Chimney Frequently Asked Questions

"Why does my chimney need to be inspected?"

The 1996 report issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission states that there were well over 39,000 fires caused by chimneys burning wood, with an additional 19,000 caused by furnace chimney systems burning gas, oil, or other liquid fuels. The result was over 360 million dollars in property damage, 1380 injuries, and 300 deaths. These statistics by themselves are shocking enough. However, they do not include a very large number of carbon monoxide illnesses and deaths caused by blocked, damaged, or deteriorated chimney systems that malfunction purely because of consumer ignorance and neglect. Contrary to whatever you may have heard or read in the past, all masonry chimneys and prefabricated metal flues, whether used for burning wood or to vent gas or oil fumes from a furnace, are an important part of your home's heating system. These chimney and flue systems must undergo a regular schedule of cleaning, inspection, and preventive maintenance performed by a chimney professional.

"How often should my chimney or metal flue be inspected?"

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends having wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, chimney connectors and all other solid-fueled heating equipment inspected every year by a professional, and cleaned as often as the inspections suggest. Common causes of heating home fires are: lack of regular cleaning, leading to creosote build-up, in wood-burning devices and associated chimneys and connectors. Click this link to open a new window about causes of chimney fires: http://www.csia.org/homeowners/chimfire.htm

"What Exactly Is The NFPA 211 Manual You Keep Referring To?"

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an internationally recognized codes and standards organization.They publish the NFPA 211 manual, "The Standard For Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel Burning Applicances", which is acknowledged throughout the United States as the written authority. It is 1 of the primary manuals used by the National Chimney Sweeps Guild in conjunction with the Chimney Safety Institute Of America in both the education and testing of chimney sweeps desiring to attain national certification. Click this link to open a new window to the National Fire Protection Association website: http://www.nfpa.org