Winter Safety for Your Chimney

by Tommie Cox

For your best winter safety check on your fireplace and chimney, have a professional chimney cleaner come to inspect.

Creosote buildup is a major cause of chimney fires.  It is very important to have your chimney cleaned of this buildup each year before you begin using the fireplace.  The heat from a chimney fire can cause the tile liner to crack and fall from the chimney wall, restricting airflow up the chimney.  Broken, loose tiles can be seen by looking down the chimney with a bright light.

Chimney fires will cause the creosote to puff up.  By running a brush down the chimney, this puffed up creosote will fall down into the fire box.  This is a clue that you need a professional cleaning and camera inspection.  I would suggest getting estimates from several chimney maintenance companies.

To reduce this creosote buildup, always use well-seasoned wood.  Do not try to extend the wood burning time by choking off the combustion air.  There are also special fireplace logs that have been treated to reduce the formation of creosote.  Periodically use of these logs will assist in keeping the chimney clean.

If you want to clean the chimney yourself, be sure to wear a high-quality breathing mask so you do not inhale the fine dust particles.  Seal the opening of the fireplace with plastic film and duct tape.  It will also help to put a large drop-cloth on the floor in front of the fireplace.   Go up on the roof and run the chimney brush up and down many times to loosen all the creosote.  Be sure to wear a safety harness while you are on the roof.   Safety is a Must.

Moisture entering from outside is a big cause of chimney damage.  Use a chimney sealer on all the chimney bricks and mortar to aid in keeping this moisture out.  Tap lightly on the chimney crown to locate any loose areas and brush them away.  Then coat the crown with a special crown repair compound.  Also check the mortar joints of the chimney.  If you find loose mortar, fill the gaps with a concrete-colored sealer.  Inspect the chimney flashing, and seal deteriorated areas with flexible flashing-repair compound.

Fireplaces give us a special feeling in the winter and are wonderful to have.   It takes only a short time to be sure that all is well and your chimney is safe for the winter.

Tommie sells homes in Farragut, Northshore, Bearden/West Hills, Powell, Karns, West Knoxville, Concord and Bluegrass, and is part of the Exit Realty Knoxville Team.  She also serves Oak Ridge, Maryville, Alcoa, Loudon and Lenoir City.

Teamwork is one of our most valuable assets, helping us to exceed expectations. We have agents who specialize in buying and selling homes and just about every Real Estate service.  Achieving your real estate goals is just a phone call away.

For all your Real Estate Needs -  call Tommie at Exit Realty Knoxville (865) 690-4300.

Each office is Independently Owned and Operated

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