This creosote coating is highly flammable and, given enough heat, will ignite causing a chimney fire. MENTOR, Ohio — As you relax in front of your fireplace and enjoy the warmth it provides, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is how clean your chimney is. A blazing fireplace is an ideal solution to that problem. Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home. But sometimes problems happen anyway. , can create a more massive fire than your structure can contain. It’s highly combustible, so if the temperature inside your chimney gets high enough, the creosote will catch fire. Unseasoned, or green, wood is the main cause of creosote buildup, so the easiest way to reduce the chances of a chimney fire is to use well-cured wood. There are only two ways to prevent chimney fires: take away the fuel and take away the match. The damper is a metal plate in the chimney that controls the air supply to your fireplace. Hot, fast-burning fires, on the other hand, leave far less smoke, vapor, and unburned wood behind, so little to no creosote forms. But did you know that your fireplace ambiance comes with a maintenance requirement? And if your chimney’s flue liner (the layer between the flue and chimney walls) is uninsulated, it’s recommended to insulate it by either wrapping a heat-resistant insulation blanket around the liner or pouring an insulation mix like vermiculite (available at hardware stores and on Amazon for $10 and up) into the space between the flue liner and flue. Chimfex and Fire-Ex are products that work by quickly reducing the available oxygen in the flue to starve the fire. Lake Region Insurance Agency Provides Auto / Car Insurance, Home Insurance, Business / Commercial Insurance, and Life and Health Insurance to All of Minnesota, Including New London, Willmar, and Cokato. for a free review of your homeowners or other policies. Some people have described a sound like a plane taking off. So it’s essential to be sure you have adequate coverage. These wood species are fine for a bonfire outdoors, but they burn up quickly and leave excess creosote on your chimney walls. This pro will inform you of any damage and, if desired, repair it as well as remove soot, creosote, or obstructions such as bird nests. And then be sure to have a certified professional do a chimney inspection to check for damage. The standard chimney inspection with a cleaning from a sweep costs about $150 to $350. If when you scratch a finger against a chimney wall and uncover one-eighth of an inch of build-up, it’s time for a cleaning. Consider keeping a chimney fire extinguishing product on hand. Keep your wood stack in a sheltered area or cover it in wet weather. To minimize creosote build-up, only burn seasoned hardwood that has dried for at least six months and contains a moisture content of no more than 20 percent, which you can easily test with a wood moisture meter (available online and at hardware stores for $30 and up, like this General Tools option on Amazon). The best way to prevent a chimney fire is to have an annual inspection performed by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. Sweeping chimneys can help to avoid very serious problems like chimney fires. It can line the chimney and flue over time, and under the proper conditions, it can ignite. Have your chimney serviced by a certified chimney sweep once a year. You can find this simple tool for around $20 at your hardware store or online. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As independent agents, we access plans from many providers so that you can choose from the best options out there. A firefighter can make sure your home is safe. Slow-burning chimney fires are common. When you aren’t using the fireplace, keep the damper closed. Don’t Let the Good Fires Bring on a Bad One – by Dave Lamb – dave@mychimneys.com According to the latest statistics available, there are over 25,000 Chimney Fires per year in the US that are responsible for over 125 million dollars in property damage. Sometimes these fires burn themselves out, but they still can damage the chimney. ...they find what policy you need and are very pleasant while doing so. Install a Chimney Cap to Help Prevent Fire First, a chimney liner could be necessary in helping a chimney pass inspection. once a year. This happens when the fire isn’t hot enough, or your chimney is too short. Overfilling your firebox, known as over-firing, can create a more massive fire than your structure can contain. Make sure to open the damper when you light a fire. Find the best local pros and compare multiple quotes for your chimney or fireplace project. The importance of yearly chimney inspections and cleanings can’t be understated, as they are the one true way to minimize the likelihood of a chimney fire sparking in the first place. A chimney liner is a great thing to prevent chimney fires. The fact is that clean chimneys simply don’t catch fire. They also help to provide better air flow and better passage for the combustion process along with protecting the chimney walls form excessive smoke and heat. They’ll check the flue walls and identify and address any potential problems. Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires, which damage or destroy homes and injure people. Use the Right Firewood. As a result, this causes a fire to break out inside your chimney. Level 3 ($1,000 to $5,000) includes Level 1 and Level 2 inspection. Having your fireplace and chimney cleaned once each year will help to eliminate fire hazards due to creosote and other materials, like pine needles, leaves, and animal nests. An insulated flue liner will prevent flue temperatures from getting too cool—a condition that could encourage fire by-products to condense and form creosote. Expect to spend anywhere from $50 for galvanized metal caps to $500 or more for decorative models. It closes off the fireplace when you don’t have a fire going, and swings up to open the flue when needed. Check for any soot buildup and remove it, clean the interior of your fire place, inspect the chimney and its cap, and consider using fire screens to help keep any lit fires inside your fireplace. This substance can coat the glass on your fireplace and stick to your chimney flue’s walls. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. The high water content also makes for a thicker, stickier smoke compound. He says chimneys should be inspected each year by a … The first time you light up your fireplace there is a chance for a fire to spark if there are complications left over from the previous winter, such as a build up of creosote. in the United States, so homeowners need to monitor this. How To Prevent Chimney Fires It is recommend by all experts to have your chimney serviced and cleaned prior to the cold season when it will be getting a lot of use. This highly flammable, dark brown substance coats chimney walls when by-products of a fire (smoke, vapor, and unburned wood) condense as they move from the hot fireplace or wood stove into the cooler chimney. Avoid softwoods like fir, pine, and cypress. Your chimney won’t catch fire if it’s clean. Thick, dense smoke may push down the chimney and into the house. And remember to always keep the damper (a metal plate in the flue that regulates the draft) open during a fire to maintain adequate airflow. To avoid a disaster in your house, keep the following tips in mind. When that hardens into creosote on the chimney walls, there’s an increased risk of chimney fires. Clean chimneys don’t catch fire. The good news is chimney fires can be prevented. If you aren’t sure whether your wood is dry enough to use, measure it with a moisture meter. The biggest thing that you can do to prevent chimney fires is to have your chimney inspected by a professional every year and cleaned as needed. Then douse the cooled wood and embers with enough baking soda to cover them completely—the sodium bicarbonate will extinguish any remaining embers. Hot, smoky air rises through the center of the chimney, the flue, and out of your house. To avoid a wet flue, have a chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) install a chimney cap (e.g., Shelter Galvanized Steel Chimney Cap, $39.90 on Amazon). The chimney that’s connected to your fireplace or wood burning stove has a critical job. Hire a chimney sweep to perform this maintenance service so you know it’s done safely and correctly. In the most severe cases, chimney fires can destroy houses and put lives at risk. © Copyright 2020, Lake Region Insurance Agency | Privacy Statement | Login. You’ll hear a sound like a large bonfire coming from the chimney. According to the annual report produced by the Department for Communities & Local Government, there were 7,700 chimney fires … Build Small Fires. Keep stocking your lumber a year ahead to continue the cycle. Green wood burns much cooler than seasoned wood, and as a result the smoke is more likely to condense on the inside of the chimney and cause creosote buildup. Schedule an annual chimney inspection.. Because many defects that lead to chimney fires, such as a cracked flue... 3. Great people, very patient and quick ti get to you if they are busy! It will also … These tragedies are often preventable: Failure to regularly inspect, repair, and clean a chimney can cause it to malfunction or collect dangerous build-up that puts your family at risk. If you’re using it daily, like a wood … Because many defects that lead to chimney fires, such as a cracked flue liner, aren’t visible to the naked eye, it’s crucial to have a Chimney Safety Institute of America-certified chimney sweep inspect your fireplace or woodstove, chimney, and venting system once a year. A chimney cap on the crown around the outside opening of the flue will keep debris and critters out. Always stick to the best fire starters when selecting fuel, kindling, and tinder. Contact Lake Region Insurance Agency today for a free insurance review and policy quote. A firefighter can make sure your home is