Chimney And Fireplace Safety - Inspections Of The Flue And Masonry Can Reduce Fire Hazards

Chimney And Fireplace Safety - Inspections Of The Flue And
Masonry Can Reduce Fire Hazards

Fireplaces can provide that warm cozy feeling for a family, but that is only if it is in good repair. As the
home ages settling will occur for both the main structure and the fireplace. Many times the hearth and
fireplace can begin to settle and sag separately. As dangerous as this is the home owner can take
steps to protect the home and family.
The first rule of thumb is that if there is any doubt regarding the operating condition of the fireplace,
hearth and chimney, the home owner needs to contact a licensed chimney inspection company.
Failure to have a chimney and flue inspected can likely end in serious property damage and cause
major injury or death to the occupants of the house.
The home owner should make routine inspections of the interior and exterior of the firebox and
chimney. The damper should also be in full working order. Any structure which is compromised
should not be repaired by the layperson, but should be handled by a qualified and experienced
chimney sweep and repair company.
For the protection of the home owner, ensuring the chimney service is fully insured is a start. There
are additional checks the home owner can perform. Many chimney repair companies or chimney
sweeps and inspection companies will hold additional certifications. The Chimney Safety Institute of
America (CSIA) and the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) are just a couple of examples of
organizations which assist service companies in providing ongoing training and information on the
best methods for servicing chimneys and fireplaces.
Many of the hazards associated with fireplaces can be unknowingly caused by the home owner. After
the chimney and other physical parts of the structure has checked out ensuring the proper fuel source
is paramount. There are many different types of fuels for varying types of fireplaces and stoves. With
regards to the traditional masonry wood burning fireplace, the wood needs to be properly seasoned
and stored prior to use.
Moist or "green" wood will not burn as efficiently as properly dried wood and will very likely create an
additional fire hazard. It is imperative that the wood being used for the fire has been cut in the spring
and dried in preparation for the following winter. Should the stored wood be subjected to excess
moisture from rain and snow the results will be rotting wood. Attempting to burn rotted wood is very
dangerous as large chunks of wood can break free and tumble out of the fireplace.
One other common oversight which home owners can make is to attempt to dry clothing, such as
coats, gloves and shoes, on the hearth in front of the fireplace. Despite most home owners being
familiar with "hanging the stockings by the chimney with care...", it is not a wise practice to employ.
Sparks and burning ash can easily ignite most every type of clothing or the heat of the fire itself can
melt most clothing material.
Although these warnings are not all inclusive, using common sense will go a long way. Whether the
chimney structure is new or old, scheduled chimney and flue inspections need to be carried out at
regular intervals. The best maintenance schedule will be determined by how frequently the fireplace

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is placed into use. Some professionals will recommend an inspection every two years while others
will state annually. It is best to defer to the professionals and heed their experience.

Chimney Cleaning Services Brooklyn

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