How to Use Chimney Sweeping Logs Safely
Wood burning fires are a wonderful part of the winter season. When it’s cold and frigid outside, nothing lifts the spirits from winter gloom better than a roaring, wood burning fire! However, before you strike the first match, make sure to be prepared. If you have a wood burning fireplace or stove and plan to use it this winter, it’s important to be aware of the dangers and be safe throughout the winter months.
Chimney Sweeping Logs
House fires are typically caused by preventable factors, one of which is keeping a chimney in proper order. When building a fire, many wood burning enthusiasts recommend using a chimney sweeping log. Sweeping logs are infused with special chemicals to breakdown harmful creosote deposits that build up during wood burning fires. As noted in a previous blog, these buildups are often responsible for dangerous chimney fires.
When the sweeping log is burned, these chemicals are released up into the chimney, reacting with the creosote layers and breaking them into smaller fragments. Eventually, the creosote deposits are reduced to ash that then crumble safely down into the fireplace. However, some believe chimney sweeping logs can cause more harm than good.
Why? Because if the chimney has not been swept by a professional chimney sweep, there may already be large amounts of creosote buildup. When the active chemicals in the logs loosen those large chunks, they can fall into an active fire causing dangerous flare ups.
A good rule of thumb is to use chimney sweeping logs to minimize creosote build up only. They should never replace a professional chimney sweep. In addition to using chimney sweeping logs appropriately, it is important to adopt sound safety practices.
Winter Fire Safety
When it comes to fire safety, “be prepared for the worst and hope for the best” this winter season:
- Make sure the smoke detector is in working order
- Have ready access to a working fire extinguisher
- Never go to bed with a roaring fire in the fireplace
- Leave chimney sweeping to the professionals
During the holidays take special care around decorated mantels and live/artificial Christmas trees. Follow these tips and enjoy a cozy, comforting, but safe wood burning fire this winter season!
Order Firewood From Premier Firewood
Premier Firewood Company™ is fully behind safety awareness efforts. We want our clients to enjoy a wonderful fire with kiln dried firewood and be safe at all times. At Premier Firewood Company™, we take pride in our products and services. Give us a call at 203.866.4252 to place an order or order online 24/7.