ClearChimney Blog

Even when it is not obvious from the inside…

There isn’t a simple rule of thumb when it’s time for a chimney cleaning. It depends a lot on how often you use your fireplace or stove.

“The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year for soundness. Also check for freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs should be done if necessary.”

Conducting these inspections is particularly important in the fall or early winter. During spring and summer, chimneys can become home to animal nests, which may obstruct the flue. Such blockages can lead to improper ventilation and increase the risk of dangerous carbon monoxide buildup when you first light your fireplace in the colder months.

If you’ve recently moved into a new home, it’s advisable to schedule a chimney inspection outside of the usual seasonal timeline. This ensures that any hidden issues are addressed before you begin using your fireplace regularly.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance the safety and efficiency of your fireplace, providing peace of mind and warmth throughout the year.

More specific guidance for safety and efficiency

However, more specific guidance is available to ensure your chimney’s safety and efficiency. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), you should clean your chimney when there is 1/8″ of creosote and/or soot buildup inside the chimney liner. This measurement is crucial as excessive buildup can lead to dangerous chimney fires.

In addition to the inspection, the NFPA also promotes annual chimney cleaning no matter how often you use it. By adhering to these recommendations, you can ensure both the safety and longevity of your chimney and fireplace system."

When it’s time for a chimney cleaning, call a professional that knows exactly how to clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney.

What does NFPA say?

According to The National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org), “The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.”

The problem is that creosote (the tar deposited on chimney walls by wood smoke) can form when unseasoned wood is burned. Also when the air supply is restricted, or/and the chimney temperatures are cooler than normal.  Burning unseasoned wood keeps the smoke cooler than seasoned wood because much more energy is used to drive off the water trapped in the logs.  A smoky fire without enough oxygen emits lots of unburned tar vapors that can condense inside the fireplace flue and stick to it. This may possibly lead to a chimney fire.  You can reduce creosote buildup in your fireplace flue by providing adequate combustion air, which will encourage a hot, clean-burning fire.

When using a wood stove, overloading the firebox with wood in an attempt to get a longer burn time also contributes to creosote build-up. We recommend filling the firebox to around 75% if possible.

Check for creosote build up…

To ensure your chimney and fireplace are in optimal condition, it’s crucial to recognize the signs indicating the need for professional chimney sweep services. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you identify potential issues and take action:

1. Unpleasant Odors: If your fireplace emits a campfire-like smell even when it isn’t in use, it might be time for a professional inspection. This odor often signals creosote buildup or trapped debris.

2. Poor Fire Performance: Notice that fires aren’t burning as robustly as they used to? Difficulty in starting or maintaining a fire can be due to restricted airflow, often caused by a clogged chimney.

3. Smoke in Your Space: When smoke begins to fill the room despite the flue being open, it indicates a blockage or improper ventilation.

4. Visual Signs of Creosote: The presence of a black damper or oily marks on the fireplace walls suggests creosote accumulation. This substance can appear as flaky soot or hard, shiny deposits in advanced stages.

5. Animal Activity: Listen for unusual noises or check for signs of nesting. Birds and squirrels often make homes in chimneys, obstructing airflow and creating hazards.

How to check for creosote buildup

To check for creosote yourself, first, make sure there’s no downdraft from the chimney. If you feel an airflow, open a door or window on the same floor as the fireplace until the downdraft stops or reverses and air flows up (tape tissue to the fireplace opening and watch its movement). Then, while wearing goggles and a basic disposable dust mask, take a strong flashlight and shine the light near the top of the firebox, in the smoke chamber, and around the damper. And check the fireplace flue too, especially on exterior chimneys.  Creosote builds up faster than on interior chimneys because of lower outside temperatures.

Take your fireplace poker and scratch the black surface above the damper (smoke chamber). If the groove you scratch in the creosote is paper thin, no cleaning is needed. However, if it’s 1/8 in. Thick, schedule a cleaning soon. If you have 1/4 in. Of creosote, do not use the fireplace again until it is cleaned – a chimney fire could occur at any time.

By staying vigilant and conducting regular checks, you can ensure your fireplace remains a safe and efficient source of warmth and comfort.

What Does Smoke Filling the Room from the Fireplace Indicate?

When you notice smoke enveloping a room from your fireplace, it’s a clear sign that something is amiss with your ventilation system. Here are some common reasons why this might happen:

1. Flue Obstruction:
   Even with the flue open, obstacles like creosote buildup, bird nests, or debris may block the chimney. This prevents smoke from escaping properly, causing it to back into the room.

2. Improper Flue Size:
   If the size of the flue doesn’t match the fireplace, it might fail to draw smoke out efficiently. A flue that’s too small for the fireplace won’t allow sufficient airflow. An oversized one might not create the necessary draft.

3. Negative Air Pressure:
   Homes with tightly sealed windows and doors can experience negative air pressure. This may force smoke to seek easier escape routes into the living spaces rather than up the chimney. Installing a fresh air intake can often resolve this issue.

4. Damp Wood:
   Using wood that hasn’t been properly seasoned creates more smoke than the chimney can handle. Excess smoke from wet wood can overwhelm even a well-functioning chimney system.

5. Downdrafts:
   Weather conditions can sometimes cause downdrafts, where wind pushes air back down the chimney. A chimney cap can help mitigate this issue by deflecting the wind.

If you’re encountering smoke filling your room, it might be time to inspect your chimney system. Also, check your wood quality, or consider adjustments to your home’s ventilation. Always prioritize safety by verifying these elements to ensure your fireplace operates smoothly and safely.

Can I do this when it is time for a chimney cleaning?

You could try to remove the creosote yourself, but why not save on materials and get a thorough job, call us.  We are knowledgeable, and trained to recognize deterioration or venting problems, and able to advise you regarding the chimney’s condition. Proper care and maintenance of your chimneys, woodstoves and fireplaces can help protect you and your family from unnecessary fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Finally, when it is time for a chimney cleaning, do not try to do this yourself. It is a dangerous job with unique tools. Call us and let our pros do it right, safe and cost effective.