My chimney is dirty

Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires which can cause severe damage. Fireplaces and wood stoves are designed to contain fires safely. The chimneys job is to expel the byproducts (water vapor, smoke, gases, etc.) that fire produces. The residue that these byproducts create that sticks to the inner walls of the chimney is called creosote. If creosote builds up significantly, and the internal flue temperature is high enough, the result could be a chimney fire.

• ​Clean chimneys don’t catch fire. We recommend that you have your chimney inspected annually, and cleaned on a regular basis.

Dirty chimneys can be a severe fire hazard. Keeping your chimney clean is a vital part of preventing chimney fires. The following signs indicate that your chimney is in need of cleaning:

• Burned wood odors coming from the fireplace
• Fires that burn poorly
• Smoke entering the home
• A black damper

The chimneys job is to expel the byproducts (water vapor, smoke, gases, etc.) that fire produces. The residue these byproducts create that sticks to the inner walls of the chimney is called creosote. Creosote can prevent proper venting of the chimney system, causing dangerous fumes to enter the home.

There are other forms of blockage besides creosote such as bird’s nests, leaves, and other debris.

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends having chimneys inspected annually.

Source: Chimney Sweep Raleigh NC | Chimney Sweep Charlotte NC