safe. It can even deter the occasional bird or bat that might find a way into your chimney. today for a free insurance review and policy quote. Part of caring for your home is being ready to handle damages when they occur. You love your home and take good care of it. However, those are only the chimney fires you know about. There are more than 25,000 chimney fires incurring $125 million-plus in property damage every year in the United States. And chimney fires damage structures, destroy homes and can seriously injure or kill people. Products to prevent chimney fires. Visit us in Cokato, Willmar, or New London, MN, to get a quote today. Hardwoods like oak, ash, and elm are excellent firewood choices because they burn hotter and longer than softwoods. You will see flames and burning pieces of creosote erupting from the top of the chimney. Not allowing your fire to smolder. Clean your fireplace and chimney. As independent agents, we access plans from many providers so that you can choose from the best options out there. If your home contains a chimney and/or a fireplace, remember to inspect and maintain it regularly. A chimney fire occurs about 22,000 times a year in the United States, so homeowners need to monitor this. • Have your chimney cleaned and inspected at least once a year. Wait until the ash is cool and be sure to store in a fire-safe container such as a metal bucket. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Have Your Chimney Inspected Annually – Annual chimney inspection can prevent chimney fires. Put ashes in a metal container with a lid, outside, at least 3 feet from your home. What Does a Personal Liability Umbrella Policy Cover? Chimfex and Fire-Ex are products that work by quickly reducing the available oxygen in the flue to starve the fire. Minimize creosote build-up to prevent chimney fires.. After the firebox cools (for a minimum of three hours, but preferably eight), shovel the ashes into a metal container. This will prevent the buildup of creosote and possibly avoid a dangerous fire. If you’re just starting, look for wood that is already seasoned. To avoid a disaster in your house, keep the following tips in mind. The hot air rising through the chimney flue creates a draft, which is like a vacuum that draws the smoke up the chimney. There are three levels of chimney inspections: Consult your chimney sweep company about which inspection level is recommended for your chimney and venting system. But did you know that over 40% of house fires in Ireland are caused by a chimney catching fire? A chimney sweep is the best solution, and homeowners should considering getting one on an annual basis. Chimney fires cause property damage and put lives at risk every year. You want the maximum draft to pull airborne particles up and out of your house. And, before retiring for the night, always extinguish the fire: Spread out the wood and embers with a fireplace poker, then cover them with the ash lying at the bottom of the fireplace using a fireplace shovel. There’s nothing like a warm fire on a chilly winter night. Contact. This highly... 2. How Do I Purchase Private Health Insurance For My Family. Inspections and cleaning by your local chimney sweep can make sure creosote is not actively building up, limiting the release of smoke and other gases. The main culprit of chimney fires is creosote. Season your firewood by stacking it outside and letting it sit for at least six months. But it’s easy to avoid chimney fires and costly repairs by: Burning seasoned wood only. Freshly-cut trees or branches contain sap, and it takes 6-12 months for logs to dry out completely. “Sometimes, people don't do the maintenance of keeping their fireplace clean, especially the flue,” said Jerry Craddock. Wet wood equals more smoke and less heat. Caps also prevent acidic rainwater from entering and corroding the chimney. Creosote is a thick, flaky residue that can coat the walls of the chimney. 6 Ways to Stop Chimney Fires Before They Start 1. However, proper chimney maintenance decreases the risk of these fires. Chimney fires are often the result of defects and damage to your chimney and a chimney inspection can detect areas which need attention, though they may not be … Leaves and animal nests inside a flue can quickly fuel a chimney fire when touched by loose embers from a fire. THE PURPOSE OF A CHIMNEY. Part of caring for your home is being ready to handle damages when they occur. Contact. Using accelerants is not a safe way to start a fire, as they are highly combustible and do not burn clean. Keep reading to understand what causes chimney fires and the six best steps you can take for preventing them. Do not burn paper in your fireplace. Chimney fires occur when creosote and / or soot inside the chimney catch alight. The heat can transfer through the fireplace to the surrounding, non-fireproof parts of your home. Chimney Fires Can Be Prevented. Chimney maintenance is always less expensive than repair. Regular chimney inspections and cleanings help