Don't come home to see this! Get your chimney swept and inspected today!

Don’t come home to see this! Get your chimney swept and inspected today!

Over 25,000 chimney fires in the U.S. last year were responsible for over $120 million in property damage.  Chimney fires can quickly spread into house fires in little to no time at all.  No one ever wants to experience a chimney fire, or worse yet a fire in the chimney that spreads to other areas of the home.  This is an important issue, and there are things everyone can do to protect themselves and their families from the chances of a chimney fire ever affecting them.

And now you know…

Most chimney fires happen for one simple reason: improper usage and care of wood-burning appliances.  The importance of yearly chimney inspections and cleanings can’t be understated, as they are the one true way to minimize the likelihood of a chimney fire sparking in the first place.  The fact is that clean chimneys simply don’t catch fire. When wood is burnt, the emissions are expelled into the chimney.  As these gases rise, they cool down and form creosote—a tar-like substance that sticks to your chimney or chimney liner.  Creosote is extremely flammable and can be lit by even a small spark or floating ember from the fire below.  The three most common causes of chimney fires are:

  1. Burning wet or unseasoned wood can increase the production of creosote.
  2. Failing to have your chimney swept often enough.
  3. Blockages in your chimney that can restrict air flow.

Knowledge is key to reducing the potential of a chimney fire happening in your home.

And knowing is half the battle…

Your first line of defense is always prevention.  Make sure you have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in multiple locations within your home.  Make sure you only burn dry, seasoned wood.  Make sure you get your chimney swept at least once a year (more frequently if you use your fireplace more heavily).  Make sure you never burn trash, cardboard or other types of waste, as these are more likely to produce sparks. Chimney fires are a dangerous and serious problem to have, but the good news is that they are almost entirely preventable.  Homeowners must be careful to only burn materials that are ready and meant to be burned.  While using the correct fuel is important, a chimney fire can still occur even after taking all of the necessary precautions. This is why annual chimney inspections and cleanings are such a critical part of your home maintenance routine.  If your chimney is clean, the chances of a chimney fire are fairly slim.  No matter what your chimney or fireplace needs, Blue Ridge Chimney Services is here to help.  Call us today to set up your appointment to ensure that you receive the dependable and professional services you’re counting on.