The Dangers of Chimney Fires and What Causes Them.
Chimney fires are very dangerous and cause a lot of damage. They can spread quickly and easily, even to your living space, so it is important to try to prevent chimney fires.
The most common cause of chimney fires is creosote buildup on the inside of the chimney’s flue. Creosote is made up of water and carbon dioxide gas that comes from combustion in your fireplace or wood stove. If you notice creosote starting to build up on your flue pipe, it may be time for an annual cleaning.
You should also regularly check for other problems with your firewood and fireplace, meaning you should clean your chimney once a year.
How to Detect Creosote Buildup in Your Chimney
Some of the most common signs of creosote buildup are black deposits on the inside of your chimney, soot inside your fireplace and burning wood that is not as hot as it should be.
Let’s talk about what you can do to prevent having to pay for a professional assessment.
- Listen for a rumbling sound or muffled sounds coming from the bottom of the flue pipe before using your fireplace (this noise typically occurs when the draft in your home becomes restricted).
- If there seems to be moisture dripping into one of the air intake grates on top of your fireplace, then make sure that you have an adequate supply of fresh air.
Steps to Take Now to Avoid Creosote Buildup & Fire Hazards
Now we will get started on the creosote prevention tips that you can put into place right now. You should have the chimney and flue cleaned and inspected by a professional each year.
Here are some creosote prevention tips for your home:
Make sure your chimney is clean every year and has a cap to prevent creosote buildup. Use creosote busting logs after every other fire.
Regularly sweep your fireplace to remove soot deposits before they become too hard to remove with brooms or brushes.
What Are the Best Products & Services To Help You Prevent Creosote Buildup?
Best products and services to help prevent creosote buildup: Chimney caps and creosote buster logs.
Creosote is a type of soot which is formed when moisture and gases, like carbon monoxide, come in contact with the hot surface of a chimney. By covering the top of your chimney, you’ll reduce the likelihood that creosote will form.