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Chimney Safety

8/9/2014

27 Comments

 
Chimney Fires

As you snuggle in front of a cozy fire or bask in the warmth of your wood stove, the last thing you are likely to be thinking about is the condition of your chimney. However, if you don't give some thought to it before you light those winter fires, your enjoyment may be very short-lived.

Why? Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires, which damage structures, destroy homes and injure or kill people. Chimney fires can burn explosively - noisy and dramatic enough to be detected by neighbors or passersby. Flames or dense smoke may shoot from the top of the chimney. Homeowners report being startled by a low rumbling sound that reminds them of a freight train or a low flying air plane.

However, those are only the chimney fires you know about. Slow-burning chimney fires don't get enough air or have enough fuel to be as dramatic or visible. But, the temperatures they reach are very high and can cause as much damage to the chimney structure - and nearby combustible parts of the house - as a fast, explosive fire. With proper chimney system care, chimney fires are entirely preventable.
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Creosote & chimney fires: what you must know:

Fireplaces and wood stoves are designed to safely contain wood-fueled fires, while providing heat for a home. The chimneys that serve them have the job of expelling the by-products of combustion - the substances given off when wood burns.

As these substances exit the fireplace or wood stove, and flow up into the relatively cooler chimney, condensation occurs. The resulting residue that sticks to the inner walls of the chimney is called creosote. Creosote is black or brown in appearance. It can be crusty and flaky ... tar-like, drippy and sticky ... or shiny and hardened. Often, all forms will occur in one chimney system.

Whatever form it takes, creosote is highly combustible. If it builds up in sufficient quantities - and catches fire inside the chimney flue- the result will be a chimney fire. Although any amount of creosote can burn, sweeps are concerned when creosote builds up in sufficient quantities to sustain a long, hot, destructive chimney fire.

Certain conditions encourage the buildup of creosote, restricted air supply, unseasoned wood and cooler-than-normal chimney temperatures are all factors that can accelerate the buildup of creosote on chimney flue walls.

Air supply: The air supply on fireplaces may be restricted by closed glass doors or by failure to open the damper wide enough to move heated smoke up the chimney rapidly (the longer the smoke's "residence time" in the flue, the more likely is it that creosote will form). A wood stove's air supply can be limited by closing down the stove damper or air inlets too soon and too much, and by improperly using the stovepipe damper to restrict air movement.

Burning unseasoned firewood: Because so much energy is used initially just to drive off the water trapped in the cells of the logs - burning green wood keeps the resulting smoke cooler, as it moves through the system, than if dried, seasoned wood is used.

Cool flue temperatures: In the case of wood stoves, fully-packed loads of wood (that give large cool fires and eight or 10 hour burn times) contribute to creosote buildup. Condensation of the unburned by-products of combustion also occurs more rapidly in an exterior chimney, for example, than in a chimney that runs through the center of a house and exposes only the upper reaches of the flue to the elements.
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creosote covered flue

How to keep the fire you want from starting one you don't!

Chimney fires don't have to happen. 

Here are some ways to avoid them:

  • Use seasoned woods only (dryness is more important than hard wood versus soft wood considerations)
  • Build smaller, hotter fires that bum more completely and produce less smoke
  • Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash or Christmas trees; these can spark a chimney fire
  • Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures where wood stoves are in use, so you can adjust burning practices as needed
  • Have the chimney inspected and cleaned on a regular basis

Proper Maintenance

Clean chimneys don't catch fire. Make sure a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep inspects your solid fuel venting system annually, and cleans and repairs it whenever needed. Your sweep may have other maintenance recommendations depending on how you use your fireplace or stove. CSIA recommends that you call on certified chimney sweeps, since they are regularly tested on their understanding of the complexities of chimney and venting systems.


Signs you've had a chimney fire and what to do if you have one:

Since chimney fires can occur without anyone being aware of them ... and since damage from such fires can endanger a home and its occupants, how do you tell if you've experienced a chimney fire?

