During COVID-19 we are doing everything we can to keep you safe. We have implemented a no-contact inspection order which means we will do inspections as normal but instead of meeting at the property, our inspector(s) will be the only ones on site. Thank you for your patience and stay safe.
December 21, 2018
As we head into another bitterly cold New England winter, I’ll bet that one of your main concerns is keeping your home and family warm! As the snow piles up and the temperature drops, no doubt there are a lot of maintenance items on your mind, from tuning up your heating system to installing storm windows, in all this bustle don’t forget one of the most important parts of your heating system- your chimney. Although chimneys and their maintenance are often overlooked this is not wise, as chimney fires account for over 25,000 fires a year, yet are 100% preventable!
Why is Chimney maintenance so important?
I grew up living in one of those picturesque old New England farm houses, full of charm, but also drafty and heated only by a wood stove and a few fireplaces. It was always cozy in the house when the wood stove was running, but the chimney was very old and not well maintained. I remember at the age of eight being awaken in the middle of the night and ushered out into the snow by my parents. Our chimney was on fire, the sparks flying from its opening on the roof. It is a frightening memory that is still very vivid. Luckily, the fire department was able to stop the blaze with minimal damage, but we still lost many items in the attic and there was significant water damage to many precious things. I will never forget that night and it all could have been prevented if the chimney had been properly maintained. A chimney that isn’t well maintained creates many issues and can even lead to death! (Thousands of people die yearly in house fires that start in their chimney). The dangers of not taking care of your chimney are:
Safety Issues
–What is Carbon Monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when there is too much carbon monoxide in the air which can be caused by fuel that isn’t fully burned (which causes creosote in your chimney), open fires, and smoke inhalation. When there is too much carbon monoxide in the air your body replaces the oxygen in your blood with carbon monoxide. This can cause headaches, dizziness, fainting, damage to tissue and even death!
-What is creosote?
Creosote is a black or brown deposit that clings to the inside of your chimney or stove pipes. It can appear crusty or flaky, drippy and sticky like tar, or shiny and hardened to the surface. The problem is that creosote is highly combustible and creates a serious fire risk. Cleaning your chimney can prevent the build of creosote and save you from having a chimney fire!
Expensive repairs
What should you do to maintain your chimney?
What can you do daily to protect your home?
This may all seem scary. Maybe you are thinking, “Ok, I just won’t use my fireplace this year and that will solve the problem”. Don’t be so hasty! There is nothing more cozy than sitting by a crackling fireplace on a cold night and no better place to warm your hands than on cast iron wooden stove. You don’t need to give this up, you just need to follow some simple tips to keep your home and chimney safe for the whole family!
Tips for chimney safety:
Follow these simple tips and enjoy your fireplace without fear this winter!
