Is Your Chimney Safe?

Winter is coming and with the temperatures dropping, you’ll likely have your fireplace lit to stay warm and cozy. This means you need to ensure that your fireplace and chimney are in top working condition in order to stay safe.

In this post, we will talk about how you can practice chimney safety through proper maintenance to avoid chimney fires that can be dangerous to everyone in your home.

Chimney Safety 101: How to Tell if it's Safe

When your fireplace and chimney aren’t cleaned on a regular basis, ash, cinders, and other types of resins and creosotes can cause a chimney fire hazard. As a homeowner, chimney safety should always be something that you are cognizant of. So, how do you find out that it’s safe?

The first step is to check if the chimney cap is in good condition. The cap keeps animals, rain, and snow from entering or blocking your chimney, and it acts as a filter that prevents embers from landing on your roof. If you have a multi-story home, use a pair of binoculars to see if the chimney cap is clear and free of debris, or call a professional.

Here are some other ways to tell if your chimney safety is on point:

• There is no buildup of debris on the cap.

• There is no bird’s nest or any other animal nest on the cap.

• There are no tree limbs near or above the chimney.

• There are no crumbled or missing mortar and bricks on the chimney.

• The actual chimney rises at least 3 feet above the roofline and 2 feet above any wall, roof, or building within 10 feet.

• The chimney crown — a large slab that covers the top of the chimney — is beveled to aid airflow.

• The flue liner — a flexible tube connected to your stove pipe that lines the inside — is visible above the chimney crown.

• The roof flashing is kept tight against the chimney.

More Useful Chimney Safety Tips

Now that you have learned basic ways to ensure chimney safety, here are more important tips for maintaining your fireplace area and chimney:

1. Use Firewood Seasoned for at least 6 Months

Well-seasoned firewood pops and sparks a lot less compared to other types and provides more heat. If you can find wood that has been treated for more than 6 months, that’s even a better option. As an extra chimney safety precaution, be sure to not burn resinous trees like Christmas trees or any type of pressure-treated lumber.

2. Do Not Use any Type of Fire Starters

To ensure maximum chimney safety, do not start a fire with chemicals or fluids such as gasoline, engine oil, etc. These types of fuel starters can leave harmful residues that could potentially ignite a chimney fire. Only use fire starters specifically meant for fireplaces and wood stoves.

3. Get a New Chimney Cap Installed

New caps are always a good measure for chimney safety. They keep out animals and rain that can obstruct the flow of flue gasses. Stainless steel chimney caps are the way to go, as they are weather-proof and tend to last longer.

4. Schedule an Annual Chimney Safety Inspection

Even if you perform some precautionary measures, it is still best to seek the services of fireplace professionals. Set a time for an annual chimney safety inspection and have the pros check the fireplace & furnace, water heater, and flue to make sure that they are free of obstructions inside and out.

5. Keep Your Fireplace Area Clear

Chimney safety is not all about making sure that the fireplace and chimney are in good condition, it’s also about making sure that the space surrounding the fireplace is clear. Keep furniture or any furnishings that can catch fire at least 48 inches away from the fireplace. If exposed to heat, combustible things can lower the temperature and they can easily catch fire.

6. Consider the Use of Electric Models for Maximum Chimney Safety

If you want to skip all the physical responsibilities of ensuring chimney safety, electric fireplaces are the way to go. These types of fireplaces are modern, cost-effective, and ideal for those who cannot install gas or wood fireplaces. Additionally, electric chimneys still add the perfect level of warmth to your living spaces, and they can literally go anywhere!

Ensure Chimney Safety With Napoleon Models

These chimney safety tips for the colder season will make your fireplace a worry-free, comfortable, and cozy area to get together during the fall and winter months.

If you’re interested in upgrading your living space and bringing the natural ambiance of a fire indoors, check out Napoleon’s collection of fireplace products for your home. Of course, always check your manual for clearances to combustibles. Safety first!