A chimney adds aesthetic value to your home; however, its main purpose is to ensure the fumes emitted from your fireplace are safely carried out of your home. As an integral part of your home, the chimney should be kept in good condition to prevent the occurrence of chimney fires.
Below are tips that can help to prevent chimney fires:
Scheduling a Chimney Inspection Annually
The chimney should be inspected annually. During the inspection, the professionals should look for different defects, including a cracked flue liner. The inspection can also help to unveil other defects present in the chimney. In case the chimney has incurred some damage, it should be repaired. Obstructions and soot should also be removed.
- Minimizing the Creosote Build-Up
Creosote is responsible for a considerable number of chimney fires in the U.S. It is a dark brown substance that is highly flammable and results from vapor, smoke, and unburned wood condensing when moving from the fireplace to a cooler part of the chimney.
Burning seasoned hardwood can help minimize the creosote build-up. The wood should have dried for more than six months. To prevent chimney fires, the moisture content should also be lower than 20 percent. A wood moisture meter can help to determine the moisture content in the wood. The damper should also be kept open to ensure there is adequate airflow.
The chimney’s flue liner should be insulated by wrapping a heat-resistant blanket around the flue liner. The insulation material ensures the flue temperatures are not too cold.
- Installing a Chimney Cap
The chimney cap keeps the critters and debris out while preventing “back puffing”. It also makes sure the acidic rainwater doesn’t enter and corrode the chimney. It is advisable to use galvanized metal caps. A professional contractor can help with the installation process. Also, some manufacturers issue warranties on the metal caps. Avoid DIY to take advantage of such warranties.
- Using Safe Fire Starters to Prevent Chimney Fires
Always use the best fire starters as you select the tinder, kindling, and fuel. For kindling, use dried branches or twigs- clothes are not preferable since they emit huge amounts of smoke when they burn. Use old newspapers for tinder. Avoid using glossy paper and cardboard to light a fire since they contain chemicals that emit toxins.
Use well-seasoned hardwood in the fireplace and avoid starting a fire using kerosene or gasoline since such liquids are highly combustible and flammable. Also, avoid using coal as increases the risks of a chimney fire.
- Utilize Clean Burning Techniques
Slow-burning fires and low-temperatures usually emit smoke, and they may leave some unburned combustible material which may harden into creosote on the walls of the chimney. Fast-burning and hot fires are preferable since they will leave less vapor and smoke, and that means fewer creosote forms, making it easy to prevent chimney fires.
- Using a Chimney Liner
A chimney liner ensures better airflow, hence preventing excessive heating of the chimney. The liner also protects the chimney from combustion gases and makes it easy to clean.
Conclusion
Although chimney fires are common, you can prevent them by adhering to the tips above. You can also apply other safety measures such as always having a fire extinguisher in place. Ensure you know how to use it in case a chimney fire occurs.