Fireplace Safety Tips for the Holidays

A crackling fire adds a special kind of warmth and glow during the holiday season. If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, now is a good time to review some important safety reminders with your family and guests. Doing so will keep your festivities joyful and bright, protecting your home and loved ones throughout the holidays and beyond.

1. Only Burn Seasoned Firewood.

Burning green or unseasoned wood causes excess smoke and increases creosote buildup in your chimney. Burn seasoned hardwoods like oak, maple, or birch instead. These burn more efficiently and produce less soot, keeping your fire safer and cleaner.

2. Hang Your Stockings With Care.

Seasonal decorations will enhance the look of your fireplace, but place them at least three feet away to keep your home and family safe.

3. Don’t Burn Your Wrapping Paper.

As tempting as it may be to toss crumpled wrapping paper into your fireplace, save it for the trash or recycle bin. Gift wrap and other ink-colored paper can release toxic gasses when burned. The paper also burns so quickly that it can enter your chimney and ignite creosote deposits in the flue, causing a fire.

4. Never Leave a Fire Unattended.

The holidays can be a busy (and exhausting) time of year. Don’t leave your home or go to bed until the fire is completely extinguished. Use a fireplace poker to spread out the embers and let them cool.

5. Avoid Overloading Your Fireplace.

Remind well-meaning guests not to overload your fireplace. A large, roaring fire might seem like a good idea, but it can create excess heat, causing increased creosote production and cracks in your masonry. Stick with a small, manageable fire instead.

6. Use Caution When Disposing of Ashes.

Did you know that ashes can retain heat for hours, even days after a fire is extinguished? Always dispose of them in a metal container with a secure lid. Keep the container outdoors and away from your home or any combustible materials.

7. Install and Maintain Safety Devices.

• Ensure your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order. Test them regularly, replacing batteries as needed. 

• Keep a fire extinguisher in your home and ensure everyone who lives with you knows how to use it.  

• If you don’t already have one, install a fireplace safety screen to stop sparks from flying into your home and prevent pets and small children from getting too close.

  
  

Stay Warm and Safe This Holiday Season.

Follow these fireplace safety tips to ensure a warm, memorable, and safe holiday season. And if you haven’t had a chimney cleaning and inspection this year, be sure to contact our CSIA-certified chimney professionals to schedule an appointment. An annual cleaning and inspection is the best way to ensure your chimney works safely and efficiently.

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6 Signs Your Chimney Flashing Needs Replacing

Chimney flashing is a critical but often overlooked component of your chimney system. It seals the gap between your chimney and roof, protecting your home from costly water damage. Properly installed chimney flashing can last 30 or more years, depending on the quality of materials used. But once your chimney flashing starts to deteriorate, it leaves your home vulnerable to leaks and structural issues. If you see any of these signs, it's time to replace your chimney flashing.

1. Water Stains or Leaks Inside Your Home

A water stain on the ceiling or wall near your chimney is a telltale sign that your flashing might have failed. Any water coming through the damaged flashing can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and other costly repairs.

2. Visible Rust or Corrosion

When metal chimney flashing shows signs of rust or corrosion, it can no longer provide a watertight seal, making your home susceptible to leaks. 

3. Cracks in the Flashing

New England’s harsh weather conditions and temperature fluctuations can make aluminum or galvanized steel flashing crack over time, breaking the water-tight seal.

4. Detached Flashing

Strong winds or improper installation can cause chimney flashing to pull away from your roof or chimney. These gaps need to be addressed immediately to prevent further damage.

5. Older Homes

Even if there are no visible issues, older flashing may lack the strength to withstand New Hampshire’s challenging weather conditions, putting your roof, chimney, and home at risk.

6. Dried or Deteriorated Sealant

The sealant that secures the flashing can dry out or deteriorate over time, leaving it loose and ineffective.

Why Timely Replacement Matters

Damaged flashing allows water to weaken your roof, damage your home, and encourage mold growth. If your chimney flashing is showing signs of trouble, it’s important to replace now it to avoid costly repairs down the road.

Chimney Flashing Repair and Replacement in NH & MA

If you notice any of the warning signs above, please contact us, and we’ll come take a look at your chimney flashing. The best way to ensure that all of your chimney components are working safely and efficiently is to have an annual chimney inspection. Contact our CSIA-certified team to schedule your appointment today!

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7 Things You Should NEVER Burn in Your Fireplace

Fall is officially here, and as the temperatures continue to drop, many of us are seeking the warmth and comfort of our fireplaces. But before you stoke the fire, we’d like to remind you that some things are unsuitable for burning. Avoiding these items will help you prevent dangerous fires, maintain a safe home environment, and ensure the longevity of your chimney. Here’s a rundown of seven things you should NEVER burn in your fireplace.

1. Plastic and Synthetic Materials

Plastic, rubber, and synthetic materials can create hazardous fumes when burned. These materials can release toxic chemicals, including dioxins and heavy metals, which harm your health and the environment. In addition, burning plastics can cause dangerous creosote buildup in your chimney, increasing the risk of a chimney fire.

2. Treated or Painted Wood

Painted or chemically-treated wood should never be burned in your fireplace. The chemicals used in treating and painting wood can emit harmful fumes and produce toxic creosote buildup. This not only poses a health risk but can also lead to dangerous chimney fires. Opt for untreated, natural firewood to ensure a clean and safe burn.

3. Cardboard and Paper Products

While tossing cardboard boxes or old newspapers into your fireplace might be tempting, these items quickly burn at high temperatures, causing unpredictable flames that can ignite nearby combustibles. Additionally, burning paper products can contribute to excessive ash and creosote buildup, which can clog your chimney and lead to a chimney fire. 

4. Food Waste

Throwing waste like food scraps, pizza boxes, and greasy containers into your fireplace is a major no-no. These materials can produce unpleasant odors, create excessive smoke, and cause a messy build-up in your fireplace and chimney. Food waste can also attract pests and critters to your chimney—another problem you want to avoid.

5. Household Trash

Household trash, including batteries, electronics, and old clothing, should never be burned in your fireplace. These materials can release harmful chemicals and cause dangerous flare-ups. Burning trash can also lead to corrosive ash and residue buildup, damaging your fireplace and chimney over time.

6. Coal

While coal was a popular heating fuel in the past, it is not suitable for modern fireplaces. Burning coal can produce dangerous gases and excessive amounts of soot and ash.  

7. Unseasoned Wood

Using unseasoned or wet wood in your fireplace is a recipe for disaster. Unseasoned wood burns inefficiently, causing excess smoke and creosote build-up. This buildup can obstruct airflow and increase the risk of a chimney fire.

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What About Accelerants?

NEVER start your fireplace with an accelerant such as lighter fluid, kerosene, or gasoline. These are all highly flammable and can spread significant, unexpected fire flare-ups into your home.

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Keeping Safe in the Burning Season

Keeping your fireplace safe and functional requires smart choices about what you burn. Avoiding the items noted above will keep your home and family safe and extend the lifespan of your heating system.  If you have questions about your fireplace and chimney, contact the CCP-certified chimney sweeps at Admiralty Chimney. We provide chimney cleanings, inspections, and repairs in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts.

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