The Dangers of Chimney Fires
The chimney fire is one of the aspects of creosote buildup that is one of the most perilous. These flames frequently reach temperatures in the thousands of degrees and are able to cause damage to even suitably resilient materials. This can cause the flue in brick and mortar chimneys to fracture, as well as damage to the outside itself, which can lead to even more damage due to an increase in the amount of moisture that enters the structure. Continuous erosion of the chimney shaft might eventually result in its complete collapse. Steel shafts are also at risk from chimney fires because the heating of the metal might cause the metal to bend or spark a fire if anything comes into contact with it.
These fires can start without anybody noticing, and they can continue for days. On occasion, though, if there is sufficient pressure, these fires can explode. It is estimated that around one quarter of all house fires that occur in the United States begin in the chimney. There are a number of telltale signs that you have a chimney fire, including loud cracking or popping noises, a powerful odor that may be best characterized as being hot, and a significant amount of thick smoke. It is possible to see flames shooting out of the top of certain chimneys when they are on fire from the outside.
Some people have reported hearing a deep rumbling sound, like an airplane or train passing by at a low altitude. It may be able to tell whether there has been a fire in your chimney on occasion.
Creosote that has a puffy appearance, fissures in the outside brickwork that weren’t there previously, or creosote flakes that have been found on the ground all point to the presence of creosote. Damage to other components of your home, such as the rain cap, TV antenna, or roofing material, may also be an indication that there has been a fire in your chimney.
Getting rid of the Creosote
It goes without saying that cleaning your chimney on a regular basis is something that is strongly advised. A buildup of creosote can occur during the course of a single season and should not be overlooked. If you suspect you may have a problem, such as witnessing certain symptoms of a chimney fire, then hiring someone to look at it is a good idea. However, a yearly inspection by a qualified chimney sweep is the best way to ensure that your chimney is in excellent working order. A trained specialist should be able to tell you what degree of creosote you have, since this is important information for determining the extent of the cleaning and inspection work that has to be done.
The accumulation of creosote may be broken down into three distinct phases, with each succeeding step being more hazardous and challenging to clean up. The first stage, often known as stage 1, is nothing more than a thin layer of soot that has collected on the interior of the chimney. This level can be removed using a standard chimney brush, which is a task that the vast majority of homeowners are capable of completing on their own. Creosote Stage 2 is where things begin to take on a more serious tone. This stage consists of a tar that has thickened and solidified, giving it the appearance of brittle black flakes.
To remove it, specialist instruments such as a rotating loop are required, rather than a brush, which is often ineffectual in this situation. The third step is the most risky of all the stages, and it may result in the need to remove parts of the chimney in order to completely clean it. This particular kind of creosote is quite thick because it is composed of many layers that have become brittle over an extended period of time. This particular kind of creosote is quite flammable, and in order to remove it, you will need a rotating head that is equipped with a chain.
Better to be safe than sorry. Let the experts handle your chimney troubles like Chimney Cleaning Pleasant Hill and repairing. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today.
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