Have you cleaned your chimney this year?
Even though you have cleaned your chimney be sure to always keep an eye on your woodstove or fireplace. Sweeping your chimney is an essential part of keeping your stove not just clean, but burning efficiently. Dirty chimneys are the main cause of chimney fires.
Be sure to hire a reputable company. If you are cleaning your chimney yourself be sure to do a thorough job. It may work for light build up but it’s always best to call in the professionals.
You should have your chimney cleaned and inspected yearly. Chimneys should be checked for soundness and be free of creosote deposits.
Between the big cleanings, many people use chimney cleaning products to help reduce the buildup. There are a lot to choose from including chimney sweeping logs and powders that you sprinkle on a burning fire. We are using this one but I have included a link to various products you can find on eBay below. Be sure to read the instructions before using.
If you don’t clean your chimney regularly, you are putting yourself at greater risk of a chimney fire and even carbon monoxide poisoning.
Creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires. But what exactly is creosote?
Creosote is a thick black substance caused by burning fuel. (Wood in our case).
It will form when the fire burns to slowly or incompletely. Once smoke cools and sticks to your chimney walls is then turns into creosote.
We had a severe build last fall and these are photos of our chimney before it was cleaned. Our stove is quote old with a damper on the chimney and we found the largest build-up in that area.
Tips to help avoid creosote buildup:
-Only burn seasoned wood
-Burn a hot fire and avoid slow burning fires when possible.
-It is highly combustible
Always remember to check your smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Ours are checked monthly and we change batteries every spring.
FIRST SIGNS OF A CHIMNEY FIRE
-A loud popping, crackling noise
-A roaring sound (loud swooshing some say it sounds like a freight train)
-Dense smoke coming into your stove, out the chimney and even from any spots on your stove pipe that were screwed together.
-Flames, embers or pieces of creosote coming from the chimney top. Flames if it is near the top.
-Intense burning hot smell
IF YOU SEE OR HEAR ANY OF THE ABOVE VACATE THE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY AND CALL 911 or your local emergency services.
Keep in mind lots of slow burning chimney fires go undetected when the flammable substance is hot enough to catch fire but there is not enough oxygen or fuel to be visible.
Even these can cause extensive damage.
Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry. Don’t panic, stay calm, gather your family and pets and leave the building. If you are unsure just make the call.
Disclaimer:
The statements made in this article are purely my own opinions and from my own experiences.
Affiliate disclosure – I have included links to products you may be interested in to clean and maintain your chimney. As an eBay affiliate I may be compensated by the company if you purchase items through these links. There is no charge to you. We have not tried/used all these products so it is a good idea to research which ones are most suitable and to follow all manufacturer’s instructions when using.
Chimney brushes and Chimney Sweep kits
Creosote remover products
Bear Crossing 