Maintain your chimney with proper care

chimney

Burning any sort of fuel product in your fireplace (coal, wood or pellets) you will end up with heaps of ashes that would need be removed occasionally. This chimney sweeping duty has to be done periodically every year as otherwise the ashes and soot can affect the performance and durability of your chimney. It can also lead to chimney fires and house fires if not cleaned properly. The frequency of chimney cleaning would also depend on the type of fuel you use.

If the ashes are not removed properly it can prove to be very hazardous.

What the dangers of improper ash removal from chimneys?

Inappropriate ash removals from chimneys are the main cause of thousands of house fires reported every year in the US. In fact according to an NFPA report almost 10,000 fires are caused only due to wrong methods of discarding and removal of ashes. If there are remnants of hot coals among the ashes they can remain hot for as long four days as the pile of ashes around them act as insulation. Hence, they will prevent the coal from burning out. If these hot coals come in contact with ample oxygen nothing can prevent them from flaring up again. These is the reason why firemen often return to the scene of the next day to spray more water on the remaining bits of hot timber and newly flared up bits of coal.

Here are some important points to keep in mind when you sweep your chimneys clean either on your own or hire a professional:

  1. When emptying ashes never put them in containers made of plastic or paper, like cardboard boxes, plastic bags or buckets etc. You will see that all professional chimney cleaners use a metal container with a tight lid to empty the ashes in. Such containers help keep air from coming in contact with any bits of hot coal and also keeps it from blowing the ashes and spreading it all around
  2. Completely cooled wood ashes can be used in your garden as natural fertilizers for the plants.

Chimney relining is another important maintenance duty for chimneys.  Chimney liners are extremely essential as they help to channel the heat and gases from the fire up and helps protect combustible objects around your fireplace from catching fire.

When opting to get your chimney brick repaired may the most attention to the cement cap and the top two feet of your chimney as they are parts most exposed to weathering. Always chose certified trained professionals for chimney repairs Annapolis to get the job done well.

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