How to Avoid Chimney Fires

 

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 32,200 home heating fires were reported to fire departments within the United States. These fires caused an estimated 190 deaths, 625 injuries and $442 million in property loss.  Home heating fires account for 500 deaths per year.

There are over 25,000 chimney fires in the U.S. annually, and three out of 10 house fires (44,000) are related to heating appliances. For this reason alone, it is important to keep chimneys maintained, but performance problems can also arise that are not related to hostile fires.

Note: A "Friendly Fire" is one that is intended such as a fire in the fireplace or a candle burning. It becomes a "Hostile Fire" when it reaches beyond its intended location.

ALL OF THESE FIRES ARE PREVENTABLE

It is important to remember that ALL wood creates creosote, even hardwoods. The creosote must be removed by brushing with a special wire chimney brush for tile flue liners, or a poly brush for stainless steel flue liners or metal chimney pipe. The wrong type of brush can damage metal liners.

Chimneys should be swept when there is 1/8" or more of creosote on the flue walls. This is difficult to see, so another rule of thumb is to have the chimney swept annually for open fireplaces or at least twice seasonally for inserts or freestanding stoves.

How to prevent chimney fires

• Have the chimney swept regularly by a professional chimney sweep, who will also inspect the chimney to be sure it is in good working order.
• Use only dry wood (check with a moisture meter) that has been seasoned for a minimum of 6 months.
• Never burn dry Christmas trees, wrapping paper, or newspaper as these items often cause fires.
• The use of a "Chimney sweeping log" may result in a chimney fire since it detaches creosote from the flue walls and brings it closer to the fireplace, but does not remove the creosote.
• Use inserts and freestanding wood-burning stoves according to the manufacturer's instructions by leaving the door closed during burning, and regulating air intake so it does not overfire the stove. Overheating can ignite creosote in the pipe or flue without direct flame.

Most chimney fires are not detected by the homeowner

Chimney fire damage is usually detected by a chimney sweep during sweeping and inspection. Telltale signs are broken flue liners, blown out mortar joints, buckled metal liners or pipe, white hot spots, and burnt honeycomb creosote. There may also be expansion breaks in masonry. With this in mind, we estimate that there are 10 times the official reported totals!

While there are chimney fire signs to watch out for such as a loud wooshing or freight train sound and flames shooting out the top of the chimney, chimney fires are usually of short duration and not noticed while people are out of the room.

Damaged chimney flue liners can allow Carbon Monoxide, creosote, and smoke to escape into the area outside the liner and possibly into the house, making a damaged chimney a potential hazard. This is why it is so important to have regular inspections completed.

For more information visit www.chimkc.com

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Marge Padgit is a veteran chimney contractor, writer, and podcast host. Contact her at margepadgitt@gmail.com

HearthMasters Celebrates 40 Years in Business

 

Local Chimney Company Celebrates Forty Years in Business   HearthMasters, Inc. is celebrating forty years in business. Gene Padgitt started the company in 1982 as a one-man chimney sweeping operation, which has grown to become a chimney and fireplace restoration business with multiple employees.   Independence, Missouri, December 9, 2022   Gene Padgitt was laid off from Safeway Foods in the summer of 1982 and was looking for work when he ran across an ad in Mother Earth News Magazine which looked appealing. The ad said a person could earn as much as $49 to sweep a chimney after purchasing $1,600 in equipment, which included a huge vacuum system by August West. Gene consulted with his future brother-in-law, Frank Kithcart, who worked as a chimney sweep in Seattle, and Frank encouraged him to make the plunge. In his first season as a chimney sweep Gene made $10,000 after placing a single ad. It was then that he knew he was onto something that could turn into a full-time profitable business, however, Gene also realized that he didn’t know as much as he needed to, and there was more to it that just sweeping chimneys. In 1986 Marge Padgitt joined the company and took over writing reports and estimates, and marketing. They both attended educational seminars and training by the National Chimney Sweep Guild and other industry organizations and got certified by the Chimney Safety Institute. Together, Gene and Marge built the company with additional employees and services which include diagnosis of performance problems, restoration and building of masonry chimneys, fireplaces, brick ovens, masonry heaters, and more. They do residential, commercial, and government work. Gene is one of only a 32 Certified Heater Masons in the world and has won over a dozen awards for his masonry work. He also specializes in historic chimney restoration, which is quite different than modern chimney restoration. Gene obtained a degree in Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling in 1986, and is an NFI Certified Gas Specialist. He began doing fire investigations in 1996 for a local fire marshal and obtained his State Certified Private Fire Investigator License shortly after. He is the only PFI who specializes in structural fires related to chimneys, fireplaces, and heating appliances in Missouri, Kansas, and other neighboring states, so is in big demand by insurance companies and forensic companies. Marge Padgitt is a Missouri licensed Private Investigator. She is very active in the chimney industry and served on the board of directors for the Midwest Chimney Safety Council for 25 years; and on the board of directors for the National Chimney Sweep Guild; the Midwest Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association; and the Masonry Heater Association of North America. Marge published the MCSC Magazine and her own Wood-Fired Magazine. She is the author of over 250 articles which appeared in magazines and online newspapers nationwide. She has presented free chimney safety seminars to local homeowner groups and associations for many years. Marge wrote “The Chimney and Hearth Pro’s Resource Book,” and “Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking,” which Gene consulted on. She has more books in the works and will bring a new show to her YouTube Channel in January 2023 called “The Chimney Lady.” The show will focus on chimney, fireplace, and heating appliance safety, maintenance, and use. The Padgitts have maintained an office in Independence, Missouri since 1987. Long-term lead employees include Maria McKenzie, Tony Gross, and Ron Schmidt. HearthMasters, Inc. is the only chimney restoration company that holds a Master Mechanical License, which is required in most cities in the greater Kansas City area to do relining of chimneys or installation of hearth appliances.   Contact: Marge Padgitt Email: office@chimkc.com Cell: 816-365-9492

