Chimney FAQs: Expert Fireplace & Chimney Support in Ann Arbor

Q: Why Are Regular Chimney Sweepings & Cleanings Necessary?

When you burn wood or fire logs, such as Duraflame or Pine Mountain, the smoke rising through your chimney carries tiny particles of tar and unburned wood. These substances accumulate on the chimney walls over time, creating a highly flammable buildup that can ignite and cause a dangerous chimney fire.

Regular chimney cleaning (or sweeping) is essential to prevent this buildup. Chimneys are designed to safely vent smoke, not withstand direct flames. Neglecting to clean your chimney increases the risk of fire, which can crack the chimney liner and allow flames to spread to nearby areas, including your roof or surrounding structures.

Annual chimney cleaning is a simple, effective way to reduce fire risks and keep your home safe. If you plan to use your chimney, make sure it’s clean!

Q: How Often Should I Schedule a Chimney Sweeping Service?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 211, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” This national safety standard emphasizes the importance of regular chimney inspections and maintenance services like sweepings… even if you don’t use your chimney often. Issues like animal presence, debris, or structural deterioration can make a chimney unsafe for use.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) further recommends cleaning open masonry fireplaces when soot buildup reaches 1/4 inch, or sooner if there is any glaze present. Similarly, factory-built (or prefabricated) fireplaces should be cleaned as soon as any noticeable buildup occurs. These guidelines are designed to prevent chimney fires, which can not only cause severe damage to your chimney, but also spread to other areas of your home.

The takeaway? Schedule a professional chimney inspection at least once a year, whether you think you need it or not. It’s the best way to ensure your chimney is as safe and suitable for use as possible!

Q: Why Is My Fireplace Smoking?

Smoky fireplaces and stoves can be caused by a variety of issues; here are the most common:

• Creosote Buildup or Animal Nests Blocking the Chimney: Any sort of blockage in the flue will reduce the chimney draft and prevent smoke from escaping properly. To remove the obstruction – no matter if it’s creosote, animals nests, or other debris – you’ll need to schedule a professional chimney cleaning service.
• Closed or Partially Closed Damper: A closed or misaligned damper restricts airflow which causes smoke to back up. To make sure your damper is fully open before you light a fire, look up into the chimney while carefully moving the handle. Be cautious of falling debris during your inspection.
• Flue Too Small for the Fireplace: The size and shape of your flue is dependent on the type of appliance you have and the fuel you burn. An undersized flue cannot handle the volume of smoke produced, leading to overflow into your living space. To check if your flue might be the problem, test your current setup by placing a four to six inch strip of aluminum foil across the entire top of the fireplace opening (where the smoke generally pours out).

If this reduces or stops the smoke, consider installing a permanent smoke guard, a device that alters the size of your fireplace to balance the ratio between the fireplace and the flue. For a more advanced solution, you can install a draft induction fan on top of the chimney to improve airflow.

Q: Why Does My Fireplace Smell Bad in the Summer & How Can I Fix It?

The unpleasant smell coming from your fireplace is typically caused by creosote deposits in the chimney, the naturally occurring byproduct created during combustion. This odor tends to be worse during the summer due to high humidity and the use of air conditioning, which can create negative pressure in your home. While a professional chimney cleaning can help reduce the smell, it may not eliminate it entirely.

To address the odor, consider using commercial chimney deodorants or placing baking soda or kitty litter in the bottom of your firebox to absorb the smell. However, the root issue is often excess air being drawn down the chimney, indicating a pressure imbalance in your home. Introducing replacement air or “make-up air” elsewhere in the house can help resolve this and restore the home to a state of equilibrium.

Installing a tightly sealing, top-mounted damper is another effective solution, as it minimizes airflow coming down the chimney and doubles as a suitable and protective chimney cap. It’s also very important to address any potential leaks as the presence of water (especially at the top of the system) can contribute to the issue.

Q: Why Does My Basement Fireplace Fill With Smoke When I Use My Upstairs Fireplace?

This issue is common in modern, air-tight homes where weatherproofing seals off the usual routes for air infiltration. When your upstairs fireplace is in use, it exhausts air from the home, which creates negative pressure. In tightly sealed houses with multiple fireplace appliances, the easiest path for make-up air is often through the unused basement fireplace chimney. Unfortunately, as air is drawn down this unused flue, it carries smoke from the upstairs fireplace into your living area.

The best solution is to address the negative pressure problem by introducing make-up air into the home. This not only resolves the smoke issue but also reduces the risk of carbon monoxide being pulled back down the furnace chimney. Another effective step is installing a top-mounted damper on the less frequently used fireplace to prevent air from being drawn down its flue – especially when it is not in use.

Q: Do I Need To Have My Chimney Inspected if I Heat My Home With Gas?

Absolutely! Even though gas is a clean-burning fuel, it still does produce some particulate byproduct matter that can accumulate within the system and your chimney can still become blocked by bird nests, debris, or other obstructions that compromise its functionality. Additionally, modern gas furnaces can create issues for older flues designed for less efficient heating systems, leading to potential venting problems. Regular chimney inspections are essential to ensure safe and efficient operation, even if you heat your home with gas.

Q: What Steps Should I Take if I Experience a Chimney Fire?

If you experience a chimney fire, it’s essential to act quickly and follow these steps to protect your home and loved ones:

• Call the Fire Department Immediately: Notify emergency services to ensure the fire is controlled and extinguished safely.
• Evacuate the Home: Alert everyone in the house and evacuate to a safe location.
• Reduce the Fire’s Air Supply: If it’s safe to do so, close the appliance’s dampers and any primary air inlet controls to limit oxygen feeding the fire. If there is a barometric damper in the chimney connector, plug or close it.
• Use a Fire Extinguisher: Open the appliance door slightly and insert the nozzle of a 10-lb. dry chemical fire extinguisher rated for Class ABC fires. Discharge the extinguisher completely and close the door immediately.
• Protect Surrounding Areas: Wet down the roof and nearby combustibles outside the home to prevent sparks or flames from igniting additional fires.
• Monitor Nearby Surfaces: Keep a close watch on all combustible surfaces near the chimney. Severe chimney fires can cause these surfaces to heat up enough to ignite.

After the fire has been properly and safely extinguished:

• Schedule a Chimney Inspection: Have your chimney inspected by a certified chimney professional (like us!) to assess any damage. Do not use the chimney until it has been deemed safe.
• Contact Your Insurance Carrier: Notify your insurer to report the incident and begin the claims process if necessary.
• Schedule Necessary Repairs: Chimney fires produce extreme heat, which can crack chimney walls, damage liners, and weaken factory-built chimneys. Left unrepaired, this damage increases the risk of future chimney fires spreading beyond the flue into your home. Regular inspections and repairs are critical to maintaining chimney safety after a fire.