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Thanksgiving Prep: Don’t Forget About The Chimney

Thanksgiving is just a few days away, but cooler weather has already arrived in the Metro West (MA) and Providence Triangle (RI) areas, sparking the desire to ignite the fireplace. But while you’re shopping for the perfect turkey, ham, and all the delicious trimmings for the annual feast, don’t forget about the chimney. Since most house fires occur in the winter, it is essential to make chimney inspection and sweeping part of your Thanksgiving prep.

Why Chimney Inspections Are Essential in New England

Chimney inspection in Dover, MANew England weather puts significant stress on chimney and venting systems. From our wet, humid summers to our icy, snowy winters, our New England weather accelerates the deterioration of masonry structures. An annual chimney inspection by a certified professional is essential for assessing the following:

  • Structural Integrity: A visual inspection of the entire chimney system is necessary to check for cracks, spalling bricks, and other damage that could lead to a structural failure.
  • Venting Obstructions: Critters often build nests in chimneys and around the cap. These nests and associated debris can restrict the venting of smoke and carbon monoxide exhaust, potentially causing a chimney fire or allowing the exhaust to flow into your home.
  • Creosote Buildup: Creosote is a natural byproduct of combustion that accumulates in the chimney, adhering to the masonry walls, flue liner, and other components. If it is not removed promptly, it will harden into a dark, tarry glaze that is highly flammable. It is the primary cause of house fires.
  • Flue Size: We also verify the presence and condition of a code-compliant chimney liner that meets the manufacturer’s specifications for the heating appliance. Connecting an appliance to an incompatible chimney flue can cause drafting problems, creosote buildup, and poor indoor air quality.
  • Damper Function: The inspection confirms that the damper and other components of your fireplace or stove are free of rust or damage that could hamper their function.

Don’t Forget to Sweep the Chimney

After a thorough inspection, our professional chimney sweep will determine if your chimney requires cleaning. If cleaning is necessary, the sweep will perform a careful and comprehensive job to remove dangerous creosote buildup, flue obstructions, soot, and debris. However, if it has been a while since your chimney was last serviced, the buildup of decaying organic matter, deceased animals/rodents, and other debris may require an immediate cleaning before we can safely inspect the chimney, vents, and attached heating appliances.

Top Tips for Thanksgiving Fireplace Prep

Thanksgiving is when most residents in western MA and eastern RI light their fireplaces and stoves for the first time for the winter holiday season. So, in addition to a chimney inspection and cleaning, keep these top tips in mind for preparing your fireplace to keep your holiday spirits warm and bright all season long.

  • Create a Fireplace Safety Zone: Ensure combustible items such as rugs, furniture, decorations, and toys are at least 3 feet away from the hearth.
  • Install Glass Fireplace Doors: Glass doors help prevent embers from escaping the fireplace while still providing an unobstructed view of the spectacular flames.
  • Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy: Mount a working fire extinguisher near the fireplace, and ensure all adults in the house know how to use it – just in case.
  • Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Check the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Test them every six months.
  • Source Seasoned Hard Woods from Local Suppliers: Only burn wood that has been properly seasoned (dried) for 6-12 months. Seasoned wood burns hotter and cleaner, producing less creosote. Using freshly chopped timber from your yard creates more smoke and creosote, due to its higher moisture content, which increases fire risk.
  • Never Leave Pets or Small Children Unattended: A hot fireplace or stove requires constant supervision to prevent accidents. It will also prevent pets from starting an accidental fire.
  • Always Extinguish the Flames Before Leaving or Retiring for Bed: Ensure the fire is completely out to prevent reignition when going to bed or leaving the house.
  • Practice An Escape Plan In Case of Fire: Review your family’s fire escape route and ensure everyone knows where to meet outside the house.
  • Consider Adding a Fireplace Insert: Consider upgrading your fireplace with an energy-efficient wood or pellet insert for more heat, lower heating costs, and a safer Thanksgiving fire.
  • Trim Tree Branches: Tree branches can fuel a fire if an ember lands on the roof, endangering nearby structures. Trim limbs so they are at least 10 feet away from your chimney.

Wood fireplace in Millis, MACall Horizon to Prep Your Chimney for Thanksgiving

Don’t forget about the chimney! Let the certified pros at Horizon Chimney Services inspect and clean your chimney, ensuring your fireplace, stove, and other heating appliances are ready for Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season. We proudly serve homeowners across the Metro West and Providence Triangle regions, including Worcester, MA; Foxborough, MA; Woonsocket, RI; and Seekonk, RI. Contact us today to schedule your chimney inspection and sweeping!