Holiday Safety Checklist for Chimneys & Fireplaces

You can avoid messy problems with your chimney and fireplace by seeing to a few maintenance and service tasks before the holiday season kicks into high gear. American Chimney & Fireplace of Louisville, KY, would like to share a checklist to help you prepare your chimney and fireplace system for the upcoming holidays.

Schedule chimney sweeping

If you use a wood-burning fireplace, arrange to have it professionally swept by a CSIA-certified chimney sweep. This will remove flammable creosote and drafting blockages.

Creosote is responsible for most reported chimney fires every year; debris from trees and animals narrows the flue, allowing smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide to back up into your home.

Schedule a chimney and fireplace inspection

Licensed chimney inspectors can identify problems with your chimney and fireplace early and address them before serious issues arise. In addition to chimney sweeping, annual chimney inspections should be performed for all active systems.

Make needed repairs

If something’s wrong, fix it. Areas that often need attention include:

• Chimney structure and masonry
• Firebox and fireplace damper
• Chimney cap
• Chimney flashing
• Chimney crown
• Chimney liner
• Fireplace doors

In addition to making repairs, an experienced chimney technician can resolve drafting issues, smoke backups, a smelly chimney, animals in the chimney, and all types of chimney leaks.

Burn dry firewood to create less smoke

Damp, unseasoned wood makes a lot of smoke. Excess smoke can back up into your room, and it can also cause large buildups of creosote inside the flue. Firewood should be allowed to dry out for at least six months after harvest.

Burn only firewood

A fireplace isn’t a convenient way to get rid of Christmas packages and wrapping paper. It’s also not a place to burn any plastic, cardboard, clothing, household trash, or furniture pieces. Non-firewood items can burn too hot for the fireplace and release dangerous, toxic gases you don’t want your holiday guests and family breathing.

Know the signs of a chimney fire

Should a chimney fire happen, be prepared to evacuate the home and call 911. Common chimney fire signs are:

• Dense smoke is coming from either end of the chimney
• A rumbling sound like a train in the distance
• An odd tapping or clicking noise

Check carbon monoxide monitors and smoke alarms

Ensure these devices are functioning correctly and that their batteries are fully charged. Place smoke alarms high on walls throughout the house. Install the carbon monoxide monitor near the fireplace.

Don’t leave a fire unattended

Before you leave the house, confirm that the logs in the fireplace are completely extinguished. Also, be aware of small children in the house during an active fire so you can keep an eye on them.

Install a fireplace screen

Fireplace screens guard the firebox opening to prevent sparks and embers from leaping out into the room. They also provide a visual and physical barrier for young children and pets.

Help for your chimney and fireplace this holiday season

American Chimney & Fireplace is ready to help make your chimney and fireplace safer and more enjoyable for the holidays. Learn more about our chimney sweep, repair, and inspection services by contacting us. You can also contact us through our online form.