A devastating chimney fire can damage your masonry and even the structure of your home.
Chimney fires are more prevalent than you may think. Fires come in different sizes, and there are smaller kinds that homeowners may never realize are happening. Any chimney fire can cause destruction; it’s just a matter of how much. A devastating chimney fire can damage your masonry and even the structure of your home. Luckily, there are things you can do to prevent chimney fires or lessen the chances of them occurring. Keep reading to learn more.
Install a Chimney Liner
If your chimney doesn’t already have one, installing a chimney liner can protect it from catching fire. A liner is typically made of ceramic or metal and lines the interior walls of a chimney. Once installed, it seals and insulates your chimney so that it’s better protected against stray sparks. Without a chimney liner, the heat produced by your fireplace may damage the brick masonry of your chimney flue, allowing toxic and flammable gases to accumulate.
Have Your Chimney Cleaned
Regular cleanings and inspections are the most important parts of chimney maintenance and fire prevention. Chimney sweeps have the proper tools and training to clean your chimney and remove creosote, which is a common cause of chimney fires. Chimney sweeping involves scraping away flammable creosote buildups from the walls of your chimney liner. It is highly recommended to schedule an annual chimney cleaning if you use a wood-burning fireplace or insert.
Keep Air Flowing Through the House
A fire requires a spark, oxygen, and fuel for a fire to happen. You likely have the match and the wood, but you may not have the air or at least enough of it. If your house is very air-tight, it may not provide enough air to be sucked into the fireplace and through the chimney. When this happens, firewood burns slowly and produces a lot of smoke. If this is an issue, try opening a window, preferably near the fireplace, to create a draft.
Burn Quality Firewood
Burning the correct type of firewood is essential for protecting against chimney fires. If the wood is wet, damp, or has a high moisture content, it may lead to creosote buildup. When wood doesn’t burn all the way, it releases creosote that rises up and into the flue. And since creosote is thick, it sticks to the interior walls of chimney flues, restricting airflow and increasing the potential for a chimney fire.
Call the Experts at Champion Chimneys for Chimney Cleaning Today!
Champion Chimneys, Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured chimney service company that has served customers in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, Maryland since 2001. Our team is trained and certified by Certified Chimney Professionals, Inc. (CCP, Inc.). Courteous service is our trademark, and our crews arrive on time in uniform, driving fully equipped trucks. We specialize in all aspects of your chimney system. Whether you need chimney and flue cleaning service or a full chimney rebuild or inspection, contact us at 443-Chimney today and let us fix all your chimney problems. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.