Superior Chimney has had some ‘interesting’ service calls already this season. Some of these calls could be avoided with the right information whether it be a gas or wood burning fireplace. So, to help our customers and hopefully soon to be customers, we thought we’d share some safety tips for using your chimney and fireplace.
A Few Avoids
- Starting a Fire with Newspaper: Not just newspaper, but other types of paper products as well. Pieces of ignited paper can carry up the chimney and land on your roof or ignite other combustible parts of your home. Be sure to use small pieces of wood or proper fire starters to start the fire instead. If you have a gas fireplace, be sure it is fully turned off so gas doesn’t keep releasing into your home.
- Wood burning Fireplaces need Seasoned Wood: One reason to use seasoned wood is because the more moist the wood, the more smoke and creosote it builds. When this builds in your chimney, it can become a hazard to your home. Creosote is quite flammable if not removed each year. That’s where a chimney sweep comes in. During the inspection and sweep, we’ll remove the creosote build up to ensure the chimney starts the season worthy of use.
- Falling Asleep with the Fire Burning: If you are alone in the room, it is best to avoid falling asleep. I know, it is a dream come true to take a good nap with the fire a glow. In addition, if you are going to sleep for the night, be sure that you have put out the fire and the damper is open. This way it will help cool down the fireplace.
- Renters: If you are a renter in the place you live, be sure to take care of the chimney and fireplace. If you just moved in, be sure to get it inspected with the Superior Chimney 14-point inspection. You don’t want to start something that you can’t stop. Check with the owner the last time it was tended to. If you see a few cobwebs, that will be a sure sign that it hasn’t been done in a while. Give us a call at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349) to get it inspected and swept.
A Few Other Safety Tips
Here are a few more tips that are always good practice. We want to be sure you and your family enjoy the fireplace and all of its warm offerings.
- Keep a screen or glass doors in front of the fireplace. This can be used to keep the sparks and snapping of the fire where it belongs.. in the firebox and they are great decorative pieces as well.
- Flammable items away from the fireplace. For the holidays, birthdays and crafts, keep these items away from the fireplace. These items are highly flammable. We certainly don’t want to ruin the occasion. Safety professionals say three feet away from the firebox.
- Keep the flue or damper open when you start the fire.
- Be sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors. You never know what may happen when you turn your back.
- Lastly, know where the fire extinguisher is at. Keeping it in the kitchen, if close by, is a good spot. This way you can access it for both active rooms.
Be sure to use our safety tips for using your chimney. Contact Superior Chimney today at 877-244-6349.
