Prevent Chimney Fires This Winter
Having a chimney as a fixture at your home is cozy and inviting but does come with some regular upkeep that homeowners should know about. The biggest risks that come with chimneys is house fires. Luckily, with some regular maintenance and precautions, the risk is almost entirely minimized. Let’s take a look at 8 tips you can take to ensure safe fires this winter.
8 Ways to Help Prevent Chimney Fires
From maintenance to special tips and everything in between, homeowners can confidently have fires this season after following these tips.
Annual Cleaning and Inspection
The absolute most crucial preventative measure when it comes to a safe fireplace is regular, annual maintenance. Your local chimney professionals at Felgemacher can perform an inspection and cleaning in the same visit. Not only can this keep your chimney clean and remove dangerous creosote buildup, it also ensures eyes are on all components of your fireplace – inside and out.
Keep Fires Controlled and Clean
It’s tempting to keep a rip-roaring fire going at all times, but sometimes too much is too much. Make sure to keep your fire controlled by monitoring the amount of wood you have in your firebox. If ashes or debris travels outside of the firebox, make sure to take care of this as soon as possible.
Make Sure to Only Burn Seasoned Wood
Making sure to only use aged, dry, and seasoned wood is important for the overall enjoyment of your fire. If the firewood is wet, it leads to a more smoky, strong smelling, and overall unpleasant fire. Most firewood takes around 6-12 months to season, but this can differ.
Keep An Eye on Chimney Components
In between your annual inspection, make sure to look out for anything out of the ordinary. For example, if you are experiencing irregular drafts, it can be related to your chimney liner or damper. Whereas, if you’re experiencing water or debris getting inside, it can be related to chimney cap or crown.
Familiarize Yourself With Your Fireplace
Certain fireplaces or wood stoves, have quirks that only experienced homeowners could be privy to. For example, if you have glass doors in front of your stove or fireplace that gets covered with stains, it could indicate that you are not burning hot enough.
Don’t Burn Treated or Painted Woods
Treated or painted wood typical contains chemicals that can emit toxic chemicals when burned. Because of this, it’s best to only burn untreated wood.
Consider Occasional Cleanings Throughout the Season
In between your annual cleanings, it’s a good idea to periodically clean out ash and debris that may have accumulated throughout the season.
Make sure CO Detectors Are Working & Extinguishers Handy
Lastly, and arguably most importantly, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers must be in working order. In times of emergencies, this can mitigate the risk of fire spreading or other unfortunate circumstances.
If you’re concerned about any of the steps along the way, don’t hesitate to call your local chimney professionals for guidance.
Need to Prep for Winter? Call Felgemacher Today!
Felgemacher is a third-generation fireplace company dedicated to providing the best quality service to Rochester, NY, Buffalo, NY, and surrounding residents. We have over 60 years of experience in chimney repairs, cleaning, rebuilding, maintenance, and fireplace installation. If you’re in or around Buffalo or Rochester, call Felgemacher today to get started.
