax and enjoy the crackling fire.

 

The post The Right Way to Light a Fire in the Fireplace (and Keep It Lit) appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Natural stone such as fieldstone, marble, granite, and limestone create warm and elegant fireplace surrounds, carved chimneypieces, and mantles. Unfortunately, the stone gets sooty and gritty over time, giving your fireplace a cheap, ugly look.

Do you want to keep your natural stone fireplace looking great? Here are expert tips (given by chimney contractors) you should follow:

Regularly remove soot

Letting soot sit on the fireplace for a long time turns the chimney black. It also puts the chimney at the risk of catching fire. To keep your fireplace in pristine condition, make a habit of regularly cleaning off the soot. The best tool to use in the cleaning is a stiff brush.

When cleaning, use a mask and gloves to protect yourself.

Start with preparing a solution of lukewarm water and natural stone cleanser. You should then dip a paintbrush in the cleaning solution and use it to clean off soot from the chimney surface. After applying the solution on all areas, give it time to interact with the soot then rinse it out with light warm water.

Keep the firebox clean

The best time to clean the firebox is in summer when you aren’t using the chimney. If you have to clean it during the heating season, give the fireplace at least 12 hours to cool.

Before you begin the cleaning, protect the surrounding areas with drop cloths or old sheets. You also should wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy.

After removing the grate and any other remaining log chunks, use a small shovel to scoop out the ashes from the fireplace. If there are any remaining ashes, use a vacuum to remove them.

Once you are done, use a semi-abrasive sponge dipped in mild cleaning detergent to thoroughly wipe down the surfaces of the firebox.

When cleaning, avoid any soap solution as it leaves a residue that dulls the fireplace. You also should stay away from acidic, alkaline, and ammonia-based cleaning agents as they have been shown to damage the stone fireplace and cause mildew.

Remove the stains

Nothing cheapens a natural stone chimney like a stain. During the cleaning, keep your eyes out for any stains. If present, remove them immediately. To do it, make a solution of one-fourth cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and half a gallon of water.

After applying the solution, give it at least 15 minutes to interact with the stain, then rinse it with water and dry it with an old towel.

TSP is harmful to the skin; therefore, always wear gloves to protect your skin. Also, wear a mask to protect yourself from hazardous fume inhalation.

Apply a stone sealer

Stone sealers prevent excess soot and grime from adhering to and penetrating the natural stone. Stone sealers come in a wide range of strengths ideal for different types of stones.

If you aren’t sure about the right type of sealer to go for, ask an expert chimney technician to help you out. While a sealer prevents soot, fluids, and other materials from penetrating deep into the stone, it wears out after time. This means you have to keep on reapplying it to keep your fireplace protected.

Remove sealer scratches

Due to poor installation or using harsh/abrasive cleaning products, the sealer can wear out. For you to keep your fireplace looking great, get rid of the scratches as soon as they happen. A great option is using polishing stone. Carefully apply the stone on the affected areas, and you will remove the scratches.

Undertake regular inspections and repair

It’s common for your fireplace to develop problems. For example, it might start smoking. You also might begin finding it hard to light a fire. For you to keep your fireplace in great shape, regularly inspect it and fix any issues that might be there.

If you have the skills, go ahead and inspect and repair it but for ideal results, let an expert chimney cleaning services Columbia MD professional do it for you.

When hiring the professional, ensure he/she is certified and experienced to do the work. The last thing you want is someone who will cause more problems than were there. Since you will be spending a substantial amount of time with the contractor, you don’t want someone with a dull personality. Get someone who is fun to be with.

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

Cold drafts coming into the home through the chimney, down into the fireplace and into your living area has been the concern among many callers to Superior Chimney. We thought it would be a useful to share the cause of cold drafts or cold air entering your home from gas fireplace and wood burning fireplace.

What is a Downdraft?

A downdraft occurs when cold air blows across / down the chimney. Since cold air is dense or heavy, it will fall down into the chimney and ultimately makes its way into your home.

Can Down Drafting be Prevented?

