It is essential to take the necessary precautions and check the internal state of the chimney. Summer’s hot and cold weather causes corrosion of the steel parts and increases formation of creosote deposits accumulated on the chimney walls, which can eventually completely obstruct the conduit: this is when a chimney fire occurs. Here are some tips to properly maintain your fireplace.
- Have the chimney swept by a professional after burning five cords of wood if you use your chimney a lot; otherwise, at least once a year, preferably in the spring.
- In the fall, examine your chimney using a small mirror to make sure no debris has clogged it during the summer (bird’s nest, piece that has become detached, etc.).
- Do not rely on logs or powder additives designed to clean flues. These products only remove 60% of creosote, whereas chimney sweeps generally remove 75% to 90%. Do not attempt to set fire to the chimney to remove creosote. The whole house could take fire.
- Any building chimney connected to a heat generating unit fueled by solid or liquid fuel must be swept as often as is justified by its use, but at least once a year or as recommended of the manufacturer.
Information
Ministère de la Sécurité publique (in French)