Gene showing a customer what the inside of his chimney looks like by using a chimney camera system.

Marge and Gene Padgitt

Gene Padgitt in his tuxedo with his Karmann Ghia in the 1984 Raytown parade Gene working on an historical chimney in Northeast Kansas City

Historical chimney restoration project on a Queen Anne Victorian home in NE Kansas City Custom built stone masonry heater built by Gene Padgitt

Everything you need to know about Wood-Fired appliances Wood-Fired Heating & Cooking is a guide for homeowners, preppers, and homesteaders who are planning to install a wood-fired heating appliance, improve their existing masonry fireplace, or install a wood-fired cooking appliance. Industry veterans Gene and Marge Padgitt explain how each type of appliance works and how to properly locate, operate, and maintain them. Heating appliances covered in this book are masonry fireplaces, Rumford fireplaces, circulating fireplaces, furnaces, wood-burning fireplace inserts, freestanding stoves, masonry heaters, and rocket mass heaters. Wood selection and preparation is included. Cooking appliances discussed are wood-burning indoor cook stoves, indoor and outdoor brick ovens and oven kits, Tandoori ovens, grills, and campfires along with cooking tools and utensils. More info: www.woodfiredpub.com $15 each or two for $28.00. Available in our office by appointment or order online. _____________________________________________________ Contact: Marge Padgitt  office@chimkc.com 816-365-9492 cell

Tis the Season for Chimney Fires

 

By Marge Padgitt

Chimney Fire: Source: Marlboro FD, VA

It’s that time of year again – the season for chimney fires. As a chimney and fireplace service company we see the results of the lack of proper maintenance and improper installation that can cause fires and destruction of property, and in some cases injury or death. Chimney fires are preventable and should be avoided because of the risk that they could escape the chimney and catch the house on fire.  

All types of wood – even hardwood- creates creosote when burned. It accumulates on flue and smoke chamber walls and must be periodically removed. Chimney sweeping should be done by a professional chimney sweep who has the proper equipment to do the job right. First, tarps and a vacuum are set up. Then the sweep brushes the flue with wire brushes for masonry flues, or poly brushes for metal flues, and removes the creosote from the flue and fireplace or wood stove. Next, the sweep should run a chimney camera through the chamber and flue to inspect it and make sure there are no broken flue tiles, missing mortar, or blockages, or in the case of a manufactured fireplace or stove, that all of the metal pipe seams are solid and unwarped. The chimney sweep will then do a visual inspection of the interior and exterior chimney, check for proper clearance to combustibles and proper installation of components, then provide a report on its condition.

Chimney sweep  Source: Adobestock.com

It is very common for repair issues to arise with any type of chimney. Regular maintenance is
needed in order to keep the system functioning properly. Exterior masonry repairs should be done in the spring or summer, but if the chimney needs a new flue liner this can be done any time of year. Chimney fires can cause costly damage to a masonry or metal chimney system. If relining is necessary, it will cost thousands of dollars. Fortunately, chimney fires are covered by homeowner’s insurance. However, it is best to avoid a chimney fire in the first place.  

