Fireplace Care

With every log you burn in your fireplace or wood stove, some of the hot gases rising inside the flue condense to form a tar-like liquid on the flue or chimney walls. The liquid hardens into a crust called creosote. Like charcoal, creosote can become hot enough to cause a chimney fire. You can’t keep creosote from forming, but you can prevent hazardous buildup by annually cleaning your wood-burning units.

Checking for Creosote

There is no precise way to determine how quickly creosote will form in a flue. So, your best bet is to check your stovepipe or chimney often. That way you can track its build up and be ready to address it before it poses a problem. Check the cleanout, firebox or the top of the chimney by looking into it with a flashlight and mirror to see around corners, or have a professional do it.

Removing Creosote

The best way to clean a chimney or woodstove pipe is to have it done by a professional chimney sweep. It is a very messy job that involves harmful dust and dirt that can get into the rest of the house.

Fire Up

After cleaning your fireplace you’ll be ready to start a fire. But, a fire requires a surprising amount of air. Check to ensure there is nothing blocking the chimney or flue. A fire requires a strong updraft. Test it by opening the damper and holding a lighted candle or rolled up paper in the fireplace to see if the flame and smoke rise. A downdraft will either kill the fire or smoke-up the house. Shut off any exhaust fans that may be running and crack open a nearby window.

Note: These tips are designed to help you assess the safety and maintenance of your home and property, and to offer some precautions. Application of any or all of these suggestions may not prevent damage or protect you, or your property from harm. Your knowledge of the situation, use of your common sense and compliance with local and state codes should direct your course of action. These recommendations may or may not have any relationship to your insurance coverage.

This article was prepared by Direct Response Corporation on May 13, 2008, parent company of the Response Insurance Group, certain of whose member insurance companies underwrite the Teachers' Insurance Plan, as a service to you.

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