By Jana
Ward
In a few short
weeks, the holidays will be in full swing, and fireplaces across the
nation will be glowing with warmth and light. Whether you’re
expecting a visit from Santa or are just planning to spend a few
cozy nights snuggled up in front of crackling flames, now is a good
time to make sure that your fireplace and chimney are safe and
operational throughout the holiday season.
The first step
to ensuring safety and comfort is a thorough chimney cleaning.
In order to vent safely, chimney flues must be clean, unblocked and
intact. Flammable residue in the flues can lead to fires in
the chimney, and cracks or gaps in the flue can decrease the draft
required both for combustion and to carry toxic gases away from your
home.
A chimney
cleaning should include the removal of accumulated (and highly
flammable) creosote, a natural byproduct of burning wood and wood
products. Eliminating soot buildup is also paramount; in fact,
as little as a quarter of an inch of soot can result in a
significant difference in your chimney’s performance. Finally,
it’s also important to clear the chimney of bird and animal nests,
leaves and other debris that might block the flow of smoke and
redirect it back in to your home. Small animals such as
raccoons and squirrels often consider your chimney a very inviting
place to build a home.
While it’s
possible for you to clean your own chimney, it’s a messy and
time-consuming job. Professional chimney cleaners, known as
chimney sweeps, have the right tools to clean your chimney quickly
and efficiently, and can also detect any needed repairs that a less
experienced homeowner might miss.
When looking
for someone to clean or repair your chimney, a quick checklist can
help you identify the best professional for the job.
·
Does he or she carry industry certification and belong
to the National Chimney Sweep Guild? Ask to see proof of
certification, and check the expiration date. You can verify
membership online at www.ncsg.org, or
find a certified chimney sweep through the Chimney Safety Institute
of America (www.csia.org).
·
Does the company carry valid business liability
insurance to protect your home and furnishings against
accidents?
·
How long has the company been in business? Is a
list of references available? Don’t hesitate to call previous
clients to determine how satisfied they were with the
service.
·
Are there any unresolved complaints about the company
with the Better Business Bureau or the city/state consumer
protection agency?
After you’ve
cleaned your chimney (or had it cleaned professionally), you may
want to install a chimney cap. Chimney caps not only serve to
keep out birds and small animals that try to nest in your chimney,
but also help to prevent water penetration and any resulting
damage. Caps also prevent sparks from flying out onto your
roof or into surrounding greenery and potentially igniting a
fire.
To keep your
chimney as clean as possible throughout the season, select
well-seasoned firewood. Non-seasoned (or green) wood tends to
smoke and burn less efficiently, and can leave significantly more
resin and soot in your chimney than wood that has been left to dry
for at least 12 months.
Also, make
sure to check your chimney damper to ensure that it seals tightly
when it is closed. Otherwise, you may be allowing heated air
from your home to seep out through the chimney when it is not in
use.
What if you have a gas fireplace? Instead of
traditional wood-burning fireplaces, many new homes are equipped
with gas versions that provide the look and feel of a fire without
the ongoing maintenance and cleanup.
While these units may seem maintenance-free, owners of gas
fireplaces aren’t entirely off the hook. If you own a gas
fireplace, you should gear up for the winter by making sure the
burner and pilot assembly are clean.
When preparing to clean your gas fireplace, it’s vital to
turn off the pilot light before beginning your maintenance.
Make sure the fireplace is cool—do not attempt maintenance while it
is hot. Access the burner and pilot assembly by removing the
log set, bricks, embers and other similar materials, and carefully
use a vacuum attachment or soft bristle brush to sweep away any dust
and debris. After replacing the log set and other materials as
outlined in your operating manual, clean the front glass to remove
any visible film. You also may want to consider an annual
professional inspection and cleaning to ensure that your gas
fireplace is functioning properly.
To locate a
professional chimney sweep, call The Greater San Antonio Builders
Association at 696-3800 and ask for a free copy of the Remodelors®
Council Directory.
