Avoiding Winter Chimney Fires: Crucial Prevention Tips

We are approaching the wood-burning season. It’s time to finish up the leaf-blowing. Pack all the lawn furniture away. It’s time to get your wood pile in order. Now is the time to prepare yourself for the winter ahead. Now is the time to get in your final maintenance for your fireplace.

There are many things to do to get ready for your season of burning. By now you would have had your chimney inspected and cleaned out. If not, there is still time. 

What To Do Before Winter

Get A Chimney Inspection

The best way to avoid any instances is to have your chimney inspected every year. This is the number one thing that needs to be done to keep your chimney free of chimney fires. Call Felgemacher Masonry and Chimney early. We can inspect your chimney for any issues that need tending to.

Get A Chimney Sweep

Creosote builds up when burning wood. Creosote is highly flammable. This, over time, if not cleaned out can catch on fire and cause a chimney fire. This buildup needs to be removed every year to keep your chimney clean. With this process, any debris or nest byproducts will be cleaned out. During the summer months leaves, tree branches and even small animals will find their way in. It is important to clear this out before starting your fire for the first time. 

The Best Wood

Experts feel that a good hardwood is the best to keep your chimney clean and avoid chimney fires. When choosing wood for your fireplace, choose hardwood such as oak, ash, birch, or maple. Hard wood burns hotter. With a fire, there is minimal creosote that builds up in your chimney. Be sure that your wood is cured. It usually takes about 6 months to a year to fully season your wood. A good idea is to buy it this year, cover it, and leave it until next year’s burning season. This way you will always be ahead of the game. 

What To Watch Out For

Here are some signs that you will want to look out for.

Be aware of the chimney and the noises that you hear from it.

• If you are hearing roaring and crackling noise from the chimney flue it’s time to contact us.
• Dark thick smoke coming down the fireplace and into the home. This shows that the smoke is not going up and out of the chimney. It’s time to contact us.
• A strong smell from the fireplace. You should not have a strong odor from the fireplace, whether it is burning or not. This may be evidence that you need a chimney sweep.

We can help you with all your fireplace and chimney needs. Get in touch with us today to get on our schedule! Please fill out our easy contact form and a member of our team will get back to you shortly. You can also call us directly at 716-907-4914 (Buffalo) or 585-308-4914 (Rochester)