3 Tips for Chimney Maintenance And Safety – What To Know

With the winter season fast approaching, that time of the year again has come again to gather near your chimney and stay warm and cozy. Nothing beats the feeling of enjoying a hot cup of chocolate while listening to the crackling sound of wood and watching the fire glow. It is during these times that make you truly appreciate having a functional fireplace in your home.

However, to ensure that your wood-burning chimney will continue to keep you and your loved ones comfortable, you must be proactive regarding its maintenance. Routinary maintenance not only prolongs its lifespan but also ensures the safety of everyone in your home.

If this is your first time learning about fireplace maintenance, don’t fret! We will walk you through the basics in the sections below to help you get off to a smooth start.

1. Clean the Chimney’s Interior

One of the important things you must keep in mind is that the more you use your fireplace, the more that it will get dirty. Some substances remain after woods burn, such as ashes as well as soot and creosote.

Disposing of the ashes regularly not only improves the look of your chimney but also makes it more efficient in providing heat. Removing soot and creosote, on the other hand, helps protect you and your family from untoward accidents. These two substances are the brown and black residues you will find in the inner walls of the fireplace. They are highly flammable and are one of the major causes of a chimney fire, so it’s best to remove them regularly.

2. Always Test the Chimney First

It’s always a smart idea to make sure your chimney is functioning well before you start using it. To do this, you can light up a few pieces of woods first. Check whether the smoke is going out through the chimney or if it is entering the room.

If you are observing the latter, you must first determine what is causing the problem. It could be due to an obstruction in the chimney duct, soot buildup, or even a closed damper.

Always remember to resolve the issue first before loading more wood!

3. Use The Right Wood and Make Sure They’re Dry

Another point to remember is that not all woods are the same. The right woods for your chimney are oaks, maple, and birch; avoid using cedar, pine, and other softwoods.

If you are looking for the best firewood and are willing to spend extra money on it, hardwood is your best option. While they can be more expensive than others, they produce more heat and burn longer while producing relatively fewer creosote.

Furthermore, you must use only seasoned woods, or those that have been dried for at least 6 months. You can dry them faster by splitting them into small pieces of wood.

Conclusion

While your chimney provides an enjoyable warmth in your home, it can also bring about certain health hazards and even risks of accidents. To keep your family safe and sound throughout the colder months, you need routinary chimney maintenance. Clean your wood-burning fireplace regularly and be on the lookout for potential problems. If you come across any major issue, get in touch with your trusted technician right away to address it before it gets worse.

For reliable chimney repair services in Toronto, Ontario, you can turn to us at Red Robin Masonry! We are rated one of the best masonry companies in the GTA and are dedicated to providing you only with the quality and service you deserve. Get your quote today to get started!