Fireplace Safety Tips

A fireplace in your home can be warm and inviting. Many memories can be created around a fireplace. But safety must be of the utmost importance. You may have had a fireplace in the home for many years, but sometimes we fall short on keeping up with all the safety precautions.

We will discuss what you should know and what you probably know already. A few tips will keep you safe during this upcoming burning season.

The first thing that you should be aware of is the dangers within the chimney. An annual inspection and chimney sweep by CS Indy will keep you informed on this. While our professional technicians are inspecting and cleaning your chimney, they will identify any concerns that may need your attention.

What Are Possible Concerns?

• Dust, soot, and debris. Over time, the accumulation of dust, soot, and debris can land in your chimney, causing blockage. This may cause a chimney fire. 
• Structural damage. Cracked bricks and mortar are a concern. When the masonry is exposed to the elements, over time, the mortar may start to chip away.
• General wear and tear issues. Over time, your chimney gets a lot of abuse. Both summer and winter storms can be catastrophic. If your chimney gets the brunt of it, damage can cause many issues. 
• Cracking. If you have a cracked crown or chimney flue, water can get in. This can cause damage such as rusting components, mold, and mildew. 

There are clear signs you can identify as well. Subtle changes in the efficiency or a back draft can be more than just a coincidence. 

What Should I Be Looking For?

• Deterioration in the bricks. Spalling on the chimney exterior.
• Rust in the firebox and other chimney components. 

• White discoloration on the bricks. 
• Water in the firebox. 
• Missing chimney cap. 
• Water stains on the ceiling and wallpaper around the chimney. 
• Poor backdraft. Smoke comes into the home when you light a fire.
• Chimney smells. This can be from clogs, such as a collection of debris.
• Creosote is breaking off and falling into the fireplace. 
• Cracks in the chimney crown.
• Displaced flashing. 
• Flue tiles breaking off, found in the firebox.
• Mortar is falling out between bricks. 
• Poorly burning fires. 
• Noises that are not normal while burning a fire or not. 

When Should I Get a Chimney Sweep?

Professionals recommend that a chimney sweep be done annually. This will keep the creosote to a limit. Creosote builds up after wood is burned in your fireplace. Chimney fires occur most often as creosote builds up. The more creosote in your chimney, the higher the chance of a chimney fire. Blockage from small animals, twigs, and other debris also needs to be cleaned out regularly.

Look no further than Chimney Solutions Indiana! Since our very first customer, we’ve been committed to delivering the highest level of customer care and the most professional and reliable chimney and fireplace services. Our technicians are expertly trained and certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), so there’s no aspect of chimney or fireplace service, installation, repair, or troubleshooting we can’t help you with.