Some may say to simply install glass doors in front of the
fireplace, however, that’s not solving the problem. Cold air will
remain in the chimney and slowly leak into the home. Here are a couple of
preventative measures for keeping cold air out.

Chimney
Cap – A chimney cap works to minimize wind downdrafts. It also prevents
snow, rain and animals from entering while keeping any sparks from leaving
the chimney. A Superior Chimney technician will check to ensure the chimney cap is
installed and working properly.  

Damper or Chimney Flue – A damper is another great way to prevent cold drafts from entering the home. It seals in the heat in cold temperatures and air conditioning in the summer. Dampers also seal out animals, rain, snow, wind and hail and also prevents sparks from going outside of the home.

What to do if You Feel a Cold Draft?

To uncover and solve the problem of cold air or downdrafts entering your home, have a CSIA Certified Chimney technician from Superior Chimney come to your home and evaluate the situation. We’ll take pictures of what we find up on the roof so you can be aware of your situation to make an educated decision. Call us at 877-244-6349 to get started.

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

During the season of fuel and fires, ventilation and maintenance, it’s important to not cut corners. Cutting corners when it comes to your fireplace and chimney can result in serious damage to your home, costly services to your chimney system, and even injury and possible loss of life. In order for your chimney to work safely and efficiently all winter long and year after year, it must be maintained properly and used correctly. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) help to keep fire in its place by educating responsible homeowners to schedule routine chimney sweeps and annual chimney inspections. This ensures the safest and most efficient systems.

The Danger of Dirty Chimneys

When a fire burns in your fireplace it constantly produces soot and creosote and deposits them into the chimney flue. Soot is merely carbon, harmless unless it’s allowed to buildup and cause an obstruction. Creosote is produced when organic materials are burned and is made up mostly of tar, a sticky, flammable substance. It builds upon itself until a significant buildup occurs, slowing the flow of air through the flue. As efficiency drops, the buildup worsens and hot air begins to stall in the system. As temperatures increase, the creosote boils and the water evaporates leaving a concentrated, hardened mass when the creosote cools. This buildup called “glazed creosote” is highly flammable, obstructs airflow, and is difficult to remove. Because of this, creosote should be removed before it reaches 1/8 inch in thickness. A standard chimney sweep can remove creosote, but glazed creosote requires a special industrial solvent that transforms the creosote as it’s absorbed.

Creosote buildup is not the only danger of a dirty chimney. If your chimney isn’t cleaned on a regular basis the creosote and soot can hide liner damage, allowing the heat to transfer through the masonry and onto the other building materials of the home. This can create a serious fire hazard. Additionally, without a routine sweep, you might have accumulated any number of things in your flue or fireplace. Animals, sticks and leaves, and unburned wood are all things that we find in neglected chimney systems—all contributing to unwelcome odors and ventilation problems.

The Importance of Inspections

It’s so important to have your chimney inspected as well as cleaned that most chimney companies include a basic level one inspection with every cleaning! An inspection will ensure that the system is safe and efficient for another year of use. However, who completes the inspection is vital. Only a certified chimney sweep should inspect your chimney system. An amateur won’t know where to look and a homeowner won’t recognize the signs of a problem until it’s too late. Every chimney should undergo a CSIA inspection annually. This is a complete diagnostic assessment of the chimney from top to bottom. Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep offers level one, two, and three CSIA inspections for homeowners in and around Boston, North Shore, and Portland. Not only do we inspect every chimney that we sweep, but we sweep every chimney we inspect.

If your chimney system hasn’t changed or shown any problems in the last year, our technician will complete a level one inspection. This is an inspection of all the readily accessible portions of the system. The video scan is usually only available for a level two inspection, but we check every chimney with video surveillance. We use a Chim-Scan camera system and Wohler Vis2000-Pro for an inside look at the flue.

A level two inspection is necessary in the following conditions; if there have been changes made to the chimney system, if it’s presented problems, and before the sale or transfer of the property. It includes everything from a level one inspection as well as everything accessible through doors and passageways.