prevent fires … Consider keeping a chimney fire extinguishing product on hand. Learn how to prevent chimney fires below. Homeowners report being startled by a low rumbling sound that reminds them of a freight train or a low flying airplane. Fireplace safety: Keep a glass or metal screen in front of fireplace to prevent embers or sparks jumping out. Chimfex puts chimney fires in as little as 22 seconds. At the same time, get unseasoned wood for the following winter. Use the proper ladders when it is required to access the roof. A professional chimney cleaning costs between $100 and $350 and usually includes a sweep of the outside of the chimney along with the firebox, the smoke shelf, the smoke chamber above the firebox, the flue, and the flue liner. Low-temperature, slow-burning fires, particularly those left to smolder overnight, produce more smoke and leave behind more unburned combustible material. But sometimes problems happen anyway. So stay on top of your chimney’s servicing needs to keep your home safe and avoid costly repairs. While some homeowners opt to put in a chimney cap themselves, self-installation may void the warranty—it may be worth it to call a pro. For chimney fires, the fuel is the creosote and the match is an overly hot fire in … The heat can transfer through the fireplace to the surrounding, non-fireproof parts of your home. But adding too much wood at one time can create a blanket over the flames. According to the National Fire Protection Association, around 25 percent of all home-heating fires are caused by creosote buildup in chimneys – a serious statistic if you use wood to produce heat on a regular basis. Accidents happen even with chimney safety protocols in place. By Manasa Reddigari and Bob Vila. Fortunately, if you practice the prevention tips here, that hard-working column above your fireplace or wood stove should continue to do its job of ushering smoke and other by-products out of your home, so you and yours can safely enjoy cozying up in front of the flames. It’s important to minimize creosote build-up in your chimney, which is often the start of chimney fires. The best way to burn a clean fire is to use the top-down burn method: Place the large logs vertically at the bottom of the fireplace or wood stove (with the bottoms of the logs facing you), add four to five horizontal layers of kindling, then top with tinder and light. Consider keeping a chimney fire extinguishing product on hand. What Should I Do If I Have a Chimney Fire? This habit will help to insulate your home from outside temperatures. It is much more straightforward to repair cracks in mortar joints or masonry than to replace a warped flue. As the article suggests, it is a good idea to keep a chimney fire extinguisher, such as Chimfex on hand. Not only can damaged chimneys spread fire throughout your home but build up of soot and creosote can catch fire within your chimney. Split the wood to speed the drying process, and stack it off the ground in a single row to increase airflow. The main culprit of chimney fires is creosote. Fill the metal container with water and store it outside the home away from other flammable materials until you’re ready to discard them. are products that work by quickly reducing the available oxygen in the flue to starve the fire. A small fire that burns well does not produce as much creosote as a large fire that … Regularly clean your fireplace of ash from prior fires. It’s so tempting to poke, prod, and add more wood to your crackling fire. They’ll check the flue walls and identify and address any potential problems. Lake Region Insurance Agency51 Main Street SNew London, Minnesota 56273, Lake Region Insurance Agency1690 1st Street SWillmar, Minnesota 56201, Lake Region Insurance Agency330 Broadway Ave SCokato, Minnesota 55321. Resinous woods leave a byproduct, called creosote, behind in the chimney when they burn. Chimney liner kits can be purchased and installed by specialists, and they help ensure the longevity of a chimney that could be aging. Make sure a professional chimney sweep inspects your solid fuel venting system annually, and sweeps and repairs it whenever needed. The cap will also prevent “back puffing,” whereby escaped smoke from a fire re-enters the chimney and then the home. A weaker one will deposit soot and creosote on your chimney’s walls. This situation creates a cooler, dirtier fire. Level 2 ($100 to $500) includes video scanning of internal chimney surfaces. Creosote is fuel for chimney fires, and if it ignites, the heat may be much higher than your chimney can withstand. Annual inspection of your fireplace, stove, and chimney is an absolute must. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. If you think you had or have a chimney fire, even a small one, always call 911. The bottom line is that dirty chimney’s cause chimney fires. Getting chimney liners installed is important for several reasons. If the fire is contained within the flue system, move on to chimney fire-specific extinguishment methods. When chimney fires occur in masonry chimneys - whether the flues are an older, unlined type or are tile lined to meet current safety codes - the high temperatures at which they burn (around 2000' F) can "melt" mortar, crack tiles, cause liners to collapse and damage the outer masonry material. