How to Avoid a Chimney Fire this Winter

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Be sure to keep your chimney and flue clean of creosote to avoid a fire

As temperatures continue to fall, homeowners in Lexington, MA, and the surrounding areas spend more time indoors to keep warm. Those who have a fireplace or wood-burning stove may begin to use them more regularly to keep energy costs down. Let’s face it, there is nothing better than snuggling up next to a fireplace in the depths of winter. While these additional sources of heat are pleasant to be around, they must be properly maintained to not put your property at risk. Bottom line is that dirty chimneys can cause a fire and clean chimneys don’t. The chimney and flue carry dangerous gasses, smoke, water vapor, unburned wood particles, hydrocarbon, tar fog, and assorted minerals safely out of your home. As these substances leave your fireplace or stove, they condensate as they rise through the relatively cooler chimney. The residue that is left behind and sticks to the inside of the chimney is called creosote. All forms of creosote are highly combustible and if it builds up in sufficient amounts along with a high internal temperature of your flue, the result could be a chimney fire. It is imperative that you have a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean your chimney annually to avoid a fire. In the extremely unfortunate circumstance that you experience a fire in your home or business, give us a call to remediate the smoke and soot damage.