">HomeOwnerNut

There seems to be a shortage of common sense among some homeowners when it comes to fireplace safety. I’m not trying to take Smokey Bear’s job. But knowing how to use a fireplace safely and having it cleaned routinely just seems logical to me. I’ve been in a fire where the built-up creosote in a heating stove pipe went up like Michael Jackson’s afro hairdo.  Not fun and definitely not pretty. The roar alone will terrify you to your bones.

Welcome to Moronville

Here’s a prime example of idiocy at the level of high fidelity. Wonder how Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire” sounds through the woofers.

Heat Wave

Perhaps this chimney needed care. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, just a half inch of creosote build-up in a masonry chimney restricts air flow by 17%, or up to 30% for a pre-fab chimney.  The institute reports that 25,400 fires in 2006 were caused by chimney obstructions or built-up creosote.

Creosote, What Creosote?

All fireplaces and chimneys build up creosote, a natural byproduct of burning wood fires or stereo speakers. The substance heats up to 2,000 degrees and bursts into flames that crack chimney tiles and hurtle across your roof like a ravenous beast.  If your chimney interior looks like this, don’t make any life plans for next year.

Arrest Yourself

Here in California, you’re required to have a spark arrester—a chimney screen that’s resistant to corrosion and fire.  Some homeowners like to add a spark arrester cap that still allows smoke and heat to escape the chimney while it protects the interior from falling debris or rain deterioration.

Clean Up Your Act

Okay fellow pyros, enjoy yourselves, but keep your chimney clean. How often should you inspect it? The National Fire Protection Agency recommends an annual inspection and a cleaning every 2-3 years, or after you burn a cord of wood. The U.S. Fire Administration blames 36 percent of all residential conflagrations a year on heating fires.  If you’re burning cardboard boxes or hacking up your Klipsch woofer for kindling, by all means stop!

Oh, and remove all leaves and twigs that land on the roof near your chimney, and stack that outdoor firewood at least 30 feet away from your house. There! I’m done!