Fireplace Safety Is Important This Time Of Year

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Brunswick is here to help. If you have fire damage- Call us today at (912)-264-9064.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, half of home heating fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February. One tip they offer for homeowners with fireplaces is to make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.

Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

A fireplace can also be dangerous if not cared for properly. Animals can build nests during the warmer months, without the owner knowing.

Chimney Fires In Brunswick

Here are some chimney cleaning tips that can lessen the chance of a fire.

First, do an inspection. If you have a steep roof, then this isn’t a DIY project, and you need to enlist the help of a professional. There are certified chimney sweeps throughout the country, including in the Brunswick area, and can help with this project.

During the inspection, you are looking for creosote buildup. It may not look like a big deal, but it ignites at only 451 degrees and expands from there, able to build to over 2,000 degrees. At that temperature, it can engulf your entire chimney and potentially destroy your home or cause some serious fire damage.

If you are in the habit of burning green wood, make sure you have your chimney cleaned or inspected every 50 burns or so. To know whether wood is green or not, look for moisture bubbling out from the cut ends of the log. Wet, green wood doesn’t burn cleanly and will send particles up your chimney, which in turn builds up as creosote and soot. Choose hardwoods such as oak or birch, which burn hotter and cleaner.

A professional cleaning would include an inspection for soot build-up and for an cracks or obstructions that could cause issues. Older chimneys can sometimes have gaps in the clay liner where mortar has fallen out, which causes water damage and can make your chimney unstable.

If you do find yourself in need of a chimney sweep, look for someone who is insured and properly certified in your area. They will ensure that you are safe from fire damage due to a dirty fireplace and chimney.

If you do have fire damage, the team at SERVPRO of Brunswick has the training and experience to restore the damage to your home. We can also handle water damages and are experienced in mold prevention. Call us at (912)-264-9064 today.