Safety chimney sweep guidelines
ANNUAL INSPECTION IS A MUST
Have your chimneys inspected annually and swept if needed. If the chimney (fireplace & furnace/water heater/flue) is clean and free of obstructions, there is less danger of a chimney fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
KEEP IT CLEAN AND CLEAR
Make sure that the top of the chimney is free and clear of tree branches, ivy, or overhanging branches. Keep all furniture and combustible furnishings at least 36 inches away from the fireplace or wood stove. Exposure to heat can lower the ignition
temperature of combustible items over time, and they can catch fire.
CAP YOUR CHIMNEY
Have a chimney cap installed on all of the flues. New chimney caps are usually constructed of stainless steel and do not rust. They keep out rain, birds, raccoons, squirrels, leaves and other debris that could obstruct the flow of flue gases in your chimney.
BE CAREFUL WITH WHAT YOU BURN
Well-seasoned hardwood yields the most Btu’s (heat) for your fireplace or wood stove. Never burn colored paper such as magazines or wrapping paper. Don’t burn plastic; never burn painted, stained or treated wood – the fumes are poisonous. Don’t use your fireplace as an incinerator to burn pizza boxes, Christmas trees or stacks of paper or cardboard.
SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS ARE A MUST
Some of the newer units will detect both smoke and carbon monoxide, but both types should be installed throughout the home. Optimum placement is on the ceiling because that is where the smoke and carbon monoxide will be. Plugging in units are convenient but near the floor is not ideal.
SCREENS & DOORS
Have a fireplace screen or set of glass doors with a screen in front of your fireplace during operation. Flying sparks from sappy wood can burn holes in your carpet or furniture. Remember, if you have glass doors, they must be open during the operation of your fireplace, do not close them if a fire is burning. The glass is not rated for those temperatures and the fire will be starved for oxygen and may smoke up the home. A fireplace screen will also help to keep children and pets safely away from the fire.
Contact us
If our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep determines that your chimney needs swept, we will take the utmost care to keep your living space completely clean. Proudly Serving Mercer County, Somerset County, Hunterdon County, & Surrounding Areas.
St John Chimney Sweeps Address 1613 Reed Rd D1, Pennington, NJ 08534
Website http://www.stjohnchimneysweeps.com/
Email: stjohnchimneysweeps@verizon.net Phone Number: (609) 737-0133