Don’t Overlook These Thanksgiving Chimney Safety Tips

If you’re planning a busy Thanksgiving in your home, the last thing you need is for your chimney to start acting up right in the middle of the festivities. You can avoid this catastrophe by following these six chimney safety tips presented by American Chimney & Fireplace of Louisville, KY.

Schedule a chimney inspection

A proper chimney inspection by a licensed inspector covers all readily accessible areas of your chimney and fireplace system.

The flue- A video scan can tell you if there’s excess creosote or debris in your flue. Creosote starts fires, and debris can cause smoke and carbon monoxide backups. (See below about chimney sweeping.)

The chimney liner- The video scan will also assess the condition of the liner. A damaged chimney liner can allow flames, smoke, and combustion gases to escape.

The top of the chimney- Your inspector will inspect the chimney cap (or chase cover) and the concrete chimney crown to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Chimney masonry- An inspection looks for cracked bricks and crumbling mortar, both of which can lead to water intrusion and widespread damage.

Fireplace damper- You want your damper to open fully when starting a fire and close entirely when the fireplace isn’t in use. Your inspector will look at the damper.

Firebox- A firebox inspection will evaluate the firebricks and refractory panels for cracks, splits, and general deterioration, which could cause a fire to start in nearby materials of the home.

Have your chimney professionally swept

CSIA-certified chimney sweeps possess the necessary tools and expertise to remove creosote and debris from your flue safely.

Creosote is a byproduct of smoke condensation and is responsible for most of the chimney fires reported in the greater Louisville, KY, area each year. Chimney sweeping removes even the most stubborn creosote and dramatically reduces the chance of a destructive fire.

If you run your chimney without a chimney cap, it’s an open invitation for leaves, twigs, small animals, and the nests the animals build. All this debris will narrow the flue passage and can cause smoke and deadly carbon monoxide to back up into your home. Solve this problem by installing a secure chimney cap.

Another good reason to clean your chimney before Thanksgiving is to reduce the chance of strong odors emanating from it and mixing with the gentle aromas of turkey and pumpkin pie.

Invest in a fireplace screen

Fireplace screens block flying embers and remind people, especially younger children, to stay a safe distance away from the flames.

Install a set of glass fireplace doors

The doors can be closed tightly after the fire is finished. This is a perfect safety measure for curious pets that you can’t keep an eye on constantly.

Clear the hearth area

Keep furniture and anything else that could catch on fire at least six feet away from the edge of the hearth. And don’t hang Christmas stockings from the mantel directly in front of the firebox.

Burn only firewood

Plastics, metals, cardboard, clothing, furniture, and other non-firewood items can produce excess smoke and release toxic fumes into the air you breathe in your home. Only Burn real, cut logs that are dry and ready to go in your wood burning fireplace insert, stove, or traditional fireplace.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving

The entire crew here at American Chimney & Fireplace would like to wish you and yours a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. If there’s anything we can do to help make your fireplace and chimney experience better now or throughout the year, you can reach us by phone or with our contact form.