The Importance of a Holiday Chimney Sweep Before Lighting Your Christmas Fires

What a great time of the year. We have finally put politics behind us with the hopes of a promised better America. The weather is cooling down. The stores are filled with Christmas. Your plans for Thanksgiving are underway. With all the hustle and bustle ahead, don’t neglect one of the important aspects of your holidays. The lighting of the fireplace. You will want to keep your family safe. Before you get too involved with the holidays, now is the time to call Guardian and set up your Chimney Sweep appointment.

Helpful Hints as to What to Burn and What Not To Burn In Your Fireplace

• Don’t burn any type of pressure treated wood, plywood, pallets or particle board. These can leave toxins in the air. Never burn any wood with glue or stain on it either.
• Wrapping paper will create an intense flash fire and is unsafe in your home.
• You should be looking for hard, dry, seasoned wood such as Oak, Birch, Ash, or Hickory. Creosote accumulates more often if the wood is a slow burner or it is wet and smokes a lot.

How Often Do I Need A Chimney Sweep?

It is a good idea to have your chimney swept once a year. The best time is before your burning season. This will clean out the fireplace and chimney of any debris or small animals that may have found a place to nest. It will also clean out your chimney of creosote buildup. Creosote is a thick black tar-like substance that accumulates on the inner walls of your chimney. This accumulates as you burn wood. As it builds up it is very flammable. This can start a chimney fire.

Holiday Tips When Decorating

• If you enjoy the convenience of an artificial tree, check specifically for one that states it is fire-resistant. If you have a tree indoors the wires from the lights can spark and start a fire.
• If a fresh tree is what you want, cut your own. If you are unable to cut your own ask at the tree farm if they were recently cut. Cut the stem at an angle and keep it well watered. Your tree will drink a lot of water those first few days to weeks.
• Keep the tree away from your fireplace. The heat from the fireplace can cause the Christmas tree to dry out. This can cause a serious fire hazard.
• Keep any flammable decorations well away from your fireplace. The heat from the fire can combust and cause a fire.
• Electric heaters and other sources of heat need to be kept away from flammable decorations as well.
• Decorate with burning candles but use caution. Children like to smell or grab things in reach. Keep them well out of reach or use battery candles, they are just as pretty.

Contact Us Today!

Before you start your decorating call Guardian Chimney Sweep. Get the peace of mind that you need to keep your family safe.

When you are ready to make your appointment for a chimney sweep or inspection, call Guardian Chimney Sweep. We strive to provide expert services. We provide professional chimney sweep, chimney cleanings, chimney inspections, and chimney repairs. As well as fireplace inserts, gas logs, chimney rebuilds, and more. We provide these to our customers with low-cost, reliable service in a timely fashion.