Here are the signs a professional chimney sweep looks for:

  • "puffy" creosote, with rainbow colored streaks, that has expanded beyond creosote's normal form
  • warped metal of the damper, metal smoke chamber, connector pipe or factory-built metal chimney
  • cracked or collapsed flue tiles, or tiles with large chunks missing
  • discolored and distorted rain cap
  • creosote flakes and pieces found on the roof or ground
  • roofing material damaged from hot creosote cracks in exterior masonry evidence of smoke escaping through mortar
  • joints of masonry or tile liners

If you think a chimney fire has occurred, call a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep for a professional evaluation. If your suspicions are confirmed, a certified sweep will be able to make recommendations about how to bring the system back into compliance with safety standards. Depending on the situation, you might need a few flue tiles replaced, a relining system installed or an entire chimney rebuilt. Each situation is unique and will dictate its own solution.

What to do if you have a chimney fire:

If you realize a chimney fire is occurring, follow these steps:

  1. Get everyone out of the house, including yourself
  2. Call the fire department If you can do so without risk to yourself, these additional steps may help save your home.

Remember,however, that homes are replaceable, but lives are not:

  1. Put a chimney fire extinguisher into the fireplace or wood stove
  2. Close the glass doors on the fireplace
  3. Close the air inlets on the wood stove
  4. Use a garden hose to spray down the roof (not the chimney) so the fire won't spread to the rest of the structure
  5. Monitor the exterior chimney temperature throughout the house for at least 2 or 3 hours after the fire is out

Once it's over, call a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep to inspect for damage. Chimney fire damage and repair normally is covered by homeowner insurance policies.


Chimney fire articles provided by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
27 Comments
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Erin link
5/9/2019 03:09:45 pm

Great safety tips, thanks for sharing.

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Victoria Addington link
3/29/2023 02:51:04 pm

I had no idea that woodstoves are prone to chimney fires. As you said, one approach to prevent them is to have them regularly inspected and cleaned by a professional. I appreciate you sharing this. I'll bear this in mind while I take care of our just-installed woodstove. Moreover, check for local businesses that can provide us with expert cleaning assistance.

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Fire Restoration Canton link
4/3/2023 04:46:50 am

Chimney safety is of paramount importance, particularly during cold-weather months when the use of fireplaces and wood stoves increases. It is important to regularly inspect and maintain chimneys. In order to ensure a safe and efficient combustion process, it is necessary for homeowners to adhere to proper chimney maintenance protocols. Thank you! Helpful stuff.

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Mia Evans link
6/1/2023 05:43:55 am

It got me when you said that chimney fires can happen at any time without us being aware of them. I guess hiring chimney servicing companies would be a good investment to prevent these things from happening after we have used the fireplace a lot in the winter. This information is a huge help for us, because we have never had these amenities before in our past apartment.

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6/20/2023 11:56:05 am

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10/19/2023 02:53:25 am

Just read this article and I can say these are awesome great tips on how to take care of your Chimney Sweep in Salt Lake City. I will be using this tips for my own clients so that there Chimney Sweep in Salt Lake City,UT go smoothly!

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9/11/2024 09:11:50 pm

Thank you for the important reminder about chimney safety! It’s crucial to keep chimneys clean and well-maintained to prevent dangerous fires. If you need roofing contractors or help with any related services, feel free to visit our site. Appreciate the valuable information!

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Lead Flashing link
9/11/2024 09:14:09 pm

Thank you for the detailed info on creosote and chimney fires! It’s essential to be aware of how creosote buildup can lead to dangerous fires. If you need roofing contractors or assistance with chimney maintenance, feel free to visit our site. Appreciate the valuable tips!

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Slate Roof link
9/11/2024 09:24:45 pm

Thank you for the crucial tips on maintaining proper air supply for chimney safety! Ensuring adequate airflow helps prevent dangerous creosote buildup. If you need roofing contractors or help with any related services, feel free to visit our site. Appreciate the helpful advice!