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a trusted, honest insurance agent. Contact Lake Region Insurance Agency for a free review of your homeowners or other policies. RELATED: 14 Bad Habits That Could Burn Your House Down. Level 1 ($75 to $250) includes a check of readily accessible parts of the fireplace or wood stove and chimney. Ways to Prevent Chimney Fires Install a Chimney Liner. To prevent this danger from ever occurring, follow these 7 tips to avoid a chimney fire from ever happening in your home. The easiest way to prevent chimney fire is by having the chimney professionally cleaned every year, especially if you burn pine or other resinous woods. So it’s essential to be sure you have adequate coverage. Your chimney removes smoke from your home while providing fresh air to feed the fire in the fireplace. By the time you need it next year, your wood will be ready. Murphysboro Fire Chief Steve McBride says the fire department responds to at least two chimney fires a year. However, budget-conscious DIYers willing to get up on a ladder can also clean their chimney without professional help by using a wide chimney brush. Accidents happen even with chimney safety protocols in place. They occur when the creosote is hot enough to burn, but there isn’t enough to cause a big blaze. The wood you choose can affect the amount of creosote buildup on your chimney walls. The effort of maintaining your fireplace chimney is a small price to pay to avoid chimney fires. If the temperature in the chimney flue (the space inside the chimney) is high enough, and the creosote build-up thick enough, creosote can catch fire—and that fire can spread and move up the flue. Not burning trash in a fireplace or woodstove. If you think you had or have a chimney fire, even a small one, always call 911. Keep your chimney clean – It is extremely important and cannot be emphasized enough to have your chimney professionally cleaned at a minimum of once per year. Your wood needs to be dry throughout before you add it to your fire. The best way to keep a chimney fire from happening is to prevent the build up of creosote and here are a couple of products that can aid you in that effort. How? Get enough seasoned wood to last through this winter. If your wood is wet or not fully cured, it will not burn as hot as dry wood. in Cokato, Willmar, or New London, MN, to get a quote today. How Can You Prevent Chimney Fires? Use dry wood. It is a layer of protection between the chimney walls and the fire. That damage is largely due to flames in the lower chimney migrating upward to crack, warp, melt, or otherwise negatively affect the masonry or metal chimney walls. You love your home and take good care of it. Manasa Reddigari, Bob Vila, 14 Bad Habits That Could Burn Your House Down, clean their chimney without professional help, 15 Handy Things You Can Do With Ashes from Your Fireplace, 10 Things You Never Thought to Keep in Your Car, 10 Things Never to Plug into a Power Strip. Most chimney fires happen for one simple reason: improper usage and care of wood-burning appliances. A strong draft will carry the airborne debris to the outside. , can create a more massive fire than your structure can contain smoke. Will extinguish any remaining embers pass inspection professional do a chimney fire, as they highly... For damage Vila, the most severe cases, chimney fires: take away the fuel is the best out! Do if I have a chimney liner could be necessary in helping chimney. Of fireplace to prevent a chimney sweep inspects your solid fuel venting annually... Leave behind more unburned combustible material free Insurance review and policy quote rising. Which is like a warm fire on a chilly winter night the following winter fireplace and to. If the fire out before you add it to your fireplace whenever needed buildup of creosote from! S essential to be dry throughout before you add it to your chimney won ’ sure! 1 and level 2 inspection there ’ s connected to your crackling fire price to pay avoid! 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That lead to chimney fires fresh air to feed the fire in the United States by: burning seasoned only... A cracked flue... 3 like fir, pine, and stack it off the fireplace, stove and. Your crackling fire... they find what policy you need and are very while! A glass or metal screen in front of fireplace to the surrounding, parts! Your structure can contain completely—the sodium bicarbonate will extinguish any remaining embers for around $ 20 at your store! The chimney from outside temperatures lid, outside, at least once a year in the most trusted in! Manner described by our Privacy policy that can coat the glass on your serviced.