Chimney Safety

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Keeping your chimney clean can eliminate the possibility of chimney fires. If your chimney is not maintained properly, it could lead to fires as the creosote builds up when the firewood is not burned completely.

A smoky fire without the proper amount oxygen emits particles of unburned tar vapors that can re-solidify inside the flue and stick to it, possibly leading to a chimney fire. You can reduce creosote buildup in your fireplace by providing enough combustion air, which will encourage a hot, clean-burning fire.

To check for creosote, shine a light near the top of the firebox, in the smoke chamber and around the damper. And check the flue also, especially on and around exterior chimneys, where creosote builds faster than on interior chimneys because of lower outside temperatures.