Chimney fires are usually caused by buildup of Creosote - highly flammable substance that results from the condensation of flue gases. Creosote can be in a sooty and ash-like, dry and flaky, sticky and tar-like, or hard and shiny form. The deposite of Creosote is dangerous and can be prevented by burning dry hardwoods, avoiding burning trash in your fireplace and checking for buildup by a chimney professional. Annual safety inspection is required by NFPA Code 211, and in order to prevent Chimney fires you should conduct periodic inspections to check for buildup.

In case of a Chimney fire: call the fire department, locate everyone and get them out of the house, close off the air inlets if you have a stove, close the glass fireplace doors and vents, DO NOT CLOSE THE DAMPER of either Woodstove or fireplace, hose down the roof surrounding the chimney (do not wet the chimney or put water down the flue). Call a chimney professional before using your fireplace or woodstove again. For more information please refer to "The homeowner's Guide to Chimney, Fireplaces and Woodstoves", "Your fireplace" and "Your Woodstove" guides more information from CSIAPlease email us for professional consultation top

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that your chimney is inspected at least once a year and cleaned as necessary. Inspecting your chimney is the only way to determine the amount of glaze (shiny, tarry substance, excess of 1/8 inch or more is not safe and needs to be removed), soot or creosote (need to be removed when the amount approaches or exceeds 1/4 inch). The rate if creosote buildup is affected by:

• Residence time (the amount of time that smoke remains in the vent system). You can reduce that time by making sure that you have the right flue (not oversized)
• Smoke density(usually results from restricted combustion air)
• Internal Chimney Temperature (depends on size and location of the chimney). Warmer the chimney, the less the creosote can stick to it. Oversize chimneys tend not to warm up completely and can lead to more creosote buildup

Who should you trust with inspection, cleaning and maintaining your Chimney, Fireplace and Woodstove safe, efficient and fireproof?

According to "Your fireplace. An Owner's manual" you should chose a professional that possesses the following qualifications:

1. Certification by Chimney Safety Institute of America and his state organization.(please see certifications)

2. Training and Experience (Does the Chimney Sweep attend seminars, did he study his profession formally or with another sweep?

3. Proper Cleaning Equipment (good vacuum will prevent the soot from floating around the house, Video Inspection System is also important for you to have the opportunity to throughly see inside your chimney and for a chimney professional to document any normally unseen hazards.

Please email us for professional consultation.

For the complete guide on how to choose a chimney professional as well as other invaluable information, please visit our free brochures page top

Woodstoves

We provide "Your Woodstove. An Owners Manual" to you at no charge (usually it's 2.95). It has detailed information about all you need to know about choosing, maintaining and enjoying your woodstove. They recommend to have annual inspections and cleaning by certified professional. Some of the things that manual recommends for to check for:

Clean the Stove throughly with proper tools, replace worn-out gasketing, adjust the door handles if needed, make sure that draft controls are operating properly, check damper, check for cracks, thin spots, rust, replace catalytic unit, and perform whatever else cleaning or repairs that are necessary.

Please consult the manual for more detailed information or email us for professional consultation
top

Chimney Inspection

NFPA recommends having your chimney, woodstove and vent inspected at least once a year to make sure it's safe and operates efficiently.Please read more on inspections on NFPA's website.

"The Homeowner's Guide to Chimneys, Fireplaces and woodstoves" suggests other times when you should have a professional inspection

• After a fire (chimney or furnace)
• Whenever you are changing the service (eg installing gas logs, adding a woodstove)
• If you suspect any type of storm damage (eg lightning)
• Before closing on the housing

Trouble Shooting

We recommend Chimney's website for the most complete information on troubleshooting your fireplace, chimney or woodstove problems.

You can also consult'The Homeowner's guide to Chimneys, Fireplaces and Woodstoves" that is available by mail for more information

top