Chimney Sweep FAQs
Seasoned Wood. The one and only thing you should be burning in your fireplace is dry, seasoned firewood! Seasoned wood means that the wood has been left out for a long period to dry, and all moisture has been removed. Hardwoods such as maple, oak, and ash are often recommended as firewood.
We follow the guidelines of The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 211, which 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.”
Chimneys should be cleaned annually - and/or after every 36 lit fires in the fireplace. Chimneys should also be cleaned if any soot is seen inside your home, after a pre-built home is purchased, BEFORE a new home is purchased, and before every Winter season. Furthermore, chimneys must be cleaned after a fire in your home or the chimney, if any stains appear in or around the chimney, after any roof replacement, or in the event of a lightning strike or falling tree impact.
Only well-seasoned wood. Nothing else should be burned in your fireplace. Why not? Watch the video below to see what happens when you burn holiday wrapping paper, a pizza box, and foam packaging in the fireplace.
The chimney crown is a piece of masonry on the upper part of your chimney that sometimes extends out, and sometimes is flush. It slopes outwardly, directing water away from the chimney and protecting the chimney’s vertical brick and mortar.
Many factors affect chimney health including (but not limited to) the age of your home, your chimney type, and the weather (strangely enough, mild weather seems to more drastically affect chimneys than very cold weather.) Another common factor that affects chimneys is the building of nests by birds or small animals within fireplace / chimney flues during Summer months, or dry leaf accumulation during the Autumn.
