Let us discuss some concerns about chimney fires and how to protect your family.
Now that it’s winter, many homeowners use their fireplaces as heat sources. It may be an economical choice considering the energy cost to heat your home. But you must be aware of the dangers involved in fireplace use. Knowing the causes of chimney fires and how to protect yourself and your family from them is essential. Let us discuss some concerns about chimney fires and how to protect your family.
Chimney Inspection
An annual chimney inspection is your first defense against chimney fires. A professional chimney repair company will inspect your entire chimney. They will ensure a safe fire-burning season. Your chimney professional will create a plan to maintain your chimney to protect you from any danger.
Regular Chimney Sweeping
A clean chimney will help prevent a chimney fire. Schedule an annual chimney sweep along with your yearly inspection. Creosote buildup is the main cause of chimney fires. Creosote is a flammable tar-like substance that builds up on the inner walls of your chimney. This happens when you burn wood in your fireplace. If not cleaned out regularly, it may catch fire, causing a dangerous situation for you and your family.
Install a Chimney Liner
Invest in a stainless-steel chimney liner to protect your home. Stainless steel withstands very high temperatures. A chimney liner will also protect your home from seepage of carbon monoxide gas through the bricks. Stainless steel is durable and will last a long time.
Make Sure You Use Seasoned Firewood
The fastest and hottest wood to burn is hardwood. You should choose the best wood for your fireplace. Also, be sure that it is thoroughly seasoned, as wood holds a lot of moisture. When there’s a lot of humidity, firewood will smoke, and the smoke goes up the chimney and causes creosote. Allow the wood to season for at least six months and up to a year before burning it. It is a good idea to buy your wood now for next year. This way, you are sure that it is completely dry. Dry wood will burn at its hottest, and creosote buildup will be minimal.
Install Heatproof Glass Doors
It is important to protect the inside of your home as well. The experts recommend a good heatproof glass door in front of your fireplace. Keeping this closed will keep any sparks from falling into the room.
Schedule Your Chimney Cleaning from Champion Chimneys, Inc.
When you need a trusted company for your chimney inspection and chimney cleaning, you can trust our team. 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.). 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.