Everyone has probably heard the one about the jolly, plump man in the red suit who somehow makes his way down every home’s chimney each Christmas – even those without chimneys. However, there are probably several other chimney myths you have run across, but these you might have mistaken for facts. That could end up leaving your home and everyone inside in danger.
1. After I have a metal liner installed, I no longer need regular chimney inspections.
Not quite. A metal liner can help to solve certain chimney problems, but you face two problems if you forgo having regular inspections. One: your warranty could very well be void if you do not continue with regular inspections. Two: the inside of your chimney will accumulate creosote and other problems that could lead to a home fire if not inspected and cleaned. Inspections can also catch any repairs that need to be made to the liner or other parts of your chimney.
2. Burning pine and other soft woods will cause creosote damage.
While pine does contain more sap than other types of wood, studies have shown it is not the cause of creosote buildup in chimneys. Wood that does tend to cause problems, however, is green wood. Also, burning fires at low temperatures can leave damaged wood on the chimney. Only use dry and seasoned wood (takes about one year to dry out) to burn in your fireplace.
3. If I don’t use my fireplace regularly (or at all), I do not need an annual inspection.
The thing with chimneys is that problems arise any time of the year and for several other reasons than lighting fires. Some problems to consider are animals nesting in the structure, cracks forming in the masonry, or water and moisture issues. The expense of having a chimney sweep visit your home is considerable less than that of having repairs made to your chimney. Also, if for some reason you did decide to light a fire after missing one or more annual chimney inspections, you could face a serious fire.
Resources: Smoke Signals
Read for More Information:
- Four Common Problems That Require a Chimney Sweep
- Does Your Chimney Need Repairs
- Does Your Chimney Liner Need Replacing
Wells & Sons Chimney Service offers a full range of chimney cleaning services to the Allentown, Norristown, Lansdale, Pottstown, Berwyn, Boyertown, and surrounding PA areas. Chimney cleaning services include levels 1 thru 3 chimney inspections, and chimney sweeps using a high-velocity ROVAC vaccuum.