Dangers!

3 Signs of a Chimney Fire

On average, there are roughly 25,000 chimney fires every year, causing more than $125 million in damage. Still, many homeowners don’t realize that they need to have chimney inspections performed regularly. It’s very likely that you’ve had a chimney fire and haven’t even noticed. That’s where the team at Chimney Champions comes in. We can inspect the entire structure of your chimney and tell you whether or not you’ve experienced a fire in your chimney.

1. Puffy Creosote Deposits

When creosote burns, it leaves deposits within your chimney that heat and expand, leading to a puffy residue. Because fires in your fireplace can get extremely hot, these puffy creosote deposits are subject to fire. If you have a substantial buildup of creosote in your chimney, then you’ve likely had a chimney fire without realizing it. That’s why you should have your chimney swept and inspected regularly. 

2. Damaged Flue Tiles

Many homes have clay flue tiles, since clay is rated as one of the most fire-retardant materials available. Still, some chimney fires can burn as hot as 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is too hot for clay. Under this amount of heat, your flue tiles can crack, which then exposes your home to a potential house fire. Fire leaving the chimney can escape through these little cracks that you’ve ignored, resulting in a lost home. 

3. Cracks in the Exterior Masonry

Like your clay flue tiles, the exterior bricks are also subject to faults and cracks if you’ve had a chimney fire. A quick glance will be able to confirm that you have cracks, but whether or not they’re due to a fire should be determined by a professional. If you notice a crack in your bricks, you should call in professional chimney sweeps to take a look. Cracks in the exterior also make way for potential house fires and will only further damage your chimney and fireplace. 

Prevent Chimney Fires

When it comes to responsible home ownership and taking care of your chimney, you must have it inspected and cleaned regularly. Dirty chimneys not only put your home at risk for a house fire, but they also put the structure of your chimney at risk. Residents throughout Jacksonville, FL, know this, and they rely on the professional chimney sweeps and inspectors from Chimney Champions. When the proper inspections, repairs, and cleanings are done, we can help you prevent future chimney fires. Schedule your appointment online or give us a call at (904) 268-7200. 

Chimney Champions

Recent Posts

3 Ways to Improve Chimney Airflow

Ensuring your chimney is in top-notch condition is a high priority for every homeowner. A…

17 hours ago

4 Reasons to Get a Chimney Inspection Following a Hurricane

Hurricanes are a familiar threat to us, with high winds and relentless rain posing a…

4 weeks ago

How to Get the Smell of Smoke Out of Your Home

There's nothing like cozying up to a crackling fire on a chilly evening. But your…

2 months ago

4 Types of Chimney Hurricane Damage to Watch For

As a Floridian homeowner, preparing for the potential damage hurricanes can cause to your property…

3 months ago

How Often Should You Have Your Chimney Inspected?

As a homeowner, it's important to take care of your chimney to ensure the safety…

4 months ago

3 Ways to Tell if Your Chimney Is Leaking

As a homeowner in Jacksonville, FL, staying on top of home maintenance tasks is no…

5 months ago