According to the U.S. Fire Administration there were 83,300 house fires caused by heating in 2018.  The National Fire Protection Association’s latest press release dated November 22, 2010 estimates that 66,100 home fires caused 1.1 billion in property damage, 1,660 injuries and 480 deaths in 2008, which was a 0.5% decline from 2007.  15,200 (23%) of all home heating fires are creosote fires, which the NFPA calls “failure to clean” fires that were confined to a chimney or flue, or involved solid-fueled space heaters, chimneys, connectors, and fireplaces.  See the entire news release at www.nfpa.org

Tips:

1.       Never burn a dry Christmas tree in a fireplace.

2.       Only burn dry, seasoned hard or soft cordwood in a stove or fireplace

3.       Only burn one piece of hedge to two pieces of other types of wood.

4.       Have the chimney inspected and swept annually, or twice per season if using a wood stove.

5.       Have a Draw Collar installed for hard-starting wood stoves.

6.       When purchasing a new home have the chimney inspected by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep prior to closing so you know what you are getting into.

7.       If you hear a whooshing sound, or freight-train like sound, or the room fills with smoke, get out of the house and call the fire department. Go outside and see if flames are shooting out the top of the flue.

 

See more information about chimney and fireplace maintenance and how to choose an appliance in Marge and Gene Padgitt’s new book Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking: How to choose, maintain, and operate a wood-burning appliance at Amazon.com or hearthmasters.net.

Signs of a Chimney Fire Everyone Should Know

By Marge Padgitt
HearthMasters, Inc.  

Chimney fires are more common than most people realize. Most chimney fires occur without the

homeowner noticing because the fire often is snuffed out by expanding creosote inside the chimney.

Chimney fires can occur in chimneys that are connected to wood-burning stoves, open wood-burning fireplaces, and fireplaces with gas logs installed. It only takes a spark or heat to ignite creosote.

Fire damage is often found during a routine inspection by a professional chimney sweep. Signs that a chimney fire has occurred are cracked or shattered flue tiles; blown out sections of flue tiles; blown out mortar joints in the flue and smoke chamber; smoke damage to the fireplace face or other areas of the house; expanded and cracked masonry at the facial wall above the fireplace opening, back of the chimney, or top of the chimney; a cement cap that is lifted or broken bond with the top course of bricks; cracks in a cement cap; damaged chimney cover; or damaged stainless steel chimney with warping or buckled seams.

Damages to a masonry chimney or steel chimney can be extensive and very costly to replace,  and if the fire escapes the chimney, a house fire can endanger life and property. Avoiding a fire in the first place is the smartest thing to do.

What are the signs that a chimney fire is occurring? During a chimney fire, the following may occur:

·       Loud roaring or whooshing sound coming from the chimney

·       Freight-train like sound

·       Loud cracks or pops (this is the flue tiles breaking)

·       Sudden smoke backup into the house

·       Flames shoot out the top or sides of the chimney chase

·       If not contained inside the chase, a house fire may occur

What to do in case of a chimney fire:

·       Throw a chimney fire extinguisher in to the firebox

·       Shut off the air supply by closing glass doors or closing the combustion air intake

·       Get the family out of the house

·       Call the fire department

·       Keep watch for at least 48 hours in case fire ignites again in nearby combustible framing

·       Call a professional CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep to inspect the chimney and provide an evaluation report before further use. Be sure to follow the sweep’s advice regarding any repairs needed. Find a professional chimney sweep at the Midwest Chimney Safety Council site at www.mcsc-net.org or the Chimney Safety Institute of America site at www.csia.org. 

How to avoid a chimney fire:

Wood should be split and stacked at least 6 months before use

·       Have the chimney inspected and swept on a regular basis by a professional CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep- once per year for open fireplaces or twice for wood-burning stoves or inserts.

·       Burn only dry cordwood - get a moisture meter and make sure that there is only 15% moisture content in the wood.

·       Never burn pine (except hard yellow pine), hedge, railroad ties, wrapping paper, or treated wood.

·       Do not depend on a chimney sweeping log to remove creosote and do an annual inspection.

·       Use Anti-Creosote-Remover spray on logs each time you burn to reduce creosote buildup.

·       Realize that all wood creates creosote and maintenance is necessary to remove flammable creosote.

·       Burn hot fires rather than small or smoldering fires. Smoldering fires create a lot of creosote buildup and are the primary reason that chimney fires occur.

·       Read the owner’s manual.  

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      Marge Padgitt is the CEO of HearthMasters, Inc. dba Padgitt Chimney & Fireplace in Independence, Missouri. Visit www.chimkc.com or www.hearthmasters.us for more information. Contact Marge at margepadgitt@comcast.net.