Chimney Care

One of the dangers of maintaining a fireplace is chimney fires. One related cause is from creosote buildup. Creosote is the residue from unburned products that is left inside of the chimney. This is a natural by-product of wood burning. Essentially, no chimney is immune to creosote.

There are 3 different levels of creosote:
1. A light soot covering the inside walls of the chimney
2. A gel like substance
3. A hardened black surface that is plastered on the inside wall of a chimney
(if you do have this 'glazed' creosote buildup we recommend you contact a professional chimney sweep to remove all buildup. You may proceed with regular cleanings when all creosote is removed)

The best things to do are:
1. Have your chimney checked annually for the development of creosote to maintain a CLEAN FIREPLACE.
2. Burn only seasoned wood
3. Make sure there is enough ventilation running through the fireplace area
4. Maintain a high temperature while burning the wood
**IMPORTANTLY: MAINTAIN A CLEAN FIREPLACE**

Other hazards, other than creosote, to watch out for are animals residing within the chimney as well as any cracks (from mortar breakage) along the chimney. All of these hazards can be prevented with proper chimney inspections, maintenance, and repairs.

THINGS TO DO IF YOU HAVE A CHIMNEY FIRE
1. Get everyone out of the house
2. Call the fire department
3. Do not close the damper of any woodstove or fireplace
4. Close all doors and vents/air inlets to fireplace/woodstove
5. If you see flames at the top of chimney, if possible hose down the roof and not the chimney. Water on a flaming chimney will break it down.
6. Call a chimney sweep before using the chimney again.
*all information obtained from Rutland Fire Clay Company.