A level three inspection is only necessary when a serious hazard is suspected, but at this point, it is the only thing to get your system up and going again.

Common Chimney Dangers

Besides creosote buildup, there are numerous problems that can arise when a chimney isn’t properly cleaned and maintained. At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep we diagnose winter damage most often—masonry damage that results in a serious drop in efficiency and rise in fire risk. Another common hazard that we see quite often is a damaged firebox. The firebox is the space that holds the fire. It endures the highest temperatures for the longest amounts of time but gets very little attention. Though many focus only on flue fires, the fire hazard associated with a damaged firebox may be the most serious. Prolonged heat exposure through damaged firebricks can cause structural damage as support beams become brittle with heat damage. A similar danger can arise when the liner is damaged and heat transfers through the masonry. Insulation in walls and attics can ignite as heat moves from the chimney into the home.

As with most residential fires, chimney and fireplace fires can be prevented. It is our goal to help our customers, friends, and neighbors in our service area to stay safer and warmer this winter by offering services that prevent fires.

Schedule your services now by calling 617-469-4528 or schedule an appointment online today.

The post Keep Your Fire In Its Place This Winter appeared first on Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep.

After installing a fireplace, most homeowners think the only thing they have to do is to clean it. Far from this, as chimneys develop a gamut of problems that put you and your loved ones at risk. Some of the things that can go wrong with your fireplace as given by chimney contractors include:

Cracked firebox

The firebox is the area where you light a fire. The area is made from special bricks designed to stand fire at extreme temperatures. Just like the flue, the firebox develops gaps and cracks. A damaged firebox has the same effects as a damaged chimney flue:

• Chimney loses a lot of heat
• Increased creosote deposition
• Risk of carbon monoxide intoxication

For you to fix the problem, find new bricks that closely resemble the original color. After completing the brickwork, cover the area with a layer of waterproof caulking, that will keep the chimney from water damage.

The layer will also prevent heat and gas from escaping through the gaps.

Just like with the chimney flue, you can do the work by yourself if you have the skills or hire an expert to help you out. When hiring a chimney technician, ensure the professional is experienced and won’t cause more chimney problems than were originally there.

The price charged by the contractors will guide you on how experienced they are. If they are too cheap, they are most likely inexperienced and won’t give you an excellent service.

You are better off hiring an experienced contractor. While they will charge a higher fee, they provide you with peace of mind as you know the chimney is correctly repaired, and you don’t have to keep worrying it crumbing.

Cracking of the flue

Modern chimneys have a flue lining made of clay. Due to old age or inadequate maintenance, the flue liners crack or develop gaps. A damaged flue leads to heat loss; hence, you spend a lot of money heating your home. The damaged flue also easily collects creosote, so you have to keep on cleaning the chimney.

If the gaps are significant, carbon monoxide and other harmful gases accumulate in the gaps putting you and your loved ones in danger of inhaling the toxic gases.

With basic home improvement skills, you can fix the problem by yourself, but for perfect results, ask a chimney expert to help you out. Depending on the extent of damage, you may have to seal the gap, but if the damage is extensive, you have to replace the damaged bricks.

When choosing bricks, go for those that match the color of the original chimney.

Smoking chimney

When the chimney is constructed correctly, adequately maintained, and there isn’t any negative pressure, the smoke from the fireplace should always rise up the chimney. If the chimney always smokes when you light fire, you have a problem you should address as soon as possible.

The chimney smokes due to the use of the wrong firewood. A damaged chimney also tends to keep on smoking. For you to fix the problem, get seasoned wood. In addition to the wood producing little smoke, it also creates a lot of heat, so you easily keep your house warm.

To raise the center of the frame, raise the height of the log grate by placing a brick under the grill. You also should consider investing is a smoke guard that prevents smoke from getting back into the house. When buying the guard, go for a black colored one as it easily hides in the fireplace.

If this doesn’t fix the smoking, raise the chimney stack. You do this by placing a metal pipe on the top of the flue.

