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Chimney Fire Oak Ridge Road
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Creosote accumulates in the chimney when you burn wood in a fireplace or stove. The build-up of creosote makes chimney fire a concern. These noisy fires flare up without notice and create intense heat that can damage the chimney and potentially destroy the home. Regular maintenance is the best prevention.
Instructions
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1Have the chimney inspected on a regular basis. Hire a professional to make repairs immediately before a change in season worsens any damage.
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2Create as few bends as possible in the chimney of a wood-burning stove in order to allow maximum draft up and out the chimney. Install the proper size stove pipe with a separate flue for each stove or fireplace.
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3Engage the services of a professional chimney sweep to remove built-up creosote and improve the chimney’s draft. Choose a bonded sweep from the phone directory or ask neighbors and friends for recommendations. Gauge the number of cleanings by the frequency of use of the fireplace.
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4Reduce creosote build-up by stoking fires often to increase the airflow to the fire. Leave the door open slightly on wood-burning stoves after adding wood to the fire to promote more rapid burning, which reduces creosote formation in the chimney.
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5Use only seasoned woods in the fireplace with consideration to the degree of dryness rather than hardwood or soft woods. Build smaller fires that burn hotter, produce less smoke and create less creosote that collect in the chimney.
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6Cap the chimney to prevent birds and squirrels from nesting in the top of the brickwork. Investigate signs of nesting (bird noises coming from the hearth, animal droppings in the fireplace) immediately. Remove the nests, which are highly flammable.
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