The Causes of a Chimney Fire

Chimney fires can have a disastrous effect on your Indianapolis home. A chimney fire can cause extensive damage to your chimney, fireplace, and the entire house. Correcting the damage from a chimney fire takes a lot of time and money. 

Luckily, chimney fires are extremely preventable. With a few simple steps, you can drastically reduce the risk of a chimney fire. 

Before you can prevent one, you must know the causes of a chimney fire. Read on to find out more about why chimney fires happen and how to prevent them. 

What is a Chimney Fire?

As you might suspect, a chimney fire occurs inside your chimney. Chimney fires often become explosive, emitting loud noises and excessive smoke. However, some chimney fires may be slow-burning. Regardless, chimney fires reach a very very high heat that can greatly damage the chimney structure and your home. 

What Causes a Chimney Fire?

Chimney fires occur when there is creosote buildup on the inside of your chimney. Creosote naturally builds up, but there are conditions that increase the buildup and thus the likelihood of a chimney fire. The limited air supply will increase creosote formation, as well as burning unseasoned firewood. Unseasoned firewood takes a lot of energy to drive off trapped water, and the smoke going through your system is cooler, making it more likely to stick and make creosote. Cold flue temperatures also contribute to creosote buildup. Basically, creosote buildup is the culprit of chimney fires, and the way to prevent chimney fires is to remove it. 

How Can I Prevent a Chimney Fire?

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the single best way to prevent a chimney fire is with a yearly chimney sweep and inspection. A chimney sweep and inspection by a professional will remove any creosote buildup and catch and issues with your chimney before a chimney fire happens. 

The Brick + Ember Outfitters of Indianapolis is here to help you prevent chimney fires. We offer an affordable chimney sweep and inspection package and serve the greater Indianapolis area. Chimney fires are disastrous, but they are incredibly preventable. Learn more about our chimney sweep services or schedule your appointment today by contacting Brick + Ember Outfitters HERE.