Life is all about the simple pleasures, like sitting next to an open fire with friends and loved ones! But with the pleasure of a fireplace comes the responsibility and maintenance of keeping it clean. Wondering what happens when wood fireplaces don’t get clean? The experts at Cummins Restorations are here to enlighten you. 

Accumulation of Dirt

Fireplaces and chimneys gather a lot of ash and tar. This ash and tar can eventually make its way back into your home. This can lead to an accumulation of dirt inside the home as well as a foul smell. But this dust and dirt contributes to more than just a dirty house. This toxic mixture can also cause severe respiratory issues for you and your family. 

Blockage

Dirty chimneys can easily become blocked, leading to a build-up of toxic gases inside your home. These gases can cause severe breathing issues or, worse, suffocate the occupants inside. This is also why it is important to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home.

House Fire

The most dire consequence of a dirty fireplace and chimney is the buildup of creosote. Creosote is a highly flammable substance caused by unburned particles in the smoke. This sticky substance can lead to an uncontrollable 2000 degree fire. The fire will begin in the chimney and can quickly spread to different areas of your home.

Now that you know the consequences of a dirty fireplace and chimney, you may be wondering how to maintain this asset. The best thing a homeowner can do is have a professional technician sweep, inspect, and clean their fireplace at least twice per year.  Whenever cleaning or inspecting your own fireplace, be sure to wear a mask and gloves to avoid inhaling toxic particles. Homeowners should also make sure they are burning seasoned wood that was not stored outside and remember to clean ash from the fireplace whenever it reaches the bottom of the grate.

Need a chimney inspection or repair? Contact our qualified and dedicated technicians at (416) 992-7965 or cumminsrestoration@rogers.com.