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Holiday Fireplace Safety Tips

Holiday Fireplace Safety - Ann Arbor MI - Clean Sweeps of MichiganNovember and December are a festive time of year when many families get together for holiday celebrations. Often, these festivities involve sitting together in front of a roaring fire, admiring a brightly decorated tree or a festively adorned mantle. However, there are special fireplace safety concerns that can arise during the holidays. Following these safety tips can ensure your family enjoys a safe and happy holiday season.

Cleaning and inspection 

The colder weather that accompanies the holiday season also coincides with the heaviest use periods for fireplace. For that reason, it is recommended that homeowners have their annual sweep and inspection before the holidays get under way. National Fire Protection Association  Standard 211 says, “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.”

A yearly chimney sweep and inspection can greatly reduce the risk of chimney fire by removing any harmful deposits of creosote, a highly flammable byproduct of wood burning fires, in the chimney. Likewise, inspections can spot any problems or damage with a fireplace or chimney system, helping to resolve them before they turn into major safety issues.

Holiday decor 

Trimming the tree and decorating the mantle are just a few of the things that make a house feel like a home during the holidays. However, there are several safety tips homeowners should follow to reduce the risk of accidental house fire.

Christmas trees: Christmas trees, whether real or artificial, should be placed at least three feet away from all fireplaces or heating appliances. Likewise, real trees should be taken down sooner rather than later; the longer a tree has been up, the drier it becomes and the greater risk it poses for accidentally catching on fire.

Mantle décor: The stockings can still be hung by the chimney with care, but they should be moved or taken down before the fireplace is used. Likewise, do not drape ribbon or greenery over the edge of the mantle, as any stray sparks can ignite these decorations.

Burning and recycling 

Holiday wrapping paper, packing materials, and boxes should never be burned in a fireplace. These highly combustible materials ignite quickly and can cause the flames to travel up the chimney or out into the room. The colored dye in wrapping paper may also cause toxic gasses to be released when burned.

Trees, wreaths, garlands, and other greenery made of real pine, spruce, or other firs should also never be burned. Because this wood has not been seasoned, it is not suitable for use as firewood. Likewise, many greenery products are treated with flame retardant chemicals that leave the wood unsuitable for burning.

Fire prevention 

There are a number of common sense steps that homeowners can take to greatly reduce their risk of accidental fires during the holiday season. First, keep a minimum three foot clearance around the fireplace, including trees, garlands, stocking, gifts, and other décor. If a real tree is being used instead of an artificial tree, make sure the tree remains well watered throughout the holiday season as dry trees ignite quickly. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should also be checked to ensure they are working properly.

Having your chimney swept and inspected before the season begins is another way to ensure your family is safe throughout the holidays. Contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan with any questions you may have about fireplace safety or to schedule a chimney sweep and inspection.

What You Will Get From A CSIA Certified Sweep

Although they are built to last, chimneys, fireplace systems, and other heating appliances do require a certain amount of annual maintenance to continue working their best. When choosing a company to complete this work, many homeowners are often tempted to go with the least expensive company rather than the company with the most experience.

CSIA Certified Sweeps - Ann Arbor MI - Clean SweepsWhen selecting a company to sweep and clean your fireplace and chimney, it is important to find a business with CSIA certified chimney sweeps. Unlike general contractors, handymen, or intrepid DIYers, these professionals have undergone rigorous training and testing to ensure that they are among the most highly trained professionals in their field.

Why use a certified sweep?

Although many companies may be capable of completing work on a chimney system, homeowners should only trust CSIA certified chimney sweeps. The CSIA, or Chimney Safety Institute of America, is widely considered the top licensing organization for chimney sweeps and has over 1,500 certified chimney sweeps in North America. Because of this, it is easy to find a reputable, certified chimney sweep in your area.

By choosing a business that employs CSIA certified sweep, homeowners are guaranteed to work with professionals who have shown they are at the top of their field in expertise, knowledge, and training. Likewise, they will also be familiar with any new safety and technology innovations, and will also able to make sure that all chimneys, fireplaces, or other heating appliances are compliant with state and local building codes. Many certified sweeps also have received training in the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA standards for fireplaces, inserts, and stoves in order to ensure that these appliances are operating at maximum efficiency.

What does a certified sweep do?

During a typical cleaning, the primary duty of any chimney sweep is to remove any creosote buildup from the firebox and chimney structure. Creosote is an extremely flammable, sticky, and foul smelling byproduct created when wood is burned. Excessive creosote buildup is one of the major causes of chimney fires; because of this, it is important that homeowners have their chimneys thoroughly and professionally cleaned each year to ensure that these deposits are completely removed.

In addition to cleaning the firebox and chimney, a CSIA certified chimney sweep will also check the interior and exterior for any signs of deterioration, such as cracks, chipping, or damage to the masonry. Some sweeps may evaluate the efficiency of a fireplace system; this is particularly important for older heating appliances that may not meet current EPA standards. Lastly, CSIA certified chimney sweeps may check levels of carbon monoxide in the house when the fireplace is in use to make sure there is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

How do I choose the right company?

Finding a trustworthy chimney sweep company can sometimes be difficult. Because of that, the CSIA has provided homeowners a sample list of questions to ask prospective businesses to ensure they are getting the best service possible.

  • How long has your company been in the area?
  • Do you or your sweeps have liability insurance coverage for any possible damages?
  • Do you have any available customer references?
  • Will the sweep who works on my home be CSIA certified?

By asking these simple questions, homeowners can ensure that they are getting a trustworthy, highly knowledgeable professional to work on their home. If you’re ready to schedule a chimney sweeping with a local, reputable business, contact Clean Sweeps today!

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