Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

What the Cold Winter Can Do to Your Chimney

As the temperatures outside drop, we use our fireplaces and stoves to heat our homes and keep us and our families warm and comfortable. But while our fireplaces are keeping us cozy inside, the harsh winter weather may be damaging our chimneys outside.

The cold, snow, and ice during winter can create chimney problems, as well as exacerbate any existing issues. Below we’ve listed several ways that winter affects your chimney system along with ways you can prevent them from happening.

Water damage

Although water damage can affect chimneys any time of year, it is often the worst during the winter months. If water is able to enter the chimney, it can damage everything from the bricks and mortar all the way down to the flue and damper. Additionally, finding the source of the leak can be difficult as most chimneys are complex structures.

The most common – and most damaging – source of water entry is through the bricks and mortar of the chimney structure. Even the smallest cracks can allow water to be absorbed into the masonry. As this water freezes it expands, causing the crack to get larger and allowing more water in. This freeze/thaw cycle continues indefinitely, causing significant damage to the chimney structure. In extreme cases, it can even cause the bricks to crumble and fall apart.

The best way to protect against water damage is to prevent it. Regular maintenance and inspections of your chimney will let you know if there is any existing damage; repairing damage quickly prevents it from getting worse.

Animal entry

Just like people tend to stay indoors during the winter, many animals also seek out a warm place to hide as the temperatures drop. This may lead to birds, raccoons, or other small mammals attempting to nest in your chimney structure. This is extremely dangerous for both the animals and homeowners. For animals, once they get in they may not be able to get back out. Chimneys have slick walls that are impossible for most animals to climb; likewise, the dark chimney structure is often difficult to navigate. For homeowners, animals in the chimney leave a fireplace or stove unusable until the animals and their nesting materials have been removed.

Most commonly, animals are able to enter a chimney structure through a chimney with a damaged or missing chimney cap. Having your chimney swept and inspected annually is one way to ensure that there is no damage to your chimney cap – and no way for animals to get in.

The Stack Effect

The Stack Effect is caused by a difference in air pressure inside and outside a home. Warm air from inside your home can rise up your chimney, causing the cold outside air to rush in to replace it. Called a backdraft, it can even negate the heating effects of the fireplace itself if too much cold air is allowed to enter.

The easiest way to prevent backdrafts is to keep your damper closed when the fireplace is not in use. If you notice that cold air still seems to be seeping in, your damper may have lost its seal. Dampers should be professionally installed to ensure a tight seal that will keep hot air in and cold air out.

If you have questions about the health of your chimney system, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

Holiday Fireplace Safety Tips

November 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.