FIREPLACE SAFETY TIPS
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SWEEP YOUR CHIMNEY TO AVOID CREOSOTE
BUILD-UP Creosote is a highly flammable substance and the smallest ember can set it alight. As the creosote and soot builds up in your flue the entire fire stops operating like it should. Your fire will produce less heat and you may get smoke and gases entering the room. This creates a health risk for you and your family. If you don’t regularly get your chimney cleaned, your flue system will not last as long. Creosote and soot contain corrosive chemicals and trap moisture against the side of the flue, causing the entire flue system to corrode. |
WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A SPARK ARRESTOR
We can provide you with a spark arrestor to ensure your house is safe from fire. A spark arrestor prevents the emission of flammable debris from your fireplace. It is required by law in many countries. Spark arrestors are fitted to the top of a flue or a chimney pot, to prevent floating embers setting alight to your roof. It typically consists of a double-layer of metal mesh which catches the amber and allows the flue gas to escape. |
IS YOUR FIRE NOT DRAWING PROPERLY?
This is usually the result of a cold or obstructed flue or insufficient height relative to the ridge of the roof or an adjacent building. Large unnecessary voids at the base of your chimney may also stop the fire drawing properly.
IS YOUR FIRE CREATING EXCESSIVE SOOT?
This can be the result of a lazy and inefficient flue. Your flue may not be the right diameter for the fire or stove, or it may not be properly insulated, meaning fumes do not rise fast enough and soot deposits are created. Excessive soot and tar can be a real fire hazard, particularly if the chimney structure has deteriorated.
DO YOU HAVE MORTAR FALLING INTO YOUR FIREPLACE?
Bits of brick or mortar falling down the flue indicate a serious deterioration in the chimney structure. This deterioration normally occurs from the inside of the flue but it might also indicate weakness on the outside of the chimney.
DOES YOUR CHIMNEY BREAST FEEL HOT?
This means that the chimney has deteriorated and may be dangerous. If stains also appear on the chimney breast this is a sign that tar or acids have condensed and are eating into the chimney mortar and brickwork.
This is usually the result of a cold or obstructed flue or insufficient height relative to the ridge of the roof or an adjacent building. Large unnecessary voids at the base of your chimney may also stop the fire drawing properly.
IS YOUR FIRE CREATING EXCESSIVE SOOT?
This can be the result of a lazy and inefficient flue. Your flue may not be the right diameter for the fire or stove, or it may not be properly insulated, meaning fumes do not rise fast enough and soot deposits are created. Excessive soot and tar can be a real fire hazard, particularly if the chimney structure has deteriorated.
DO YOU HAVE MORTAR FALLING INTO YOUR FIREPLACE?
Bits of brick or mortar falling down the flue indicate a serious deterioration in the chimney structure. This deterioration normally occurs from the inside of the flue but it might also indicate weakness on the outside of the chimney.
DOES YOUR CHIMNEY BREAST FEEL HOT?
This means that the chimney has deteriorated and may be dangerous. If stains also appear on the chimney breast this is a sign that tar or acids have condensed and are eating into the chimney mortar and brickwork.