How often should I have my chimney cleaned?
The National Fire Protection Agency recommends annual inspection and or cleaning of all fireplaces, wood burning stoves and chimneys.
Why is my chimney leaking?
There are several reasons your chimney may be leaking. It may be leaking due to a missing cap, a cracked or deteriorating crown, flashing around the chimney, problems with your roof or deteriorating mortar joints.
Do I really need a cap on my chimney?
Yes. Caps keep rain, animals and debris from getting into your chimney. Rain can cause your flue to rust and deteriorate. Animals can build nests in chimneys, causing blockages as well as bringing disease into your home if one dies. Excess debris falling into your chimney will also cause your chimney to block.
What is creosote, and why is it dangerous?
Creosote is a highly flammable, tar-like byproduct of burning wood that builds up on the inside of your chimney flue. If it isn’t removed regularly, it can ignite and cause a dangerous chimney fire that can spread to the rest of your home.
My fireplace smells like a campfire even when I’m not using it. What’s wrong?
This is usually caused by creosote deposits or soot inside the chimney. The smell is often worse in the summer when humidity is high or when the air pressure in your home pulls air down the chimney (downdraft), bringing those odors with it. A professional cleaning usually solves this.
I just bought a new home; do I need to inspect the chimney before using it?
Absolutely. You have no way of knowing the maintenance history of the previous owners. A professional inspection ensures there are no hidden cracks or blockages that could lead to a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
What is a chimney liner, and does mine need to be replaced?
A liner protects the chimney walls from heat and corrosion. If your liner is cracked (clay) or rusted (metal), it can allow heat to reach combustible parts of your home or let deadly gases leak into your living space.
*Fireplaces and wood stoves are only as safe as the person operating the system. Routine maintenance and cleaning can never guarantee events such as flare ups or chimney fires will not occur.*