Why You Need A Holiday Chimney Cleaning & Inspection
In the Southern Plains, the weather is as varied as the states of Oklahoma and Texas. With its unpredictable climate, it can be cold and icy one day and warm and sunny the next. Add in gusty winds and the occasional hailstorm, and it’s easy to see how chimney damage can occur. As creosote builds up inside the chimney, the masonry on the outside can deteriorate. This is one of the reasons why it’s essential to schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection before lighting your fireplace this winter.
The Facts About Creosote and Chimney Fires
Whether you use your fireplace frequently or not, getting a chimney cleaning and inspection is the best way to prevent a fire. Creosote is a highly flammable residue that forms inside the chimney flue as a byproduct of wood combustion. And the longer it remains, the more volatile it becomes. There are three stages of creosote:
Stage One: Flaky, sooty residue that is easily removed with a chimney brush.
Stage Two: Hard, tarry deposits that require professional tools for removal.
Stage Three: A thick, glossy, glaze-like coating that is extremely difficult to remove and is the most dangerous form, as it is highly combustible and resistant to standard sweeping.
Creosote buildup, resulting from failing to clean the chimney, is the primary cause of residential chimney fires. Even a small amount of creosote can ignite from a single spark, leading to a fire that can reach temperatures exceeding 2,000°F, potentially rupturing the flue liner and allowing flames to spread to the home’s structure. Last winter, a chimney fire in a Dallas apartment spread to the attic and another unit.
Chimney Cleaning & Inspection: What to Expect
- Safety Preparation: The technician will seal off the fireplace opening and lay down drop cloths to protect your home and furnishings from soot and other particulates.
- Chimney Inspection: The sweep conducts a visual examination of the readily accessible portions of the chimney, from the cap to the foundation, including the exterior, interior, vents, and connections to the appliance. The sweep will look for any structural damage, flue obstructions, and creosote buildup. They may also use a specialized Chimney Video Camera to get a closer look at the chimney liner and the surrounding masonry.
- Chimney Cleaning: Using special brushes, rotary rods, and high-powered HEPA vacuums, the sweep will thoroughly clean the flue walls, removing creosote, soot, leaves, and debris. They will also remove live or deceased animals like squirrels, birds, and snakes that have found their way into your chimney.
- Inspection Report: You receive a detailed report outlining the inspection findings, including images and any necessary repairs (like tuckpointing or chimney cap replacement).
Fireplace Safety Tips
Make safety a central part of your holiday tradition with these fireplace tips:
Professional Chimney Cleaning and Inspection before the winter holidays.
Maintain a Fireplace Safety Zone by keeping children, pets, and flammable materials (like furniture, stockings, and rugs) at least three feet away from the hearth.
Only Burn Seasoned Firewood that has been split and dried for at least six months to a year. Dry wood burns hotter and cleaner, producing far less creosote than fresh or green wood.
Install Glass Fireplace Doors to prevent sparks or embers from jumping out. It will also reduce the amount of conditioned air escaping up the chimney when the fireplace is not in use.
Extinguish Flames Before Retiring or Going Holiday Shopping. Use a fireplace poker to spread the embers and sprinkle with baking soda to prevent reignition.
Avoid burning Christmas trees in the fireplace, as the resins in the needles can ignite and cause a potentially large and dangerous chimney fire.
Call the Master’s for Your Holiday Chimney Cleaning Today!
A clean chimney is a safe chimney! By ensuring your chimney is clean and structurally sound, you can also save on heating costs and avoid costly repairs. Call the Master’s today to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve residents from Houston to Oklahoma City, including Rockwall, Mansfield, and Tomball, TX, and surrounding communities, ensuring your fireplace is ready for the winter holiday season.
