Fireplaces are popular in many homes around the country. Even though most homes no longer rely on fires for heat, they can still be a nice accent in any house that helps give your room a cozy feel. However, you should be aware that even small fires can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions to keep your home safe. Companies like A Fiddler on the Roof can help you take care of your fireplace and chimney so you’ll never have to worry about a fire getting out of control.
Creosote
The primary danger of most fireplaces is creosote. This is a sticky, sooty substance that forms whenever you light a fire in your fireplace. It adheres to the sides of your chimney and gradually builds up into tough layers that are almost impossible to remove. Unfortunately, creosote is also extremely flammable. If a spark from your fire catches the creosote lining your chimney, the whole thing can go up in flames—taking the rest of your house with it. You can buy special logs to help rid your chimney of creosote, but the most thorough way to remove it is by hiring a professional chimney sweep. The more you use your fireplace, the more often you should have it cleaned and inspected by a professional.
Chimney Liners
Chimney sweep companies like A Fiddler on the Roof can also install or repair chimney liners to help protect your home and chimney. Most new chimneys are required to be built with liners, but many older chimneys do not have one. Chimney liners help keep your chimney isolated from the rest of your house, minimizing the damage done by the flames and intense heat. They come in several different materials, including clay and metal. Without a liner, the heat from your fire can spread to the rest of your house and start a fire even without a spark. This is especially true with dry, flammable materials like wood in your walls or attic. The liner also helps protect your brickwork from crumbling because of the heat and flames, keeping your whole chimney in better shape.
* This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may or may not receive a small commission which helps to support this site. Thank you!
I was not aware of any of these dangers, especially of Creosote. I like the name if the chimney sweep company : A Fiddler on the Roof. I shall look into chimney liners. Thanks.