Dave Your Home Inspector

When a wood fire burns, it releases unburned gases.  These unburned gases tend to condensate on the chimney liner or flue tile and form a tarry or glazed substance called creosote.  Creosote can become dangerous if it is allowed to accumulate in the chimney where it becomes a fuel source for a potential chimney fire. A chimney fire can occur when the built-up creosote is ignited by extreme heat from the fireplace.  

The March 1990 Home & Hearth Magazine puts this all in good perspective. “Creosote build-up, by itself or in combination with other factors, was involved in 92% of chimney fires reported in a study commissioned by the Wood Heating Alliance.  A build-up of as little as 1/8 to ¼ inch of creosote is sufficient to create a fire hazard.” 

The build-up of creosote can be minimized by burning small hot fires and using dry, well seasoned wood, but realistically the formation of creosote from burning wood cannot be avoided. This means every chimney requires a manual cleaning to remove creosote build-up.  Cleaning a chimney on your own is a dirty job and is also somewhat difficult to do.  The proper brushes and techniques should be used to insure that the sides of the chimney are swept clean of creosote buildup. It is also important to properly inspect the chimney at every cleaning to insure that there are no structural defects such as cracks or missing mortar joints in the chimney flue that could lead to eventual safety problems.  It is highly recommended to hire a certified professional chimney sweep to do your dirty work.  The frequency for cleanings can vary based on the amount of use that the fireplace receives but it is not recommended to be longer than a year between cleanings. 

Many of us enjoy a real wood burning fireplace.  Using your fireplace can be an enjoyable, relaxing experience.  Alot of us enjoy stoking the fire and tending to the needs of the fire.  It can also give satisfaction by reducing heating bills and using a renewable fuel source.  Just make sure the maintenance program for your home includes periodic chimney sweeps to reduce the possibilities of a chimney fire.

Whether you want to admit it or not, winter weather is just around the corner.  During the next couple weeks there are some maintenance items you should perform to winterize your home. 

1. Garden hoses should be disconnected from the spigots to prevent the possibility of freezing even if it is a frost proof valve.

2. You should have your furnace cleaned and serviced by a qualified technician.  Also remember to change your furnace filter monthly.

3. Gutters should be cleared of all leaves and other debris.

4. This is a good time to make sure your sump pump is operating properly.  Don’t wait for the spring thaw to find out it quit!

5. Check the weather stripping on all exterior doors and replace if necessary.  This includes garage doors.

6. Change batteries in smoke and CO detectors.  It’s often easier to remember if you change the batteries every time you change the clocks.

7. Storing firewood is always an issue.  It is not recommended to store it in the garage.  It is best stored outside, but you may want to cover it to keep it dry and don’t stack it too close to the house.  Don’t give the bugs an easier way to access to your house!

8. Make sure windows provide an airtight seal to the outside.  No use making your furnace work harder to heat the outside.

9. Remember to close the fireplace flue when not in use, and to open flue before starting a fire.

10. Get that snow blower tuned up and check your shovels.  It can be difficult to do this if you wait for the first snowfall!

Huntley, IL
office: 847-669-9040
cell: 847-772-0997
email: dave@aboutyourhomeinspection.com