Ashbusters Chimney Service

Whether you burn wood or fire logs, flammable particles are created and carried up with the smoke. These particles can settle along your chimney liner and cause a chimney fire, which can easily spread to other areas of your home through cracks in the liner. By scheduling regular cleanings, you’ll help ensure that dangerous levels of these flammable particles don’t build up on your chimney’s walls and lead to a dangerous chimney fire.

If your fireplace is smoking, check for these things: Creosote buildup, animals and nesting materials, or other flue blockages. The best way to handle these things is to have your chimney professionally cleaned. A closed damper. A closed damper will trap the smoke and force it to re-enter your home. Make sure your damper is opened and working properly. A flue that is too small for your appliance. Take a 4-6” wide piece of aluminum foil and place it above your fireplace opening. If the smoke stops or the problem lessens, you may want to have a Smoke Guard or a draft induction fan installed. Chimney height. If your chimney is not the tallest thing around, you may need to have your chimney extended.

Most chimney odor problems are a result of creosote paired with humidity. The simple solution is to have your chimney cleaned. You may also need to utilize baking soda, kitty litter, or a commercial chimney deodorant. Be sure to have your chimney checked for leaks as well and ask about a top-mounted damper.

If you have a chimney fire, call the fire department and evacuate your home. Do not use your chimney and fireplace until it has been professionally inspected and cleared for use.

The NFPA recommends that you get your chimney inspected annually, and swept as needed. Preferably by a reputable company that employs CSIA certified chimney sweeps.

Ashbusters Chimney Service’s technicians are all proud to be certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). And you can be sure that with the documented ongoing education that is necessary to maintain personal technician’s certifications, that they are well versed in the latest safety standards set forth in the National Fire Prevention Association’s standards (NFPA), as well as the International Residential Code’s standards (IRC) for Wood & Gas burning fireplaces and flues.

It is considerate to have decorations and valuables removed from the hearth area or from around the floor directly in front of and to the sides of the fireplace, before your CSIA certified sweep arrives. Also please refrain from having a wood fire for at least 24 hours prior.

The process can usually take an hour to an hour and a half.