Keeping a chimney and fireplace system safe is a job that’s shared between you, the homeowner, and your chimney services provider. Anderson’s Chimney Sweeps & Masonry Services of New Cumberland, PA, would like to share seven safety tips that you can start implementing right now.
Spotting signs of chimney damage
You can visually inspect many areas and parts of your chimney. Watch for these signs that signal the need for a closer look:
- Rust on the chimney exterior or in the firebox
- White masonry stains (efflorescence)
- Coal or pieces of broken flue tiles in the firebox
- Loose or cracked bricks; crumbling mortar between the bricks
- Cracks in the concrete chimney crown
- Damp sections in walls or the ceiling near the fireplace
- A squeaky fireplace damper that’s hard to operate
- Smoke backing up into your room
- Strong odors coming from the fireplace
- Fires that are hard to start and burn sluggishly
These signs are indicators that your system should be inspected by a licensed chimney inspector before the problem becomes expensive and dangerous.
Best firewood burning practices
The wood you burn in your fireplace should be dry. Damp wood produces excess smoke, which leads to excess creosote buildup in the flue (see below). Logs should dry out for at least six months before burning.
And remember to burn only firewood – never plastics, painted wood, metals, cardboard or any other non-firewood item. Most of these materials burn with too much heat and can fill your room with toxic gases.
Ensure a safe, efficient draft
There are three main reasons why smoke doesn’t move efficiently up the chimney:
- Built-up creosote, outside debris or animal nests obstructing the flue
- Insufficient air going to and through the firebox
- A chimney liner that’s the wrong size for your fireplace
If obstructions are the cause, have your chimney swept. If insufficient air is the cause, you might need to crack a window near the fireplace or turn off exhaust fans. And make sure your damper is fully open.
If the flue is clean and it appears that plenty of air is getting to the fire, the problem may be the size of the chimney liner. This issue should be addressed by a licensed chimney inspector.
A compromised draft will cause fires to burn sluggishly and create more smoke, which ends up as creosote in the flue. Inefficient burns also produce excess carbon monoxide, an invisible and odorless gas that can lead to dire health risks when inhaled by people and pets.
Observe the 3-foot rule
When the fireplace is in use, everyone should imagine a barrier extending three feet out from the firebox. Stay on the safe side of that barrier. Teach children how important this is, and never leave small children unattended near the fireplace.
Test smoke detectors
Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors once a month. It’s good practice to replace the batteries, whether or not it’s needed, at the same time each year.
Schedule annual chimney and fireplace inspections
Annual inspections can alert you to early signs of problems before they get out of hand. Basic inspections cover all readily accessible parts of your chimney and fireplace system.
Have your chimney swept once a year
If you use a wood-burning fireplace, your chimney needs to be swept once a year to remove flammable creosote, soot and other debris from the flue. Creosote is the #1 cause of reported chimney fires in Pennsylvania.
The help your chimney needs
Anderson’s Chimney knows how to solve problems and keep your fireplace and chimney safe and efficient. If it’s time to have your system looked at, we’re here to help. Give us a call or get in touch through our handy contact form.