Chimney Safety in North York, Toronto and Thornhill
As long time chimney maintenance experts, Cando Pro regularly visits home and businesses to conduct chimney inspections and provides practical chimney safety tips as part of our licensed chimney inspection services. One of the most common chimney myths we encounter is the belief that if a fireplace has not been used much, a chimney leaning or licensed chimney inspection may not be necessary. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our experienced chimney sweeps have surprised many customers with our discovery of a significant amount of the hardened gummy like substance following a licensed fireplace inspection.
The Dangers of Creosote
Highly flammable and a fire hazard when left to accumulate, creosote forms as a sticky deposit once gases from fires have cooled and air temperatures are not enough to carry the particles up and out from the chimney which can eventually lead to a serious chimney fires. Cando Pro takes fire prevention and chimney safety seriously. Following are some of the chimney safety tips our chimney experts recommend:
- Have your chimney cleaned out by a professional chimney sweep at least once a year.
- Use only clean dry wood for your fireplace – avoid wood scraps and too much paper and burn garbage or painted wood.
- Schedule chimney repairs and chimney inspection before the cold season to avoid the rush and the temptation to use your fireplace without being certain of its condition. Cando Pro provides licensed inspections from certified and insured chimney sweeps.
- Different woods create soot and creosote buildup faster than others. Pine wood for example tends to leave behind more resin. Ask our experts about safe and efficient fire burning practices.
- Creosote build up can not only cause fires but significantly reduce the efficiency of your fireplace by impeding proper air flow causing you to burn more fuel more frequently.
- Burn smaller and hotter fires that produce less smoke and less soot.
- Don’t close fireplace glass doors on shouldering wood. Make sure fires are completely extinguished. Always use a spark screen.
- Once cooled, dispose of ashes in a metal container and store away from other combustible items.
- Be sure to keep all items and furniture at least three feet away from the fireplace.
- Never leave children or pets unattended near a fire.
- Ensure that you have an updated carbon monoxide detector as well as a fire extinguisher and smoke detector.
Cleaning Your Fireplace
When cleaning fireplace ashes, be sure to wait a full 24 to 48 hours since your last fire to ensure they are completely cool. Sweep up the ashes into a metal container. Once ashes have been discarded, you can clean your fireplace with a mild soap and water top get rid of soot stains and inspect for any cracks or damage to brick and mortar at the same time.
It is important to ensure that your chimney is professionally inspected at least once a year. Cando Pro is certified to inspect your fuel burning heating system and are specially equipped to clean your chimney and fireplace according to industry regulations.