Everything Including the Kitchen Sink: Working With General Contractors

While enjoying the warmth from your woodstove in winter, your comfort may be short lived if you don't think about chimney fire or safety. Chimney fires are usually caused by the buildup of a sticky substance known as creosote in your chimney. Unburned materials in the smoke are usually the causes for the build-up of creosote. Chimney fires are usually devastating and can lead to massive loss of property as well as injuries. For this reason, it's important to engage in the best activities that will help you encourage fire safety in your home.

Here are some of the chimney fire prevention tips you will find helpful.

Clean Your Chimney and Have It Inspected Regularly

A dirty chimney is one of the major causes of chimney fires. For this reason, it's important to have it cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of soot and creosote that can burn at a very high temperature. A chimney sweep can do the trick, but if you are not comfortable working inside the chimney, you should simply hire a professional, especially since an inspection will have to be done by a professional as well. Regular cleaning and inspection of your chimney will ensure that the exhaust gases and smoke have a better passage, preventing the buildup of creosote.

Use Dry Seasoned Wood

Avoid burning wet wood in your woodstove. This is because wet wood won't burn as hot as its dry wood counterparts, which means they will produce more smoke. More smoke means more buildup of creosote inside your chimney, increasing the risks of a chimney fire.

Use Creosote Remover Powders

You can find a creosote remover powder from your local hardware or home improvement store. This substance works by turning the creosote into powder. You simply put it in your woodstove and burn a hot fire. By turning the creosote into powder, the product reduces the amount of creosote inside your chimney. Creosote remover powders are ideal when you want to get rid of some creosote but it's too snowy to get on your roof to clean it.

Avoid Paper and Combustible Liquids in Your Fireplace

Avoid wrapping paper, plants, and other combustible materials and liquids when starting a fire. This is because combustible materials may get out of hand very fast while burning paper materials can float up your chimney and ignite the creosote deposits.

Ensure There's a Good Supply of Air

For a proper supply of air, make sure your fireplace damper is always fully open. In addition, open the glass doors to prevent the air being cut off when your woodstove is burning. Poor air supply can facilitate the build up of creosote.