Too much creosote in the chimney

Creosote is the tar-like material made up of highly flammable materials. When you have a lot of creosote in the fireplace, it means you don’t clean the chimney as frequently as you should. You also might be burning the wrong wood.

To reduce the creosote, hire a chimney sweep Columbia MD at least once a year to inspect the creosote levels and remove the excess. You also should watch the quality of the wood you are using. For minimal creosote deposition, use wood that has been air-dried for at least six months.

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

The chimney cap is one of the most vital parts of a chimney. Its primary purpose is to protect the masonry chimney crown & open flue. There are two kinds of chimney caps. Many fireplaces, especially in older homes, have an open style chimney cap that was made from leftover cement and mortar from the original chimney construction. It is sloped to help push water and snow away from the chimney, but the flue is still exposed. The other kind of cap contains a metal mesh screen that covers the flue opening. It has an added advantage of helping to prevent animals, pests, and debris from obstructing the flue while still allowing smoke and fumes to vent. Regardless of the type of chimney cap you have, it will eventually need replacement.

Water and debris in the firebox

Water is the mortal enemy of the chimney. It can soften the masonry leading to extensive damage and repairs. And if water and debris are getting into your fireplace, then smoke and fumes may also be invading your living space. When this occurs, the chimney cap should be inspected and replaced if damaged. Otherwise, you will need a more thorough inspection to determine the source of the water intrusion.

Your cap blew off

Although the chimney cap is tightly secured to the chimney crown, its continued exposure to strong winds and heavy rain could cause it to loosen or blow off the chimney. Also, your chimney cap may not have been installed correctly in the first place. The wrong size cap or incorrect installation can also cause it to separate from the chimney. When you look up at the roof and notice the chimney cap is missing, it is time for an immediate replacement.

Excessive presence of rust

You should also replace the chimney cap when it begins to rust or corrode. The continuous exposure to moisture, creosote, and other contaminants can result in rust or corrosion and weaken its effectiveness. When the chimney cap is heavily rusted, it can easily rip apart. Even small animals looking for shelter can force their way through the weakened mesh and obstruct the flue.

Your experiencing downdrafts

On windy days, a sudden gust of wind can force air straight down the stack. It can also be very messy when soot, creosote, and ash are blown into your living space. A damaged or missing chimney cap is usually the culprit. Replacing the chimney cap will minimize downdrafts.

A structurally sound and well-installed chimney cap is vital to preventing water intrusion and flue obstructions. It will also protect the chimney crown and minimize chimney repairs. If it’s been more than a year since your last chimney inspection, give us a call to schedule a visit. We will inspect the chimney cap and recommend replacement, if necessary. In most cases, we can install your new chimney cap during the same visit.

 

The post When Should A Chimney Cap Be Replaced? appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

The quintessential wood stove is an indispensable source of heat for many homeowners, especially in older homes built before the arrival of central air. And since modern wood stoves are more environmentally friendly than ever before, they have grown in popularity. But whether you use a wood stove for primary or supplemental heating, you need to make sure you are operating the appliance safely.

Annual Inspection & Cleaning 

There is no way around it; an annual inspection is vital. It is your first line of defense that ensures your wood stove, stovepipe, and chimney is safe for use. A yearly inspection will uncover any issues that could increase the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. For example, the technician will visually examine the chimney liner. It is unsafe to operate a wood stove if the liner is damaged or if the chimney is unlined. Other potential issues such as cracked bricks, gaps in the mortar joints, water leaks, and other masonry problems could result in health and safety issues.

The technician will also advise if cleaning is recommended. Excessive creosote is the leading cause of residential structure fires. When there is 1/8” or more of creosote in the chimney, stovepipe, or stove, its immediate removal is strongly encouraged. Also, always hire a Certified Chimney Sweep® for cleaning and inspection. It is your assurance that the technician not only has professional training and expertise but will also follow established industry standard guidelines.