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Roofing Haddenham link
9/11/2024 10:21:22 pm

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Flat Roof Repairs link
9/12/2024 08:56:20 pm

Thank you for the insight on chimney safety and the impact of cool flue temperatures. It's crucial to stay on top of creosote buildup. If you happen to need a roofing contractor, feel free to visit our site!

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Roof Repair Alfreton link
9/12/2024 09:25:20 pm

Thank you for these helpful chimney safety tips! Keeping the chimney clean and using seasoned wood can make a big difference. If you happen to need a roofing contractor, feel free to visit our site.

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Lead Flashing link
10/1/2024 09:48:33 pm

Creosote buildup in chimneys is a serious safety concern, as it can lead to dangerous chimney fires. Regular cleaning and using properly seasoned wood can help reduce the risk. If you happen to need a roofing contractor, feel free to visit our site!

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10/10/2024 08:20:34 pm

Cool flue temperatures can increase creosote buildup, especially with long-burning wood stove fires, making chimney safety a top priority. If you happen to need a roofing contractor to complement your chimney maintenance, feel free to visit our website for professional services!

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Roofer Contractor BROMHAM, BEDFORDSHIRE link
10/30/2024 06:25:37 am

Chimney safety is crucial, especially when it comes to creosote buildup. This highly combustible residue can lead to dangerous chimney fires if not addressed. Factors like using unseasoned wood and restricted airflow can worsen the problem, so regular inspections and cleanings are essential. If you happen to need a roofing contractor, feel free to visit our site!

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Flat Roofing Fulbourn link
11/7/2024 04:23:37 am

Chimney safety is so important, especially during the colder months! Regular maintenance can prevent dangerous fires and keep your home safe. If you happen to need a roofing contractor to check your chimney flashing or roof, feel free to visit our site—we’re here to help!

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Roof Repairs Midhurst, West Sussex link
11/8/2024 06:17:48 am

Proper chimney maintenance is key to preventing fires—an annual inspection by a certified chimney sweep is a must. If you happen to need a roofing contractor, feel free to visit our site for expert help!

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ROOFER Kirkby in Ashfield link
11/8/2024 06:37:13 am

Great tips for handling a chimney fire—safety first, always. It’s crucial to act quickly and stay safe. If you happen to need a roofing contractor, feel free to visit our site!

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11/28/2024 06:51:44 am

Chimney safety is so important to prevent both visible and slow-burning fires. Regular maintenance and care can really make a difference. If you happen to need a roofing contractor, feel free to visit our site.

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Flat Roof Repairs link
12/25/2024 09:21:28 pm

Great point about chimney safety! Ensuring proper air supply is essential to prevent creosote buildup and keep things running smoothly. If you happen to need a roofing contractor, feel free to visit our site for more information.

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12/25/2024 09:36:08 pm

Chimney safety is crucial to prevent fires and protect your home. Regular cleaning and maintenance can avoid dangerous situations. If you happen to need a roofing contractor, feel free to visit our site!

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1/27/2025 10:45:38 pm

Thank you for this insightful post on chimney safety! At Chimney Restoration of Kansas City, we know how crucial it is to maintain a clean and properly functioning chimney to prevent dangerous chimney fires. As your article highlights, the buildup of creosote is a major contributor to chimney fires, and regular chimney sweeping is essential in keeping your home safe.

Whether it's burning seasoned wood, ensuring proper air supply, or performing routine chimney inspections, staying proactive is key. Our team of certified chimney sweeps in Kansas City is ready to help you stay ahead of potential issues with expert inspections, cleaning, and repairs. By working with a professional chimney sweep like us, you can ensure your system is free from creosote buildup and functioning safely.

If it's been a while since your last inspection or if you're concerned about chimney safety, reach out to Chimney Restoration of Kansas City today. We're here to help keep your fires warm and, most importantly, safe.

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  • Home
  • Product Details
    • Order a Standard Size
    • Chimney top cover features
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Chimney Cover Installation
    • Pricing
  • Custom Installations
    • Get a Custom Quote
    • Custom Examples
    • Shane Poe chimney top
  • Blog