Tap to Call NowAvoiding Winter Chimney Fires: Crucial Prevention Tips
Wintertime is a time when you bring out the wooly clothes. Unpack those comfortable blankets. Get cozied up in front of your fireplace with a hot cup of coffee. The fireplace has been a delight for many. Some use it for the atmosphere, others use the fireplace as an additional heat source. Whichever the use, we look forward to burning wood as the fall turns into winter.
It is important to realize the dangers of using your fireplace. You need to know that more than 25,000 chimney fires occur every year in the United States. Over $125 million in property damage each year. With proper care and maintenance, this can be avoided.
Preventative Measures to Avoid a Chimney Fire
Annual Chimney Inspection: It is very important to have an annual chimney inspection. Think about it after your burning season. The best time to schedule your inspection is in the Spring. Put chimney inspection on the top of the list once spring hits. By booking with Guardian Chimney Sweep early, you are more apt to get the appointment that you want. Also, if there are issues that need attention you can take care of this well before the next fire burning season.
Yearly Chimney Sweep
Keep your chimney free of debris and creosote buildup. After a winter of burning wood in your fireplace, you will have some buildup of creosote and soot. Your best option would be to contact Guardian and have them do a thorough sweep of your chimney. This can be done at the same time as your inspection. Keeping your fireplace box clean can also help. Clean out any cold ash so that it won’t accumulate.
Install a Stainless-Steel Liner
A liner will be a good investment for the life of your chimney. Experts recommend inserting a Stainless-Steel liner. They will withstand very high temperatures. A liner will also contain the ash from your burnt wood. The liners are also beneficial as they ensure that carbon monoxide gas does not leak into your home. This can occur without a liner through the cracks in the bricks and mortar of the chimney. A liner is a very good investment for the health of your family as well.
Heat-proof Glass Doors
Heat-proof glass doors help the fire burn better. With the doors closed, fire will burn greater and produce more heat. The doors help the fire stay in the fireplace as well, making it a safer option than without.
Burning the Best Wood
Hardwoods are the best to burn. They burn hot and last longer than softer woods. Try hardwoods like oak, maple, ash, or birch for a better fire experience. Because these types of wood burn hotter, they leave less creosote buildup in your chimney. Be sure to choose the most seasoned wood as well.
Call Guardian Chimney
You can reach us Toll-free at 888-306-6069; \ Conroe: 936-271-9781; \Houston: 713-401-2011.
We strive to provide expert chimney sweep, chimney inspection, and chimney repairs. We can help you with all your fireplace needs. Give us a call for inserts, gas logs, and chimney rebuilds. We offer our customers low-cost, reliable service in a timely fashion.