Chimneys

To help reduce creosote during wood burning, burn only well-seasoned hardwoods. If you don’t know how to build a hot, safe fire, ask your chimney sweep for tips on proper wood burning.

Prefabricated chimneys for heating systems, and for fireplaces, are equipped with rain caps to keep rain water from entering the chimney flue.

Look for a flat or curved plate at the very top of the chimney, the rain cap can be viewed from the ground. It is important for the home owner to periodically verify the integrity of the rain cap, especially after heavy rains and winds because weakened rain caps can often fail under these conditions. If a rain cap becomes dislodged, rain water can enter the flue and then run down into the heating system, or fireplace, and cause damage or system mal-function. During a rain, look for water and rust in and about the chimney flue located at the heating system, or fireplace; this is a sure sign that something is wrong.

In addition, a dislodged rain cap can sometimes cause a blockage in the flue which resticts the natural flow of toxic combustion gasses which contain carbon monoxide produced by the heating system, or fireplace; if the flow of flue gasses is restricted, toxic carbon monoxide may enter the house.

A blocked chimney can cause combustion by-products to leak into your home, and that is very dangerous to your health. Take few moments each fall to inspect your chimney. If you notice evidence of chimney deterioration, contact a qualified chimney expert right away for corrective repairs.

To help reduce creosote build-up in your wood-burning chimney system, burn only well-seasoned hardwoods. If you don’t know how to build a hot, safe fire, ask your certified chimney sweep for tips on proper wood-burning techniques.

A plugged or blocked chimney could cause the products of combustion to back up and filter through your home…and that is very dangerous to your health. So inspect your chimney each fall. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes of your time.

Gas logs release a lot of water vapor when they are burning. You should be wary of mold and mildew, especially if you have asthma and respiratory problems, when using them for longer than a few hours. A CO detector is a great gas-log accessory. You can find one in many home-improvement and mass chain stores

P oorly fitting fireplace dampers allow air to move freely up and down the chimney, often resulting in significant energy loss. Install a new damper or repair the existing one so it closes tightly and be sure to close the damper after every use.

Mild winters mean more chimney fires! It’s true. People choke back their woodstoves in mild weather – leading to more creosote accumulation – but many don’t realize this, so they skip getting it cleaned, thinking it doesn’t need it as bad as it would after a cold winter.

Most fires involving either masonry or prefabricated metal chimneys occur because of improper installation, use or maintenance. Here are a few of the most common causes: chimney installation too close to wood framing; thermal insulation too close to the chimney; and, passing the stovepipe or chimney through a ceiling or wall, causing ignition of wood framing. Also, always operate your appliance within the manufacturer’s recommended temperature limits. Too low a temperature increases creosote buildup, and too high a temperature may eventually cause damage to the chimney and result in a fire.

Springtime is the right time to get your chimneys checked! Sweeps are generally less frantic in the spring (vs. the crazy fall season) and if your chimney needs repairs, they can be made before the cold weather hits!