Be Thankful for a Safe Chimney This Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a time for making note of all the things we’re thankful for. Celebrating the holiday is all about reconnecting with family and friends and kicking off a month-plus of holiday festivities. The Chimney Guys of Pataskala, OH, would like to express our thanks for our valued customers that we have the honor of serving. You’re the only reason we’re in business, and we appreciate each and every one of you.
We’d also like to take this time to share four useful tips on keeping your chimney, fireplace and holiday guests safe on Thanksgiving and throughout the rest of the holidays and beyond.
Thanksgiving safety tips
Have your chimney cleaned before the action starts
Don’t wait until the last minute to have your chimney cleaned. Get it done before Thanksgiving and enjoy peace of mind.
Chimney cleaning (or chimney sweeping) involves using specialized tools to remove stubborn creosote from your chimney flue. Creosote is highly flammable and causes most of the reported chimney fires throughout Ohio each year.
Proper cleaning also removes debris that can cause horrible odors and make smoke and deadly carbon monoxide back up into your room.
Safeguard the hearth area
A roaring fireplace is fun to look at, but it can also be dangerous for small children and pets. Consider investing in a sturdy fireplace screen to shield the firebox opening and prevent sparks and embers from landing on people and furnishings.
If you’ll be adding more seating to your main room for Thanksgiving, make sure to keep the chairs and tables at least ten feet away from the fireplace.
Have the chimney and fireplace inspected
Chimneys and fireplaces should be inspected once a year. If it’s been longer than that for yours, schedule a licensed inspection as part of your Thanksgiving preparation activities.
An inspection will look at all readily accessible areas of your chimney and fireplace and spot early signs of damage so you can have repairs made promptly. Your inspector will also check that your system is running correctly and efficiently.
Burn the right wood
Damp, unseasoned firewood will create too much smoke – possibly enough to spread into your room and annoy your holiday guests. The best wood for minimal smoking is wood that’s had at least six months to dry out.
For longer, steadier fires, go with hardwoods like oak, maple, hickory and elm. Avoid softwood varieties like pine, juniper and redwood, all of which burn fast and tend to produce a lot of smoke.
Remember: smoke is not only irritating to guests, it’s also the substance that turns into creosote in the chimney flue.
Get your chimney ready for the holidays
The Chimney Guys is ready to help with all your chimney and fireplace needs this holiday season. We provide:
- Expert chimney sweeping and creosote removal
- Removal of leaves, twigs, animal nests and other debris from your chimney flue
- Licensed inspections that check the chimney and fireplace for signs of damage and malfunction
- Complete chimney repairs, from the masonry and chimney liner to the chimney cap and fireplace damper
Let us help you get your chimney and fireplace ready for the busy holidays. Give us a call, or reach out with our simple contact form.
