A chimney fire is dangerous and will leave you wondering when you can safely use your fireplace again. You’re also probably thinking of expensive repairs that will create a dent in your budget. Don’t worry because chimney fires are usually manageable. Just make sure to immediately call a reliable chimney contractor so that they can inspect the damage and recommend the next steps to restore and prevent another incident from happening.
Continue reading to learn more about chimney fires.
Typical Signs of a Chimney Fire
If fire is rising and spewing out of the flue, call your trusted chimney specialist right away. A small fire, however, may be difficult to recognize, so the best you can do is to watch out for cracked or collapsed flue tiles. These are the most common signs you may have unknowingly suffered a small chimney fire.
Other signs of chimney fire include swollen creosote, warped metal dampers, warped connector pipes and damage to the roof material surrounding the chimney. Spotting creosote pieces on your roof and seeing damage to your exterior masonry can also be indications of a chimney fire.
What to Do After a Chimney Fire
Chimney fire can cause structural damage. But if you’ve only encountered a small chimney fire, relining might be enough to fix the damage. It’s crucial to have a reliable contractor inspect your chimney and flue so that you’ll get a full account of your chimney’s condition.
In most cases, experts begin the repairs by cleaning the chimney and removing creosote. Then, they repair and replace flue tiles, reline the chimney, fix the masonry and rebuild the chimney structure.
Preventing Chimney Fire
Regular chimney inspections and cleaning reduce the risk of chimney fires. Creosote causes most chimney fires, and it will block your flue and chimneys if left uncleaned. You can also reduce maintenance and cleaning requirements by choosing seasoned firewood instead of soft woods, which produce more creosote when burned.
For dependable chimney cleaning and repair services, look no further than Batts’ Chimney Services. We guarantee quality workmanship for every job we handle. Call us at (256) 660-1338 (Northern Alabama) or (205) 956-8207 (Greater Birmingham Area). Alternatively, you can complete this contact form to request a quote.
