Chimneys, Inside and Out

Whether it is an extension of a fireplace or a furnace, you should have your chimney cleaned or "swept" at least once a year, for several reasons.

 First, creosote often adheres to the inside of the fireplace chimney. Because of its chemical nature, creosote can actually ignite, rapidly causing a chimney fire and potential damage to the rest of the home.

Burning wood at a relatively low temperature (your cooking stove flame is actually hotter than a fireplace) causes incomplete combustion of the oils found naturally in the wood. When the smoke from a fire rises into a chimney, the residual chemicals may stick to the inside of the chimney liner. This residue becomes creosote.

Second, soot and dust build-up can clog a chimney and diminish heat output. A furnace flue may accumulate a layer of sulfuric acid or chlorine, which can cause erosion and big problems down the road.

A good rule of thumb is to not ever assume your chimney is functioning properly, even if you rarely use it. Animals, leaves and moisture from a buildup of snow or rain need to be taken care of before safe use of your fireplace.

A thorough check for any shifting of the chimnye that may have occurred over the years is also recommended. Years ago, chimneys were built with a section near the top made of terracotta, over time, these sections sometime move, causing the potential for leaks of carbon monoxide through the seams and even a backdraft.

In addition to a good cleaning, chimney inspection includes checking for leaks in the flashing around the chimney, which can cause wood rot and condensation. This, in turn, can damage electrical wiring and present a fire hazard.

by  Joseph Coupal

Mind That Fire!

You know, here at the Fireplace Decorating blogsite we tend to focus on remodeling and redecorating techniques, or on ways to get more enjoyment from the well-built fire, but sometimes we also need to step back and remember a few things about fireplace safety. With much of the nation suffering an exceptionally cold winter this year, a lot of people are turning to their fireplace for added heat. This can be a great idea, and if you’re smart about it, you can even shave a little expense off your monthly heating bill.

Unfortunately, people sometimes get careless around the hearth—burning improper materials, leaving a fire unattended or neglecting proper maintenance of the chimney and flue—and the results? Well, in some cases they can be catastrophic. In fact, every year around this time the news reports start coming in about home fires that started due to carelessness or just lack of basic fireplace safety information. This article from the Buffalo News does a great job of spelling out some of the potential hazards the fireplace enthusiast should be mindful of as fireplace season kicks into high gear.

Of course, none of this is meant to scare anybody. Or, we only want to scare you enough that you practice a little common sense when you build your next fire. If you use a little common sense and invest just a tiny bit in fireplace cleaning supplies and the proper fireplace tools, there’s every reason you should enjoy the rest of the winter with your feet by the fire and your mind at ease.