Chimney Cleaning in Frederick MD Saves Lives, Prevents Property Losses

by | Mar 23, 2016 | Chimney

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Chimney fires disrupt the lives of countless people every year. For some, it may be a relatively minor inconvenience, but for others it can be devastating. Destroyed homes, injuries, and even deaths, result directly from chimney fires in the Frederick area. For the most part, those losses can be avoided. Chimney Cleaning Frederick MD experts constantly remind area residents that routine service prevents most chimney fires.

Wood fires in wood stoves or fireplaces leave a flammable coating on chimney walls called creosote. Over time, that substance builds up and, in extreme cases, virtually blocks the path used by smoke and gases to escape. If that buildup catches fire, the resulting fire typically burns at extremely high temperatures. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, those temperatures can reach 2000 degrees, which is hot enough to cause structural damage to the chimney itself and ignite surrounding wood elements. Even factory built metal chimneys may be damaged by fires that hot. Chimney cleaning experts clean creosote from chimneys, eliminating the potential for chimney fires.

There are some things a homeowner can do to minimize the potential for chimney fires. Owners of wood stoves, for example, should monitor the condition of all pipes between the wood stove and the chimney. Simply tapping on the pipe, for example, can tell a homeowner if there is creosote building up in the pipe. Clean pipes will have a hollow sound when tapped. When there is a buildup of creosote developing, the sound will be more like a dull thud. When creosote buildups develop, contacting a Chimney Cleaning Frederick MD expert for an evaluation of the chimney’s condition is critical for maintaining safety.

Burning well seasoned wood is also important. Dry wood wood burns more completely, with less residue to adhere to the chimney. Wet woods burn inefficiently, with more residue laden smoke that quickly leads to creosote buildups in the chimney or wood stove pipes. Wood burning experts recommend that wood be allowed to dry for several months prior to burning. Wood should be stacked in areas with good air circulation, and be covered during wet weather to prevent water from soaking the stacked wood.

Before starting any fires in a fireplace or wood burning appliance, contact a chimney cleaning professional to thoroughly inspect the chimney and provide any cleaning or maintenance as needed. The professional can discuss measures for safety and maintenance. Visit the website for more information.

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