Fall Chimney Safety Checklist for Homeowners

With cooler weather approaching and peak fireplace season nearly here, it’s the perfect time to prepare your chimney for the busy burning season ahead and tackle any chimney maintenance needs. You may not realize there is more to maintaining your fireplace than simply cleaning out the ashes after burning a fire. Use our chimney safety checklist to make sure you’ve completed a thorough chimney inspection and that you’ll be ready — and safe — when it’s time to light the first fire.

Inspect the Chimney Exterior

The first thing that needs to be done in a chimney safety checklist is to inspect the chimney’s exterior. You may be able to do this from the ground, or you may need to get on the roof for a closer look. This is part of a typical chimney inspection from a certified chimney sweep, so if you don’t feel comfortable or have the safety apparatus to prevent falls, you can leave it for the professionals. 

When you inspect your chimney’s exterior, there are a few things that you will want to look for specifically, as they may be signs that indicate a larger problem. Take a look at your chimney’s masonry and examine it for any loose bricks, cracks in the mortar, or spalling of the bricks, as well as for missing mortar or damaged mortar. These problems indicate water damage, which can affect how your chimney functions, as well as how safe it is.

You’ll also want to look and see whether the chimney stack is upright and whether it has begun to lean, which would indicate a structural issue with the brick. You’ll also want to check your chimney cap and flashing to ensure they’re still intact. If you find there is any damage to the chimney’s exterior, you may need a masonry expert to address the issues with the brick and mortar. 

Check for Blockages and Debris

When it’s time to light the first fire of the season, the last thing you want to happen is to have smoke back up into your home, or worse, a chimney fire. That’s why checking for blockages and debris is near the top of the chimney safety checklist.

During any season, animals of all kinds, as well as birds, can enter a chimney and leave behind nesting and bedding materials. This debris, along with leaves or other debris, can block airflow, leading to a dangerous situation. Chimney swifts are a type of bird that so commonly enter chimneys that they were named after it! Other birds, squirrels, and even raccoons have been known to take up residence in a chimney.

Once the chimney is checked for debris, it should be thoroughly cleaned and a chimney cap installed to prevent the animals or birds from returning and leaving more debris in your chimney.

Inspect the Fireplace and Damper

Another area that needs to be reviewed as part of the chimney safety checklist is the fireplace and the damper, which allows smoke to flow out of the chimney and for fresh air to come in. You’ll want to ensure the damper is in good working order and has a good seal when it opens and closes.

Also, inspect the damper and firebox for any signs of rust, as it indicates moisture intrusion and water damage. If there is any rust detected, it is important to determine where water is getting in. If you only replace the part, the same thing may happen again. Your certified chimney sweep will be able to figure out what’s going on if you’re not sure, as well as address the issue.

Review Safe Fireplace Practices

If you’ve never owned a home with a fireplace or were never taught fireplace safety, you may not know the best practices. You should never burn anything other than properly seasoned and dried wood in your fireplace. Household items, garbage, and newsprint all burn hotter and dirtier than seasoned wood. This leads to dangerous creosote buildup, which could result in a chimney fire if it ignites. Protect your flooring from embers with a sturdy fireplace screen, and always keep flammable items away from the fireplace. 

Test Home Safety Devices

While it’s not part of the chimney itself, checking your home safety devices is absolutely a part of the chimney safety checklist because you have ot be able to rely on them! Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are in good working order, and replace the batteries as needed. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the expiration dates and replace any devices that have reached or passed expiration.

Schedule a Professional Chimney Inspection

Every homeowner with a chimney should have a professional chimney inspection each year. The professional inspection will allow for safe access to your chimney, with many even being able to get a look inside your chimney with a specialty camera. A professional chimney inspection can get a better look at your chimney and can suggest anything you might need to add to your personalized chimney safety checklist. 

Have the Chimney Cleaned

Every year, have a professional clean your chimney to remove ash, soot, and creosote buildup that may have accumulated during the burning season. Regular fireplace cleaning is important because the buildup of creosote, a byproduct of burning a fire, is a toxic, flammable substance that can start a fire in the walls of your chimney. If there’s only one thing you check off on your chimney safety checklist, make sure that your chimney is professionally cleaned and serviced before burning season!

Schedule Your Chimney Checkup Today!

If you want to keep your family safe and make sure all the items on your chimney safety checklist are complete, locate a reputable CSIA or National Chimney Sweep Guild member for a professional fireplace and chimney inspection and cleaning. Regular, professional maintenance will keep you and your family safe and enjoying your fireplace for years to come. Contact Valley Chimney Sweep and Restoration today to schedule your appointment!