Is Your Chimney Safe For Use?

Nothing beats the ambiance offered by a fireplace. It adds a cozy atmosphere to any home setting and can help make an evening perfect, especially throughout the cold weather months. Yet, with owning a fireplace comes a lot of responsibility and it is important to make sure that your fireplace is safe to use before lighting any fires. There are a number of things you can inspect and watch out to ensure that your home and family stay protected. Follow the tips listed below.

•  Check For Blockages: Animal nests and other debris can quickly clog up any chimney or venting system. If the flue or damper is blocked up, air cannot escape properly, meaning you may have harmful fumes backing up into your home. On top of this, your fireplace will not run as efficiently as possible and may cause issues further on down the line.
• Buy Smoke Detectors: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are an important addition to any home, especially those with fireplaces. Carbon monoxide is hard to detect with one’s basic senses and is very harmful if inhaled. If affects various parts of the body and is known for causing brain damage in young children. If you do not own these detectors, be sure to purchase them as soon as possible.
• Schedule A Cleaning: If creosote builds up, it can quickly ignite a fire in the chimney, putting you and your entire family at risk. Not only could you potentially burn down your entire home, but you are putting your fireplace and chimney through a lot of damage that will need to eventually be addressed. Get a professional in to clean and inspect the chimney, ensuring that everything is safe for use.
• Check The Outside: Many remember to check all of the internal aspects of the chimney, but scanning the outside areas is important, as well. Check for any branches or twigs that may be causing blockages. Also, make sure that the mortar and brick are remaining in good condition, as well as the flue, the flashing, and the chimney crown. The best option is to ask a professional to check up on everything. An expert will know exactly what to look for and knows the best way to approach any necessary fixes.
• Burn Safely: When it comes to actually lighting a fire, be sure to only burn seasoned wood and to practice proper fire safety precautions. Always have someone keeping an eye on the fire, and be sure that it is put out completely when you are finished with it.

All of these steps will make your fireplace more suitable for use and will help in maintaining its overall structure. At Olde Town Chimney Sweeps we have all of the tools necessary for ensuring your chimney is in top shape. Our experts are standing by and will work hard to ensure that your home and family stay safe throughout the upcoming burning seasons. Give us a call today!