Prevent Fires in Your Chimney
Having your chimney cleaned annually will prevent fires in your chimney. Soot, creosote and debris can collect in your chimney, which is some of the main reasons that a fire can start in your chimney. Having a clean chimney will keep your fireplace operating properly and effectively.
What is creosote?
Creosote is black or brown in appearance, and can be flaky along with having a sticky tar-like appearance. The creosote can be shiny and hard, depending on the length of time it has been in the chimney. The danger of creosote in a chimney is that it is highly combustible. The smoke, gases and tar minerals that come from the wood being burned in the fireplace goes up the chimney, but when these particles begin to stick to the chimney walls, this is creosote forming.
Debris
Debris come in many forms. It can be leaves and twigs that have blown into a chimney, because the current chimney cap is faulty or there is no chimney cap. It also consists of bird nests, raccoons and squirrels in the chimney. Animals are drawn to the chimney when it isn’t being used, because it is dark, private and warm. These type of debris can cause blockage, which can cause a fire.
Chimney Inspection
Having your chimney inspected at least once a year, prior to the heating season can determine if there is creosote buildup or debris in the chimney. The chimney inspection allows the chimney technician to examine the chimney for any cracks or damages too. If there is any creosote or debris present, then the chimney technician will remove and clean the chimney, then repair or replace the chimney cap, so your chimney is in good working condition for the winter season.
It is important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned. It will keep your family safe from any chimney fires along with providing your home with a safe and comfortable source of heating. Give Safeside Chimney a call today and schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning. Get in the habit of doing this once a year, so your chimney is always safe.
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Fireplace Safety
A fireplace is a wonderful thing that a home can have. It will keep a house warm and is a great accent to any space. To enjoy your fireplace a homeowner has to make sure that the fireplace is safe. There a few safety tips that will keep your fireplace and home safe.
Fireplace Safety Tips:
- Before you start a fire in your fireplace make sure the chimney has the annual inspection. The inspection will sweep and clean your chimney and make sure all obstructions are gone.
- The chimney should have a cap installed on the top of the chimney. The cap will keep any embers from flying out and causing a fire. The cap will also keep any animals or debris from entering the chimney.
- Keep the fireplace area free from any furniture or items. There should be at least three feet of space between the fireplace and items.
- Every home should have a fire extinguisher. Make sure your fire extinguisher is close and easy to reach.
- Never go to bed with a fire burning in the fireplace. Never leave your home with a fire burning in the fireplace.
- Homeowners should never use any chemicals to start a fire in the fireplace.
- Homeowners should use the appropriate wood to burn in the fireplace and never use any type of magazines or paper in the fireplace.
- Fireplace safety should be enforced by homeowners. Homeowners should get the family together and go over the rules of the fireplace. You never want to have your children attend to or start any fire in the fireplace. This is only a job for an adult that understands how dangerous it can be if you don’t do it correctly.
A fireplace is wonderful to have in your home. It is beautiful and can warm a home without a huge cost. Treat your fireplace just like you would your car. Keep it maintained, cleaned and protected and the fireplace will last your family for years to come. A fireplace is great for children in the winter as they all wait for Santa Claus to come down their fireplace to deliver presents for Christmas.
Connecticut Best Business Guide: Control Your Heating Costs
Control Your Heating Costs
The ever-increasing cost of oil has many Americans fearful of the price they will pay to heat their homes this coming winter. Though the market is subject to fluctuation, industry experts predict that consumers will spend between $3,000 and $4,000 if they opt to continue heating with oil. However, as global warming continues, there are alternatives that not only will save consumers money but also promote the philosophy of saving green by going green. At Safeside Chimney, we offer the alternative of wood
stoves and pellet stoves.
Read more about Safeside Chimney and receive discount coupons here!
