ClearChimney Blog

Every homeowner (both owners and renters) should buy several fire extinguishers. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a fire breaks out every 90 seconds or so. It is too late AFTER a fire starts.

As a professional chimney sweeping and maintenance company, our job is keeping your family safe. With any fire inside a home, there are risks that can not be avoided.

Fires will begin if embers pop out on a rug or carpet. Burning loose papers or other materials in a fireplace are dangerous to the room. We recommend every home buy several fire extinguishers. Hopefully, they are never needed.

Our trucks are stocked with fire extinguishers as a service to our customers. We are happy to provide them (and mount them if needed) for a nominal fee.

<< Popular fire extinguishers at a great price are found here >>*

Obviously, the kitchen is where everyone thinks fire extinguishers belong. That is true, but every wood-burning stove and fireplace in your home should have an extinguisher close. They can mount on a wall beside the fireplace. They can be stored in cabinets.

Locations to buy several fire extinguishers

• Kitchen for the stove
• Wood-burning stoves (each one)
• Fireplace (bedrooms, basement and bonus rooms)
• Outdoor fireplace or fire pit
• Garage for cars or rechargeable tools
• Near gas or propane water heaters (if in a different area from above)

Additionally, if you have a golf cart or ATV, the charging stations will require an extinguisher as the batteries off gas at times. Don’t forget the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in these areas, also.

At ClearChimney, our main focus is keeping your family safe. Young children and grandchildren must be protected.

At the very least, have several fire extinguishers in the house. Have them in the garage. Have extinguishers in the trunk of your car.

Remember, when a fire breaks out, it is too late. Do not let others grieve because a fire extinguisher was missing.

Finally, clean and sweep your chimney and flues. Contact us at Clear Chimney in east Tennessee for full service.

How to install fireplace inserts is one of our top questions we receive. Fire place inserts convert wood burning fireplaces to an electric or gas log fireplace. Once fireplace inserts are installed, the existing chimney will not longer need aggressive cleaning. The only maintenance for the inserts is a chimney sweep once a year.

Over time, a traditional wood burning chimney builds up soot. If not cleaned regularly by a professional chimney sweep, this build up can start fires. Many families choose gas logs or electric fireplaces to maintain the look and feel of a fire as our homes are modernized.

Many vendors offer remarkably real gas logs. Also, some have remote controls and thermostats to regulate the temperature in the home.

When we are asked how to install fireplace inserts, we inform them in order to convert a wood burning fireplace into gas logs or a vented fireplace, there are several steps to take:

• The most important first step is a chimney sweep by a professional (do not go pass this point until it is done!)
• The old fireplace grate is removed and recycled.
• The chimney professional will inspect and repair any fire brick and defects in the masonry.
• A fireplace insert is installed. This insert is lowered from the chimney top or in some cases pushed up through the chimney.
• The insert is cut and installed in the chimney cap at the top of the chimney.
• The new set of gas or electric logs are installed in the existing fireplace opening.
• All gas lines and other connections are verified and secured.

What are the benefits of a fireplace liner?

The new gas logs are amazing. The benefits are ease of use, remote controls, no clean up and high efficiency.

Even though the old chimney smoke is reduced, it is important to sweep the new liner yearly. The chimney cap and liner build up soot also.

Finally, search for chimney sweep near me for a qualified professional. Require insurance, recommendations and a guarantee for all work.

Rental cabin fireplaces are at risk without a thorough chimney cleaning. The challenge with rental cabins is the timing required between guest visits. We often have to clean these with only hours to spare before the next guest checks in.

Amazing! This is a real example of a fireplace that did not get a chimney sweep even though it was recommended a year ago. Also, the fire resulted from paper products and “green wood” burning for over a year.

Most rental cabin owners do not understand how many fires are burned in cabins (even in mild temperatures). It does not take very much burning to create creosote buildup in a fireplace flue. We see rental cabins in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville Tennessee that do not get the proper chimney sweeping service. These cabins are used all winter long. Also, many visitors do not realize how to start and maintain a proper fire.

They will frequently put combustibles into the fireplace that will cause dangerous creosote build up over the years. Therefore, the cabin requires frequent cleaning of the chimney and fireplace.

A thorough chimney sweep takes less than an hour and provides peace of mind at an affordable price. Why take chances with your largest investment?

Your family’s safety depends on regular maintenance in many areas of your home. Why neglect your fireplace? This is a dirty and dangerous job. DO NOT try to do this yourself unless you acquire the proper training and tools.

Finally, If you live in around our area of east Tennessee, remember, rental cabin fireplaces are at risk without a thorough cleaning.

Schedule A Chimney Sweep

Schedule a cleaning today and rest easy for the coming year. We offer specials in the spring and the fall. Check our webpage for coupons related to chimney sweepings. We also offer military and first responder discounts. Mention this webpage for your discount at the time of your scheduling.

Keep the rental cabins clean and they will produce positive cash flow to you year around.