What happens if you don't sweep your chimney?

If you don't clean your chimney regularly, soot will accumulate around the flue causing an inability to draw smoke upwards. The smoke will then be directed to your room leaving black soot on the walls, furniture, and carpeting. It causes permanent staining around the chimney in some cases.

How long can a chimney go without cleaning?

It simply depends on the creosote buildup. However, it is recommended that a chimney is cleaned after ever face cord of word, or every two years.

Do unused chimneys need to be swept?

An unused chimney should always be swept and given a little ventilation top and bottom.

How do you know if your chimney needs to be cleaned?

Is a dirty chimney a fire hazard?

Creosote can ignite at temperatures as low as 451 degrees F (for context, a fire in your fireplace can burn in excess of 450 degrees F), and even just an 1/8” buildup of creosote is considered enough to cause a chimney fire.

Paul explains what happens if you don't clean your chimney!

Will a chimney fire burn itself out?

It is not safe to assume that a chimney fire will burn itself out. Though it is possible that it will eventually burn off and end, it is much better to call 9-1-1 if you have a chimney fire. A chimney fire can potentially spread to other parts of your home and risk the lives of the people inside.

Can chimneys explode?

Burning as high as 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, a creosote fire in the chimney can quickly spread to the house, especially since it cannot be easily controlled. The fire can drop embers onto the roof of the house, and the extreme heat can even cause the chimney to explode, resulting in further devastation.

How do you know if you have creosote build up?

Can you clean your chimney yourself?

In many cases, you can clean the chimney yourself and save a few hundred dollars. Removing ordinary chimney soot is pretty simple. But if you have heavy creosote buildup, you'll have to call in a pro.

How often should chimneys be swept?

HETAS encourage having your chimney swept at least twice a year when burning wood and at least once a year when burning smokeless fuels. The best times to have your chimney swept are just before the start of the heating season and after your stove has not been used over a prolonged period.

Can you use a fireplace that hasn't been used in years?

If you just moved into a new house or decide to try the fireplace that hasn't been touched in years, it's a good idea to have it inspected and cleaned. You may wonder, why? It's because fireplaces and chimneys serve as a ventilation system for your home. Even furnaces rely on chimneys to circulate fresh air.

Is it safe to use an old fireplace?

The best way to ensure your fireplace is safe to use, whether it be wood burning or gas fired, is to have a professional inspection annually. The lack of proper maintenance of your fireplace can cause many hazardous conditions including fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and toxic fumes.

Where does creosote build up the most?

Creosote buildup increases when the air supply is restricted in the chimney, unseasoned wood is used to make a fire, and when the chimney temperature is cooler than normal. Too much creosote buildup can cause chimney fires and these low burning fires can go undetected until they spread.

Will a hot fire remove creosote?

One method to loosen crusty or tarry creosote so it flakes off and falls down into the firebox or fireplace is to burn aluminum cans in a very hot fire. While this method works, it does not clean the chimney of creosote completely, and chimney brush cleaning is still necessary.

What are the first signs of a chimney fire?

Should I worry about creosote?

Primary Dangers of Creosote

If a chimney is obstructed, the result can be that toxic gases, including carbon monoxide, can enter the home. Everyone with a fireplace or stove should have a carbon monoxide detector in the home, since the gas is odorless, invisible, and tasteless.

What dissolves creosote?

Vinegar is a natural acid that will break down the creosote over time. All you have to do is pour vinegar onto the creosote and then wait for it to dissolve. If you want to take a more natural approach, try dissolving the creosote using salt water instead of vinegar or chemical cleaners.

How common are chimney fires?

There are over 25,000 reported chimney fires a year in the U.S. While some sound like a low-flying jet and include flames shooting out the top of the chimney, others are slow-burning and go undetected until a chimney inspection uncovers damage. Chimney fires are dangerous, but they are preventable.

How do you test a chimney for creosote?

Use your fireplace poker.

Scratch the smoke chamber above your damper to see if there is any creosote. Even if the layer of tar seems very thin, it's time to call a chimney sweep ASAP. If you have more than 1/8 of an inch of buildup, do not use the chimney until it is clean.

Should embers come out of a chimney?

Not only is this situation not normal, it's not safe. If you see sparks and embers coming from the opening of your chimney, there's a good likelihood that a chimney fire is occurring. Whether it's from debris in the flue or you have creosote buildup in your chimney, it must be cleaned before you build another fire.

How does a fireplace explode?

Though very rare, gas fireplaces are susceptible to explosions and sudden fires. If the pilot light isn't sitting properly when the gas begins to flow, gas may build up and explode. Regular checks of the pilot light are important to keep this from happening.

What do you do after a small chimney fire?

The first thing you should do after a chimney fire is call a certified chimney sweep. A certified sweep is best equipped to evaluate the damage caused by a chimney fire as well as recommend the necessary repairs that may need to be made.