Why Regular Chimney Cleaning is Essential for Home Safety

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) states that there are more than 22,000 known chimney fires annually in the United States. We want to educate homeowners about the importance of annual chimney sweeps to prevent chimney fires. 

Reasons to Have Annual Chimney Sweeping:

• Reduce chimney fires. Cleaning out the creosote from your chimney will significantly reduce the risk of chimney fires. Creosote is a thick, black, tar-like substance that is produced when wood is burned. This accumulation may easily catch fire. 
• Carbon Monoxide Exposure is prevented. Obstructions can occur during the year. While you aren’t using your fireplace, small animals, their debris, and leaves may accumulate, causing a blockage. 
• Better efficiency in venting and performance. Identifying defects in the chimney and liner will help with efficiency. Cracks, faulty flue liners, damage, or improper chimney size can cause heat to leave the home. As well as protect the home from toxic fumes entering the home from any cracks.
• Detect structural issues. The chimney’s masonry crumbles and deteriorates over time,  tuckpointing or repointing may be necessary. This is a process of removing and replacing the deteriorated mortar joints. Other repairs may include replacing bricks. Repairing these issues early can cost you much less than waiting. 
• Prevent damage from water leaks. Mold and mildew will grow if water is not addressed. A chimney sweep will be able to identify any presence of water. Other damage from water can be rusty components. 
• Insurance coverage. Many insurance companies require documented chimney sweeps and inspections to be covered under their policy. Check with your insurance company. To comply with fireplace safety standards, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests that annual sweeps, inspections, and maintenance can prevent insurance claim denials due to negligence.

You, as the homeowner, can also perform some general maintenance tasks to help with safety in your home.

Regular Maintenance:

• Always use seasoned wood when burning in your fireplace. The cleanest wood to burn is the hardest. Choose hickory, oak, maple, or similar.
• Clean out the firebox after the fire has gone out and is completely cold.
• Do not burn wood that has been pressure-treated or painted. Both can cause toxic fumes to come into the home.
• The damper should be completely open before starting a fire. 
• Set up your fire to burn hot. Start with large wood on the bottom, followed by smaller wood. Finish the setup with kindling and firestarter. This will create a hotter fire, preventing excessive smoke as well as helping with buildup in the chimney. 

Professionals suggest that an annual Chimney sweep and inspection be conducted. When a problem arises, the best plan is to tackle it as soon as possible. This will cost you much less than if you let the damage to the fireplace and bricks go on too long.

Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeastern Chimney. We service all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are trained and qualified. We are active in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG).