Take Care Of Your Chimney

Happy Holidays

It’s that time of year for your chimney to get lots of action. Here is a fun and helpful post to get you prepared for those cozy fires and that visit from Santa Clause.

We will start with the magic that surrounds Santa Claus. He rides around in a sleigh pulled by a team of reindeer, he makes millions of toys at his workshop in the North Pole, and he comes down the chimney to deliver your presents. But why does Santa come down the chimney to leave those gifts instead of using simpler means, like the front door? Let’s go back more than 500 hundred years in history to find out.

The legend of Santa Claus, who’s based on the Christian bishop Saint Nicholas, dates back centuries, but the modern depiction of Santa—chimney and all—started to take form in the 19th century. In 1809  Knickerbocker’s History of New York, the writer and historian describes Saint Nicholas as a man who is seen “riding jollily among the tree tops, or over the roofs of the houses, now and then drawing forth magnificent presents from his breeches pockets, and dropping them down the chimneys of his favorites.”

But the idea to have Santa drop gifts down chimneys didn’t come out of thin air. The concept that magical creatures enter homes through chimneys actually comes from the 1400s, when there was a widespread belief—and fear—that witches could pass through solid objects to enter homes.

In 1486, one of the most thorough books on witchcraft was written. To help ease the public’s anxiety, the writers wrote that witches instead entered houses through chimneys or windows.

Since then, the chimney has become a common symbol within European folklore, linking the earthly world with the supernatural. In Scottish legend, the brownie is a creature who enters through the chimney and aids in household chores while families are sleeping. In Irish lore, there’s the bodach, an evil creature who slips in through the chimney to kidnap children. And in Italian folklore, there’s La Befana, who rides on a broomstick to deliver candy to good children, entering their homes through chimneys.

As stories were passed down over the centuries, it became common for mythical creatures to enter homes through the chimney. So, the decision to include Santa on the list of chimney-climbing characters wasn’t so out of the question.

And it didn’t take long for the legend to grow and stick. With help from Clement C. Moore’s 1822 poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” (“‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”). “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care / In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there,” Now we don’t even think twice about how that jolly fellow is going to make his way in to drop off our goodies. Every movie we see has its special way of depicting how the chimney magic works.

Now on to part 2 of this post, the practical information. Our chimneys are much more than just that once a year highway tunnel from our roof tops to under our Christmas trees for the big guy.  Your chimney severs a very serious and important job. Let’s see what the definition has to tell us about this.

 CHIMNEY -a vertical channel or pipe that conducts smoke and combustion gases up from a fire or furnace and typically through the roof of a building.

And we thought Santa Clause having his own private entrance was important. The job of your chimney to get the dangerous gasses out of your home is obviously one of the most important things going on in your home during the cold season. When have you checked you chimney last?

How to Clean a Chimney

Whether you do it yourself or call in a pro, caring for your fireplace is a critical annual chore. Learn why it is important to regularly clean your chimney and get the tips you need to keep your home safe.

Taking care of your chimney is essential maintenance. Annual care can help prolong the life of your chimney flue and firebox. It can also help identify issues before they become severe. If you have roof access and can safely reach your chimney, you may be able to perform annual cleaning yourself; however, it’s always best to hire a certified chimney sweep for routine inspections.

Signs That Your Chimney Needs Cleaning

The more often you use your fireplace, the easier it becomes to recognize when something is unusual. If you begin to notice any of these signs, refrain from using your fireplace until you can get it cleaned and inspected:

• A heightened smell of smoke or smoke visibly fills the room.
• Fire takes longer to light, goes out quickly, or inconsistently burns.
• The damper is black with soot or creosote. Advanced creosote damage can also look glossy or oily.
• Creosote in the chimney is thicker than 1/8 inch.
• Damage to or absence of the fireplace cap (without the cap, animals or birds may nest in your flue causing blockages or chimney fires).

When Should I Have My Chimney Cleaned?

Annual chimney cleanings and inspections are recommended for most homeowners. It’s best to schedule your inspection in the spring or at the end of your burning season because the creosote can damage mortar if it sits on there for a while. Plus, residual creosote can produce strong smells during humid summer days.

Most people have a tendency to wait until fall to get an inspection or cleaning. Chimney cleaning companies can get very busy leading into the colder months, so many sweeps recommend scheduling early so that any cleaning and maintenance can be performed ahead of cold weather.

Chimney sweeps come insured and are equipped with an assortment of special tools and brushes. They can also use cameras to get close-up views of the condition inside the chimney. Their efforts go beyond dusting soot. An inspection will audit your chimney cap to ensure there are no issues with deteriorating stone or mortar. A good inspector will also look at the smoke chamber and shelf, the damper and the condition of the firebox itself. Having a professional inspection offers peace of mind to those who frequently enjoy getting cozy on cold evenings.

Can I Clean My Own Chimney?

Cleaning a chimney isn’t a chore for everyone, but many homeowners do take steps to clean their own flue and firebox. With the right tools and an understanding of your chimney’s construction, anyone can learn how to perform simple maintenance to reduce soot and creosote buildup. If it’s difficult to access the top of your chimney or you have reservations about your ability to clean the fireplace due to possible deterioration, hire a certified chimney sweep. Whether or not you choose to DIY your chimney cleaning, scheduling an annual inspection with a certified chimney sweep is still essential.

How to Keep Your Chimney in Great Shape

Avoid burning wet or unseasoned wood because it will cause creosote build-up within the chimney.

If you chop your own logs and you’re not sure if your wood is dry enough, invest in a moisture meter.

Burn a creosote reduction log once every season (or every 40 fires).

Keep your damper closed between fires in your wood-burning fireplace.

Do I Need a Chimney Sweep for a Gas Fireplace?

While gas fireplace inserts help homeowners avoid the maintenance associated with creosote from woodburning logs, an annual inspection is still necessary to ensure that the system is working efficiently and without risk.

An inspector will check the system to make sure the exhaust is functioning and that the firewalls are containing the flame. Deteriorating artificial logs can cause build-up on the chimney walls and contribute to vent clogs. Nesting from animals can also contribute to blockages if the chimney cap is missing or damaged. Blocked chimneys in gas fireplaces can cause carbon monoxide to enter the home.