Chimney Safety Tips: 15 Ways You Can Protect Your Home
Over thirty percent of Seattle residents use wood stoves, fireplaces or other solid-fuel appliances to heat their homes. Unfortunately, chimneys are the second leading cause of residential fires. Statistics are overwhelmingly clear that the majority of chimney fires are caused by improper installation, operation and maintenance.
Protect Your Home From House Fires
While most Seattle house fires are covered by homeowner’s insurance, there may be exceptions where the fire could have been prevented by proper chimney maintenance. Some insurers may refuse coverage if wood burning appliances are used, or require additional premiums for coverage.
Even if damage is covered by insurance, a fire can cause death and damage irreplaceable property. Thus it is critical that the Seattle homeowner take every reasonable effort to prevent these fires and protect their home.
Chimney Safety Institute of America
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) reports that the leading cause of chimney fires is the accumulation of creosote in the chimney. Creosote develops when the smoke from the fire cools enough to deposit a flammable tar-like substance on the inside of the chimney. This substance builds up over time and remains until it catches fire and burns off or is removed by cleaning performed by a certified Seattle chimney sweep.
There are four main causes of creosote, and being aware of them can help reduce the risk of excessive creosote buildup. Using green or unseasoned firewood can increase the amount of creosote in the smoke, as this wood will burn cooler than seasoned hardwood. Colder Seattle temperatures can also accelerate the cooling process and lead to greater creosote formation. Adequate air supply is needed for most efficient burning, so any blockage—whether from a partially closed damper or from bird nests or other natural materials—will lead to increased levels of creosote. Finally, tight wood bundles can be more inefficient to burn than more scattered pieces.
While it helps to be aware of the factors that can cause excessive creosote, there is no way to completely prevent creosote, and no substitute for professional cleaning. However, the following chimney safety tips can help reduce the risk of fire.
- Almost all chimney fires are preventable. Both the CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association recommend an annual inspection by a qualified Seattle professional to identify risks. Four criteria to look for in choosing a chimney inspector include: length of time the company has been in business, whether or not the company offers references, whether or not the company has unresolved complaints with local regulatory agencies or the Better Business Bureau, whether or not the company has adequate liability insurance, and whether or not the technician is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
- Keep the chimney area clear. If there are nearby trees, trim the branches to a distance of at least fifteen feet.
- Install a chimney cap. A chimney cap can discourage birds or animals from nesting within the chimney, and can prevent blockage from falling branches or accumulations of leaves.
- Insure a good air supply. Keep the damper fully opened, and if your fireplace has glass doors, open them while the fire is burning.
- Choose the right fuel. Most experts recommend burning only seasoned hardwood that has been stored for at least six months, while some studies have shown a negligible difference in creosote buildup between hardwood and pine. You should never burn Christmas trees or treated wood.
- Never burn liquid or paper in the fireplace. Liquid can accelerate the fire too quickly, leading to a loss of control. Paper pieces can ignite and float upward, igniting the creosote deposits in the upper portion of the chimney.
- Build the fire right. Place wood at the back of the fireplace on a grate that offers support. Use a commercial product or kindling to start the fire.
- Keep the hearth area clear. Furniture should be placed at least three feet away from the fire.
- Have your chimney waterproofed. A masonry chimney (especially in Seattle) may be subject to brick spalling—damage that occurs when moisture causes deterioration of porous brick, most common in colder climates subject to cycles of freeze/thaw. (It is for this reason that an unsealed Seattle brick chimney should NEVER be power washed.)
- Have your chimney flashing inspected and properly maintained.
- Use fireplace screens. A metal mesh screen can keep sparks within the fireplace where they can’t ignite carpets or furniture.
- Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors throughout your home. Be sure to test them once a month and change batteries twice a year.
- Never leave a fire alone. Make sure fires are fully extinguished before leaving the house or going to bed.
- After any earthquake, flood, violent storm, or lightning strike, have your chimney inspected for safety.
- Be aware of the signs that may accompany a chimney fire—billowing smoke, sparks coming from the fireplace, and a loud rumbling noise are common signs of a chimney fire. While a chimney fire may appear to burn itself out, the fire may cause damage or critically weaken the chimney structure.
There are products available that claim to reduce creosote buildup or help extinguish a chimney fire when it occurs. Like a fire extinguisher, these are tools that may be helpful in the event of a fire. But they are a sad substitute to preventing the fire in the first place.
Following these tips — especially the annual chimney inspection and any cleanings recommended by that inspection — can significantly reduce your risk of fire and help you enjoy your fireplace or wood stove for many Seattle winters to come.
