Start A Chimney Fire Safely

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

It is once again that time of year in Foxborough, MA when the temperature is beginning to dip. It is barley November and we have already had our first snow fall of the winter season! For those of us who like to snuggle with our loved ones in front of a cosy fire, now is the time to make sure we are doing so safely.

Cleaning Your Chimney

Did you know that chimney's need cleaning at least once a year? Heavily used chimney's may need multiple cleanings each year! Now is a great time to check because you don't want to start a fire for the first time in the winter without performing maintenance. If you are unsure about if your chimney needs sprucing, all you got to do is take a flashlight and look into your chimney. Take a knife and scrape a bit of soot off of the wall, if it is more than 1/8 inches thick then it is time to call a cleaning company. For those of you DIYers, or if finding a reputable company is proving difficult, here are some steps to take to increase the safety of your chimney.

Steps To Take

1. Check for nesting animals and critters who may have made a home in your chimney
2. The next step is to measure the chimney. It's okay to overestimate but try to be as accurate as possible. This can be accomplished by climbing on the roof and measuring down or measuring up through the fireplace.
3. Measure the size and shape of the flue. Generally they are round or square.

Materials

1. Chimney brush,
2. Goggles,
3. Broom and dustpan
4. Face mask 

Where To Start

1. Clean from top down with weighted brush using up and down motions to scrape away debris.
2. Cleaning from the bottom up requires a partner on the roof to help scrub with. Additionally you will need a pulley system (like this one found on Amazon). Be careful when sweeping and discarding the debris. Now your chimney is ready for winter nights!

Regardless if you call in a professional or attempt the task yourself it is important that your chimney is clean to reduce the risk of a fire in your home.  If a fire damages your home this winter call SERVPRO of Foxborough at (508) 533-5305. We will make it ”Like it never even happened."