Top 5 Common Chimney FAQs
We often get questions from customers who want to learn more about their chimney and how to keep their family safe when using their fireplace. Since there are many homeowners that have similar questions, we summarized the top 5 most frequently asked questions below.
How often should you have your chimney cleaned?
Creosote is a natural by-product of the combustion process. This thick, tarry and flammable substance sticks to the walls inside the chimney. Every time the fireplace is lit additional creosote forms. If there is enough creosote residue a small spark from burning embers can start a fire. In fact, the accumulation of creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends homeowners have their chimney cleaned at least once per year by a certified chimney sweep. The chimney should also be cleaned when there is an accumulation of more than 1/8” of creosote.
What does a chimney sweep do?
The chimney sweep is a professionally trained individual that is certified in all aspects of the fireplace, chimney and fire prevention. Their main purpose is to ensure your fireplace and chimney is safe for use. This is accomplished by a visual chimney inspection and thorough cleaning. The chimney sweep uses specialized tools and equipment to inspect the chimney for cracks, leaks, blockages, creosote and other issues. Depending on the condition of the chimney, the chimney sweep may recommend a more intensive inspection, repairs and/or cleaning.
How do you inspect a chimney?
Inspecting the chimney is a dirty job and is not for the faint at heart. It requires spending a considerable amount of time working in a cramped, filthy and dark environment with barely enough room to turn-around. That’s why inspecting the chimney is a task that is best left for the professionals. Before going inside the chimney, the chimney sweep will put on protective gear, safety goggles and a respirator. A video camera may also be used to help document their findings. Using a flashlight, they carefully inspect the bricks for leaks noting any spots in the chimney where creosote, signs of a fire, debris, rodents, cracks or moisture is present. The operation and condition of the damper is also inspected. They will cover every square inch inside the chimney from the firebox to the top. The chimney exterior will also be inspected. The chimney sweep will climb on top of the roof to inspect the chimney cap, look inside the chimney and remove any debris or dead animals blocking the flue and inspect the flashing for leaks.
Do I really need a new chimney liner?
The temperature inside your chimney can become extremely hot reaching up to 1100F. The chimney liner wraps around your flue preventing the heat and flames of a burning fireplace from getting inside your home. If your chimney liner is cracked or damaged it will need to be replaced to minimize the risk of fire. Also, if you are residing in an older home you may need to install a chimney liner. Many chimneys in older homes were built without a chimney liner because regulations didn’t require it at the time.
What do you do if you have a chimney fire?
Every winter, fire departments across the country respond to thousands of chimney fires. If you notice a fire in your chimney, don’t panic. First, get everyone out of the house quickly and in an orderly fashion. Tell family members to stay as far away from the home as possible, such as on the sidewalk. Second, dial 9-1-1 to report the fire to your local fire department. Third, close the damper ONLY if it is safe for you to do so. This will help starve the fire of the oxygen it needs to survive. Don’t try to put out the fire yourself. It takes less than 3 minutes for an entire house to be engulfed in flames.
Call Chimney Solutions to schedule an annual chimney sweep and inspection today!
