Many house fires start due to creosote building up on your chimney’s interior. Even after that, some people ignore this significant risk and avoid taking preventive measures.

Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) statistics highlight that more than 25,000 chimney fires occur annually in the United States, causing over $125 million in property damage.

It is also predicted that if such fires spread to homes, it will be impossible to calculate human deaths and injuries.

So What Makes Chimney Fires So Disastrous?

If ignored, chimney fires are dangerous because they rapidly spread to other areas of your house, putting your loved one at risk of injury or even death.

Apart from that, it can also cause significant damage to walls, attics, ceilings, and furniture. All such damages can add up to your repairing cost.

Few Signs of a Chimney Fire

Undoubtedly, fireplaces are a beautiful feature to add to your home. You will soon realize that a fireplace might add more to your list of home responsibilities.

Everyone loves sitting around a fireplace as it gives warmth and coziness. But what about the added costs of keeping your fireplace clean?

With cleaning, you need to be sure to avoid all instances that can damage your chimney.

Here are a few signs you need to be aware of to know when you are in danger.

There are typically two types of chimney fires – the fast-burning fire and the slow burn.

Indication of a fast-burning chimney fire:

  • It almost seems like a low-flying airplane with loud popping noises or a low rumbling sound.
  • You will see large plumes of black smoke coming up through the top of your chimney.
  • Sparks or substantial black clouds of smoke are pouring out of your chimney top.
  • An intense smell is coming out of your chimney.

In a slow-burning fire, you might not comprehend anything happening. Such fires don’t get enough air or fuel to cause a dramatic explosion. So they fail to be detected until you schedule a chimney inspection.

They can reach alarming temperatures leading to heat transfer to nearby areas of the house.

A house on fire

Steps to Take if Your Chimney Is on Fire

Regardless of the type of fire, whenever you suspect smoke coming out of your chimney or catch an active chimney fire, vacate your home and call 911.

Even a slow-burning chimney fire can spread to other home areas quickly, and you need to get the fire department on board as soon as possible.

Usually, the response time for a fire company is five minutes, while in rural areas, that can be high as 10-15 minutes. You can experience a disaster at that time when the fire is involved, so call 911 soon.

You should cut off the air to prevent spreading before the fire department arrives at your residence.

How Frequent Should You Clean Your Chimney?

It is not recommended to clean your chimney every month; once a year works fine.

Moreover, if the throat of your fireplace has a good quarter of an inch of soot inside, have it swept. If it’s shiny, have it cleaned to keep it maintained.

When to Schedule Chimney Cleaning?

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a chimney liner should be inspected and cleaned once 1/8 of ash and creosote is inside your chimney.

Chimney cleaning CT eliminates buildup, blockages, and ash from all the chimney parts. It is vital to clean the soot buildup, as it can be combustible and put you at the risk of a fire explosion.

Why Do Chimney Sweeps Recommend Annual Chimney Cleaning?

Most chimney sweeps recommend an annual inspection. Depending on your fireplace’s operation, creosote residue will build up in your chimney.

Many factors influence the amount of soot buildup in your chimney, such as the airflow volume into your chimney and burning improperly seasoned wood.

There is no specific time limit on how often you should clean your chimney. An inspection by a certified chimney sweep CT is the only way to identify if your chimney needs cleaning.

Chimney sweeps usually offer cleaning before the start of the burning season; spring, after summer, or fall, as it is a great time to get your chimney inspected or cleaned.

Only Trust a Professional Chimney Sweep

A professional chimney sweep is helpful for numerous reasons, such as installing a new fireplace, avoiding the additional expense of damage, and getting ready for the winter season.

Many also lose thousands of dollars when they do not get their fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned yearly or trust some inexperienced handyperson to do the job.

It would help if you had a trusted chimney sweep to clean your fireplaces and chimneys beforehand so you can enjoy your winter season and all the celebrations in a cozy and warm environment.

Here’s why you should trust a professional with chimney cleaning

  • They are trained in a proper methodology.
  • It makes all the difference if you have a certification and insurance. Professional chimney sweepsare trained better and know how to use tools properly.
  • Other inefficient handy people will take hours and still not get the job done right; professional cleaners take less time and cover you for all your services.
  • They have experience dealing with unexpected situations such as a fire or explosion.
  • With a professional on board, you will have less mess around.

Plan Your Chimney Cleaning with CT Chimney Repair

Regular chimney cleaning benefits your home’s environment and your family’s health, which is why it is imperative to get it cleaned.

If you’re looking for professional chimney cleaning services in Connecticut, CT Chimney Repair offers various services.

Our professionals can clean and repair chimneys, construct or repair masonry, repair or remodel fireplaces, and much more.

Contact us now to get your chimney swept!