Chimney and Fireplace Safety...

Inspections of the Flue and Masonry Can Reduce Fire Hazards

Fireplaces can provide that warm cozy feeling for a family, but that is only if it is in good repair. As the home ages settling will occur for both the main structure and the fireplace. Many times the hearth and fireplace can begin to settle and sag separately. As dangerous as this is the home owner can take steps to protect the home and family.

The first rule of thumb is that if there is any doubt regarding the operating condition of the fireplace, hearth and chimney, the home owner needs to contact a licensed chimney inspection company. Failure to have a chimney and flue inspected can likely end in serious property damage and cause major injury or death to the occupants of the house.

The home owner should make routine inspections of the interior and exterior of the firebox and chimney. The damper should also be in full working order. Any structure which is compromised should not be repaired by the layperson, but should be handled by a qualified and experienced chimney sweep and repair company.

For the protection of the home owner, ensuring the chimney service is fully insured is a start. There are additional checks the home owner can perform. Many chimney repair companies or chimney sweeps and inspection companies will hold additional certifications. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) are just a couple of examples of organizations which assist service companies in providing ongoing training and information on the best methods for servicing chimneys and fireplaces.

Many of the hazards associated with fireplaces can be unknowingly caused by the home owner. After the chimney and other physical parts of the structure has checked out ensuring the proper fuel source is paramount. There are many different types of fuels for varying types of fireplaces and stoves. With regards to the traditional masonry wood burning fireplace, the wood needs to be properly seasoned and stored prior to use.

Moist or "green" wood will not burn as efficiently as properly dried wood and will very likely create an additional fire hazard. It is imperative that the wood being used for the fire has been cut in the spring and dried in preparation for the following winter. Should the stored wood be subjected to excess moisture from rain and snow the results will be rotting wood. Attempting to burn rotted wood is very dangerous as large chunks of wood can break free and tumble out of the fireplace.

One other common oversight which home owners can make is to attempt to dry clothing, such as coats, gloves and shoes, on the hearth in front of the fireplace. Despite most home owners being familiar with "hanging the stockings by the chimney with care...", it is not a wise practice to employ. Sparks and burning ash can easily ignite most every type of clothing or the heat of the fire itself can melt most clothing material.

Although these warnings are not all inclusive, using common sense will go a long way. Whether the chimney structure is new or old, scheduled chimney and flue inspections need to be carried out at regular intervals. The best maintenance schedule will be determined by how frequently the fireplace is placed into use. Some professionals will recommend an inspection every two years while others will state annually. It is best to defer to the professionals and heed their experience.

For additional chimney safety and maintenance information visit Guardian Chimney of Montvale, NJ.

Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Guardian Chimney. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.