Chimney and Fireplace Safety Tips

Chimney and Fireplace Safety Tips

Keep your Nashville home cozy this fall and winter with chimney safety tips from the experts at Chim Chimney. Seasonal maintenance is vital to chimney safety so you can minimize the risk of soot buildup and damage. Before you light your first fire this year, learn how to check if your chimney is safe and act on these chimney safety tips. For repairs, creosote removal, or to have a professional look your chimney over, schedule an appointment with Chim Chimney.

Wood Fireplace Safety Tips

Following basic wood fireplace, safety tips are crucial for enjoying a fire with complete peace of mind this fall and winter. Before the temperature drops, we recommend having a certified professional inspect your chimney for damage and remove the buildup of soot or creosote. A professional can also help determine if there’s adequate ventilation to remove wood fire smoke before more creosote develops. Each time you light a wood fire, we recommend following these tips:

1. Open the chimney flue first to ensure adequate airflow and smoke removal.

2. Make sure the space around your fireplace doesn’t have anything flammable that can alight from stray sparks or proximity to the heat.

Choose the Correct Wood for Your Fireplace

One essential chimney safety tip for wood-burning fireplaces is choosing the right type of wood. Unseasoned wood, for example, will produce a lot of creosote and smoke because it hasn’t properly dried. This can lead to more creosote buildup and create a fire risk. Poisonous woods or woods from more than fifty miles away can also bring unpleasant toxins, contaminants, or even invasive pests into your home.

Instead, we recommend turning to approved woods and wood sources each time you light a fire. Always be sure you purchase pre-seasoned wood or use wood that has been adequately dried; some hardwoods can take up to 12 months or more to season fully. Two popular types of wood to burn are oak and beech because they produce little smoke, burn for long periods, and burn down into hot coals that help the warmth linger on through the night. Try to find a reputable local wood supplier, so you know your wood is local, reliably seasoned, and high-quality; working with a local source can also make lighting a fire more budget-friendly all season long.

Chimney Fires: What to Be Aware of and How to Resolve the Issue

One of the most significant hazards of lighting a fire in your fireplace is the risk of a chimney fire. 

Chimney fires can be caused by:

1. Chimney Defects: Over time, different parts of your chimney can break down or fail to operate correctly. Broken or missing chimney caps, for example, can allow birds and neighborhood pests into your chimney. A well-installed chimney cap can also reduce back puffing to minimize further the buildup of contaminants, smoke, and creosote in your chimney.

2. Creosote: This tar-like substance is a byproduct of heavy smoke, and it builds up on the inside of your fireplace. Creosote can ignite if the temperature inside your fireplace gets hot enough. Minimize the risk of a chimney fire by regularly cleaning your chimney’s interior and burning locally available Nashville hardwoods that produce less of the flammable substance.

3. Unknown Chimney Condition: If it’s been years since you last lit a fire, schedule a professional inspection. A licensed inspector can visually inspect the chimney, perform necessary cleaning and maintenance tasks, and ensure the chimney is in good operational condition.

Get Safety Tips and Chimney Services From Local Certified Pros at Chim Chimney

Ready for a fire to chase the chill away? Schedule an inspection or maintenance appointment for your Nashville home with the pros at Chim Chimney, so you know your chimney is in good shape for the season. Contact us today to schedule your appointment or for even more chimney safety tips.

Image Source: Stonel/Shutterstock