Preparing Your Chimney for Cozy Thanksgiving Gatherings

Thanksgiving parades, turkeys with stuffing, and cranberry sauce are all time-honored Thanksgiving traditions. Another Thanksgiving tradition is gathering around a crackling fire with family. Part of that is preparing your chimney for cozy Thanksgiving traditions. Let’s find out how.

A Clean and Functional Chimney Protects Your Family and Friends on Thanksgiving

When your loved ones are in your home to celebrate Thanksgiving, having your chimney cleaned and inspected protects them. Why? Using a qualified chimney sweep service to clean and inspect your chimney will eliminate safety hazards; here is how.

Blockages

Blockages can be dangerous because they sometimes aren’t noticed right away. A blockage will prevent smoke and deadly gases from exiting your chimney, and it may be too late by the time it is felt. Blockages are often caused by bird nests, a clump of leaves or pine needles, or other debris finding their way into your chimney. When your chimney is inspected and cleaned by a chimney sweep service before Thanksgiving, they will remove any blockages that become deadly when you use your fireplace. An excellent way to prevent blockages is to have a chimney cap installed. It will prevent debris and dissuade wildlife from making your chimney their home.

Creosote

Creosote is a black substance that clings to the inside of your chimney and builds up over time from burning logs in your fireplace. It is highly flammable and could ignite a chimney fire. A fire is almost certain if a hot ember rises and brushes up against the creosote. The fire can spread from your chimney to the attic and onto your roof; it is only momentary until the entire house is engulfed. To prevent creosote from igniting, qualified chimney sweeps will use specially created brushes and solutions to remove creosote from your interior.

Damaged Chimney Liners

Damaged chimney liners can be very dangerous because they have multiple roles in keeping your family and home safe. If there is a perforation in your chimney liner, then the heat from the fire can ignite the structure in your house, such as timber beams, or it can allow deadly gases into your home. If you have a damaged chimney liner, the chimney sweeps will likely replace it with a stainless-steel or cast masonry liner. 

Also, remember to place smoke and carbon monoxide detectors fifteen feet away from your fireplace to keep your family safe. You should also keep a fire extinguisher near your fireplace if it gets out of hand.

Using Seasoned Wood at Thanksgiving for a Great Fire

If a cozy fire at Thanksgiving is your goal, seasoned wood is the best choice for your fireplace. Burning wood cured for under six months can fill your home with smoke and produce a shorter burning, less hot fire. Make sure that you are using wood that has been stored in a dry place or make sure that you purchase seasoned wood.

To Sum Up

When you prepare your chimney to be safe and well-functioning, you can count on having a cozy Thanksgiving gathering.

Above and Beyond Chimney Service Can Get Your Chimney Ready for Thanksgiving

If you want to prepare a chimney for Thanksgiving and are located in Southern Massachusetts, contact us today. We will inspect and clean your chimney so that it is not only safe but functional as well. Don’t go into Thanksgiving with possible chimney hazards, get in touch now.