Annual inspections of your Oklahoma City chimney will help prevent fires. While it may seem like a bother to add one more inspection to the list, the fact is that more than 35 percent of residential fires start in the chimney.
Creosote
When a chimney lacks ventilation, creosote (found in many wood species and products) can build up. As the fire burns, it starts to adhere to the inside of your chimney, allowing an incredibly hot fire to start in the chimney. This poses a risk to your home and your family.
Annual Inspections
The National Fire Protection Association strongly recommends an annual inspection of the chimney. This can be stretched out to every other year if your chimney is only used on special occasions, but any chimney that sees regular use should be inspected before cool weather sets in.
Seasoned Wood
You can prevent chimney problems by burning the right woods. Wood should be stored in a protected, dry area for at least 12 months before it is burned. Burning only this seasoned wood will help prevent creosote build-up. You should also avoid burning sappy wood like pine. While the hiss and sizzle of a fire may sound inviting, it’s actually an indication that the wood has moisture in it and is probably contributing to creosote build-up.
Give it a Break
You should give the fireplace a break from time to time. Don’t burn fires constantly and allow them to die out after a few hours.
A chimney cap looks nice on the roof and also has some useful purposes. It prevents birds from roosting in your chimney, and it also reduces the amount of burning ash exiting the chimney. Oklahoma City roofing contractors will handle this chore for you.
The asphalt shingles on your roof are flammable, so you want to protect them. Robbins Roofing, Inc. offers residential roofing services in Oklahoma City. We strongly encourage the use of chimney caps and annual inspections to ensure your chimney is safe for use and to protect your roof. Burning the right wood and giving the chimney time to cool down will also help prevent fires. To learn more about your roof and chimney maintenance, visit us on Facebook or Twitter.
