Chimney fires, caused by excess creosote accumulation, can be extremely damaging to the structure of your chimney and heating appliance, so doing everything possible to prevent them is vital. Along with this, using a system that has been through a chimney fire leads to some very serious risks and could threaten the safety of your home and family.
Learn more about chimney fires below, then contact our team to handle all of your chimney needs You can rest easier when the qualified crew at Clean Sweep of Anne Arundel County is on the job!
Not All Chimney Fires Are Obvious
Now, some chimney fires will be loud and dramatic, indicating to the homeowner that there is definitely a problem they need to have checked out. In these cases, the owner will know not to put their system to use until a trained and professional team properly inspects your chimney system.
Unfortunately, not all chimney fires are quite so obvious. In fact, a large majority are so quiet that the families inside of the home are completely unaware one has occurred. This can lead to some very dangerous situations!
Using your appliance and chimney that has undergone damage from a fire puts your entire home at risk. The structure will have weakened significantly, and cracks and holes will have likely formed throughout the brickwork. This leaves countless pathways for heat and flames to escape and start the surrounding woodwork on fire.
These openings also allow smoke, fumes, and other dangerous gases, like carbon monoxide, to escape into your home. These can be extremely hazardous to one’s health and carbon monoxide poisoning is known to be fatal. Since it is colorless and odorless detecting it is next to impossible making it that much more threatening.
Now, it may seem like a no-brainer that a damaged chimney shouldn’t be put to use, but what if you are unaware that any damage has occurred? This is where chimney fires can be extremely dangerous. Since they often occur quietly, many homeowners continue using their heating system unaware that they are putting their family at risk.
Preventing Chimney Fires
What can you do to prevent chimney fires? First things first, schedule your annual inspection with our team. Part of our inspection is assessing the amount and type of creosote build up. The more glazed creosote you have, the higher your chances are of experiencing a fire, so call us in today.
By installing an internal digital camera into your chimney, we see if damage has already occurred. We are fully equipped to get your fireplace back to a usable state, so you can enjoy the rest of winter worry-free. Get the warmth, comfort, and peace of mind you deserve by scheduling your regular chimney maintenance with our team right away. We are ready to help you out soon!