Find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we receive from homeowners.
It's recommended to have your chimney inspected at least once a year, even if you don't use it frequently. This helps identify potential safety hazards like creosote buildup, moisture damage, pest entry, or structural damage. If there is 1/8” of soot or creosote build-up anywhere in the system, sweeping the system is recommended.
This can be caused by a number of factors, and a CSIA-certified chimney sweep can help diagnose the source(s) of the problem and make appropriate recommendations for a solution. Causes include:
- Inadequate draft: This can be caused by several factors such as wind, air pressure issue inside the home, the temperature of the outside air in relation to the indoor temperature, or the chimney not being tall enough.
- Flow restrictions: Improper flue sizing, construction flaws that cause turbulence, improper chimney cap.
- Poor wood or fuel: Wood with too much moisture makes it difficult to maintain adequate temperatures to give the smoke buoyancy. It also consumes much of the potential energy to drive out the moisture instead of providing heat to the home.
If you're unsure about the safety of your fireplace:
- Have it inspected by a CSIA-certified chimney sweep.
- Ensure the damper is working properly.
- Keep flammable materials away from the fireplace.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
To increase fireplace efficiency:
- Use a fireplace insert or stove.
- Seal any air leaks around the fireplace.
- Burn high-quality firewood.
- Have your chimney cleaned regularly.
Gas fireplaces offer several advantages, including:
- Convenience: No need to gather, chop, or store wood.
- Efficiency: Often more energy efficient than wood-burning fireplaces.
- Cleanliness: No soot or ash to clean up.
- Safety: Reduced risk of accidental fires.
There are several areas of the chimney and surroundings that can allow water to get into the home, including:
- Lack of a proper chimney cap.
- Improper, missing, or damaged flashing.
- Water penetration through the masonry.
- Flue gases leaching through from the flue.
Look for these signs of chimney damage:
- Cracks or spalling in the masonry.
- Leaning or tilting chimney.
- Missing, soft, or damaged mortar.
- Rust or corrosion on metal components.
- Staining on the chimney exterior or interior.
For safety and effectiveness, it's best to hire a professional CSIA-certified chimney sweep. They have the necessary tools and expertise to remove creosote and other debris from your chimney and are trained to identify any potential hazards or concerns.
To minimize creosote buildup:
- Burn dry, seasoned wood.
- Maintain a hot fire.
- Have your chimney swept regularly.
Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory are generally considered the best choices for firewood. They are denser, burn longer, and provide more heat by volume. It’s not a bad idea to use softer woods like fir or pine to get the fire started.
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