Avoid Fire in the Chimney
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a non-profit organization that was established in 1896 with the mission of assisting in the suppression of residential fires. On the basis of their study, they come up with safety rules and recommendations for best practices to cut down on fires. They are an expert on the best ways to prevent chimney fires and reduce the amount of creosote that accumulates in chimneys. The following are some of their top recommendations:
1. Only burn wood that has been seasoned and dried out.
Wood that has recently been cut is full of moisture, which makes it harder to burn and generates thick, black smoke that is full of the byproducts of combustion. It is easier for firewood to burn fully and produces less smoke if it is allowed to season, also known as drying out for at least six months.
2. Never use fake logs in your fireplace.
Creosote accumulation is considerably exacerbated by the use of artificial logs, which generate a greater quantity of combustion byproducts than conventional wood.
3. Establish fires that burn in a sane and hot manner.
A fire that is hotter and cleaner will result from the stacking of firewood such that there is sufficient space between the logs to allow oxygen to flow. When you make fires in your chimney that are more efficient on a regular basis, the amount of creosote that accumulates there will decrease since there will be less smoke produced by the flames.
4. Ensure that the fire is receiving an adequate supply of oxygen.
Before you start a fire in your fireplace, be sure that it will have adequate access to oxygen by first opening the damper. If the doors to your fireplace are made of glass, it is recommended that you leave a small break in them so that air may flow through the space.
5. To reduce the amount of condensation that forms, warm up the flue.
The temperature of the flue in your chimney might drop to dangerously low levels if it does not have adequate insulation. When you light your fireplace when the flue is chilly, more condensation will form, which will result in greater creosote deposits. By folding up some newspaper to form a torch, lighting it, and then holding it up in the chimney, you can quickly warm it up. When you see smoke coming from the flame ascending vertically, you will know that the flue has reached the appropriate temperature.
6. Plan a cleaning and examination of the chimney at least once a year.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) strongly suggests getting your chimney checked and cleaned once a year since they have discovered that this is the most effective strategy to lessen the likelihood of having a chimney fire. Chimney sweeps are trained to identify problems in your chimney that might increase the amount of creosote that builds up and could put your family’s safety at danger. In addition, we have the necessary equipment and training to remove creosote in a manner that is both secure and effective.
Why Is Creosote in Chimneys Dangerous?
Creosote is produced whenever wood is burned in an open fire, such as in a fireplace. It is a black material that forms on the walls of the chimney and resembles tar. It is dangerous to your property since it may cause considerable damage. It is composed of combustible substances, any of which, should they find their way into your home via the chimney, may prove to be quite hazardous. These compounds have been linked to a variety of major health issues, including those affecting the respiratory system, the skin, and even cancer.
If you suspect that your chimney or fireplace is having some issues, have an expert inspect it. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today. We also offer Chimney Cleaning Somerset and other affordable services.