Always Use the Right Fuel

Always use firewood that has been seasoned for at least six months. Fresh or “green” wood has a very high moisture content. Firewood that contains a high moisture content burns faster at lower temperatures and creates a lot of smoke and creosote. On the other hand, seasoned wood burns slower at higher temperatures with less smoke and creosote. It’s safer, will keep your home warmer longer, and you will use less fuel.

Correctly Vent the Stovepipe

The stovepipe vents the smoke and fumes in the wood-stove out through the chimney. It is unsafe to use a stovepipe without connecting it to an approved chimney system. A combination of high temperatures along with CO2 gases along with creosote buildup inside the stovepipe can start a fire. Periodically cleaning the stovepipe and ensuring it is correctly vented to the chimney reduces the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Keep Combustibles Away from the Stove

While much of the heat is contained inside the stove, it’s exterior, and the stovepipe can get quite hot. Keep clothing and any flammable objects or liquids a safe distance from the heating stove and stove pipe.

Install a CO2 Detector

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is a byproduct of burning solid and liquid fuel. And its consequences can be deadly. For your safety, it is highly recommended to install a CO2 detector. The detector will sound an alert if carbon monoxide gas is leaking into your living space.

When operated safely, your wood stove will reduce your heating costs and keep your family warm on those chilly days. Contact us to schedule your annual inspection and cleaning with a certified chimney technician today!

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

Today’s wood stoves make elegant and useful additions to any home. They’re efficient and beautiful and give you years of performance. You can enhance the performance and safety of your wood heating stove by following these seven tips.

1. Burn dry wood

Dry, or seasoned, wood burns far more efficiently than green, or unseasoned, wood. This means less smoke and more-complete burns. Less smoke means less flammable creosote in your stove pipe and firebox

2. Don’t use these items to start a fire

 

Free-standing wood stoves are designed to burn wood logs. The only other material you should use in your stove is crumpled-up newspaper as tinder when starting the fire.

The following items should never be used in your stove:
• Wood that’s been painted or “finished”
• Material including clothing and fabric
• Gasoline, lighter fluid and any other fire-starter
• Charcoal
• Magazines
• Packaging material
• Cardboard
• Christmas trees

3. Smoke detectors & carbon monoxide monitors

It’s very important to have working smoke detectors and a carbon monoxide (CO) monitor when using any kind of fire-producing heating appliance. Smoke detectors will alert you to excess smoke and possibly a fire. CO monitors placed in the vicinity of the stove will tell you if unacceptable levels of this deadly gas are somehow entering your home from the stove. The danger with CO is that it’s invisible, odorless and potentially fatal to people and animals.

4. Maintaining your wood stove

The primary maintenance job with a wood stove is to periodically clean out the firebox. Wait 12 or more hours since the last fire, then scoop out the ashes and place them in a metal container prior to disposing them in whatever safe way you choose. Use a wire brush to scrape creosote and soot (too much of which could create a fire hazard) from the interior surfaces of the firebox. Finish with a thorough vacuuming.

5. Removing creosote

Over time, creosote will build up inside your stove’s vent pipe and must be removed. The safest and most effective way to accomplish this is with the services of a certified chimney sweep.

These technicians have power brushes, solvents, scrapers and other tools designed to do an excellent job in removing built-up creosote from any kind of heating appliance vent system.

6. Removing debris

Any kind of debris that makes its way into your stove pipe will create an obstruction that will hinder the drafting of smoke and gasses. Leaves, twigs, small-animal nests or anything else from the outside world that infiltrates your vent pipe can lead to unsafe operating conditions. Skilled chimney sweeps can remove any venting obstructions.

7. Regular inspections

A final way to ensure the safety of your free-standing stove is to schedule yearly inspections from a certified, licensed chimney and stove inspector. This assessment will spot early signs of damage so they can be fixed quickly and save you the cost of extensive repairs.
Fluesbrothers Chimney Service of Kansas City, KS, provides complete vent system cleaning, chimney sweep services, fireplace and stove repair and thorough inspections of all supplemental home-heating appliances. Schedule an appointment or get your questions answered by calling (913) 236-7141.

The post 7 Wood Stove Safety Tips appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

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.