Fireplace Safety Matters: 5 Signs Your Fireplace or Chimney Needs to be Serviced

1/24/2019

Now that the weather’s chilly and snow is regularly in the forecast, we hope you’re getting good use out of your fireplace. We know better than anyone, however, how important it is to regularly check your fireplace for issues that could impact your family’s safety.

Our Experts Recommend Routine Maintenance to Keep Your Fireplace Working Properly

One of the first thing our experts look at is the fireplace damper. The damper regulates the flow of air, so it needs to be in working condition to maintain the safety and efficiency of your fireplace. If you find that the damper is difficult to open or close, it’s important to get it repaired.

At Clean Sweep, be believe that fireplace safety matters. Here are five more signs your fireplace needs to be serviced by a professional:

1. You have trouble keeping a fire going

If you have a hard time either starting a fire or keeping one burning for several hours, it could be because there is a problem in your chimney shaft. Without the proper flow of air, you cannot maintain a fire. Too much air will extinguish a fire; not enough air will keep it from burning steadily.

2. There is a Strong Odor Emanating from Your Fireplace or Chimney

When you start a fire, you should enjoy the pleasant wood-burning odor. A foul odor indicates that something is wrong with the chimney’s shaft. A poor updraft can not only cause unpleasant odors, it can also indicate that harmful gases are inside your home. Be sure to have your fireplace checked right away if you suspect this might be the case.

3. Greasy Black Soot or Creosote in Your Chimney

Every so often, you should check to see that grease or creosote isn’t building up in your chimney. This greasy black substance can develop over time. It becomes dangerous when the build-up is so severe that creosote begins to burn, leading to an internal chimney fire. Along with the danger of fire is the risk of unsafe chemicals. You can reduce the chance of creosote buildup by having your chimney swept regularly and providing adequate combustion air.

4. You Notice a Build-up of Smoke When You Use Your Fireplace

Every fire produces smoke, but when a fire creates excess smoke inside your home, it indicates that there is a blockage inside your chimney shaft. You should address this right away.

5. Animals or Birds are Nesting Inside Your Chimney

If you notice a fluttering or scurrying sound inside the chimney or walls of your home, you should schedule an inspection. Animals like squirrels or raccoons can make themselves at home inside your chimney, and that’s the last thing you want. Bird nests and other debris can create a blockage that can become a major fire hazard. Keep the animals where they belong -- outdoors.

Do You Have Questions About the Safety of Your Fireplace?

We want our customers to enjoy a cozy fire this winter, not worry that their fireplace is unsafe. If you have questions about your fireplace or chimney, don’t wait. Call one of our professionals today.