Homeowners sometimes visualize a chimney fire as an event that involves flames shooting out of the top like a flare. While that type certainly happens too often, slow-burning chimney fires tend to go undetected and place unsuspecting household members in harm's way. The good news for homeowners with fireplaces is reducing the risk of a chimney fire ranks among cost-friendly safety measures.
The driving cause of chimney fires largely involves something called "creosote." This dark brown substance coats the inside of a chimney or flue and can ignite on a whim. Highly flammable and unpredictable, creosote buildup results from a wide range of elements.
These typically include vapor, smoke and even slivers of unburned wood. They cool and settle while moving upward from the fire through cooler areas of the chimney. Often, a natural accumulation point evolves. Once thick enough to reduce exhaust space, it can either turn into a smoldering burn or flash fire.
One of the best strategies to reduce creosote buildup involves using only select wood or specially manufactured logs. This generally means burning hardwoods that have dried and been seasoned for one year. Seasoned wood usually produces 20 percent less creosote. It's also essential to avoid softwoods such as pines with high sap content. Most manufactured logs identify what their specialty is on the packaging, so look for those designed to reduce buildup.
Older homes typically have either a flue made from traditional fireclay or none at all. More modern homes sometimes have inserts, while new construction may enjoy insulated flue products. Having an adequate flue protects your household from a house fire by helping to contain the blaze. The safety measure involves preventing fires and sparks from permeating bricklayers and reaching surrounding structural timbers and other combustible materials.
If you own an old home without a flue system, you may want to have one installed promptly. Those with fireclay flues should be heavily inspected. This material can begin to degrade in 5-15 years, rendering it less than adequate.
The newer insulated flue products rank among the better options for two reasons. First, it keeps creosote off the brickwork. Second, the insulation is designed to even out heat distribution as smoke, vapor and wood fragments rise. This generally means that homeowners are less likely to sustain flammable buildup at a particular point. They're also relatively simple to install and replace as needed.
These rank among the best ways homeowners can reduce the risk of a chimney fire and keep their households safe. It's also essential to have a chimney cleaned and serviced regularly.
Selina Zhao is a tech savvy real estate agent who brings over the top-notch marketing strategies, presentation, and negotiation skills to her clients. Selina always stays on top of the real estate market trends and stats. She applies strategies into different market situation and empower her clients to achieve their ultimate goal. During the first year of her real estate career in the Bay Area, she achieved an impressive $22.8M in sales. Selina’s experience on real estate sales ensure her clients get the care and attention they need as they make the crucial decision of buying and selling properties. Selina is vowed to provide excellent service, communication, and always an advocate for her clients.
Selina loves real estate, her career blended in perfectly to her daily life, and she loves to help others to achieve their American dreams. She works restlessly to get the work done. Immigrated from mainland China in 2007, graduated from University of Miami, Selina established her own online marketing company and her real estate career in Miami, Florida before moving to San Francisco in 2017. Her soul of entrepreneurship and cares for others encouraging her to pursue to be the best in the industry. Selina is also a former Miami HEAT video producer, who witness the team winning their 2012 NBA championship at the courtside.