A Neat SweepChimney Safety Tips
from The Chimney Safety Institute
of America
Dirty woodstove glass? Try dipping a dampened piece of newsprint in the fine
white ashes after your fire has died. Whipe it onto the glass in circular motions
-- it works well if the glass isn't terribly dirty to begin with.
Putting a chimney cover or chimney cap on top of your flue can save you a lot
of money in the long run. The covers keep out damaging moisture, which wears
away masonry and steel chimneys -- not to mention that they keep birds and other
critters out.
The National Fire Protection Association (in NFPA 211) recommends you have your
chimney checked at least once a year, and cleaned if needed. Heavy users need
more frequent check-ups.
If you have a newer EPA-rated wood stove, you might have a catalytic combuster
in there somewhere. Make sure to check the owner's manual about cleaning it --
and stick to the schedule. Combusters should last 5 or 6 years, but a clogged
or dirty one will fail rather quickly.
Do you have a smelly fireplace? Chimney
Breath is most often caused by moisture, rain, or high humidity. Have your chimney
cleaned early in the spring to make the humid summer days less odiferous.
Ever wonder what wood is the best to burn as firewood? Oak is an American favorite.
Other hardwoods are also a good choice. You can burn other softer wood also,
as long as it is split and dried long enough. It's much more important to burn
dry wood than to worry about what kind of wood it is.
Do you know what to do
during a chimney fire? Call the fire department and exit the house -- just like
any other house fire. Many people choose not to do this, but if the fire does
spread, don't you want the firefighters there already?
Springtime is the right
time to get your chimneys checked! Sweeps are generally less frantic in the spring
(vs. the crazy fall season) and if your chimney needs repairs, they can be made
before the cold weather hits!
Mild winters mean more chimney fires! It's true. People choke back their wood stoves
in mild weather -- leading to more creosote accumulation -- but many don't realize
this, so they skip getting it cleaned, thinking it doesn't need it as bad as
it would after a cold winter.
Black stove pipe (and furnace pipe, for that matter)
should be securely fastened together at each joint with no less than three sheet
metal screws or pop-rivets. Stove and vent pipe should be inspected at least
yearly, and replaced when signs of rusting or wear are evident.
Gas logs release
a lot of water vapor when they are burning. You should be wary of mold and mildew,
especially if you have asthma and respiratory problems, when using them for longer
than a few hours. A CO detector is a great gas-log accessory. You can find one
in many home-improvement and mass chain stores.
Have your chimney checked every
year (no matter how you heat your home) to make sure the chimney can do its job
to properly vent hot, toxic gases and carbon monoxide from the heating system
to the outdoors.
To help reduce creosote build-up in your wood-burning chimney system, burn only
well-seasoned hardwoods. If you don't know how to build a hot, safe fire, ask
your CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® for tips on proper wood-burning techniques.
If you own or are planning to install a high-efficiency gas furnace, ask your
CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® to check that the furnace is vented
in accordance with the National Fuel Gas Code.
Have a high-quality, long-lasting
chimney cap installed to keep out debris and prevent birds, animals and insects
from nesting in your chimney.
Following a violent storm, earthquake, flood or
lightning strike, have your chimney inspected for damage -- inside and out.
This includes checking for cracks and fallen bricks. For safety's sake, DO
NOT USE YOUR CHIMNEY until it is checked by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep®.
Install a carbon monoxide detector to warn of harmful gases that may be entering
your home because of a blocked or damaged chimney.
Have your chimney waterproofed
to prevent long-term corrosion and masonry damage.
Have your chimney flashing
(the seal between the chimney and the roof) inspected and maintained. Flashing
prevents rain water and snow melt from entering your home and causing costly
damage to your walls and ceilings.
Save energy dollars and eliminate unpleasant
off-season odors. Have a sealing damper installed in your wood-burning chimney
system.
Have your chimney sweep ensure that your chimney has an appropriate liner.
Chimney liners are required in new construction to separate hot heating system
emissions from the structure of your home.
Spring is a good time to schedule
an annual chimney check by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep®.
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