A chimney fire is the combustion of soot or creosote – which are byproducts of burning – on the inner surfaces of chimney tiles, flue liners, stove pipes and others. Most chimney fires start inside the flue, which is a clay, ceramic or metal conduit that is designed to contain combustion products, send them to the surrounding atmosphere and shield the chimney walls from the effects of heat and corrosion.
Due to either creosote buildup or an obstruction in the flue, it could ignite when heat from the fire reaches these flammable particles, resulting in a chimney fire.
Signs of a Chimney Fire
The biggest sign of a chimney fire is fire spewing out of the top of a chimney. Apart from that, here are the other signs you should look out for:
- Smoke escaping through mortar joints of masonry or tile liners
- Cracks or damage to the exterior masonry
- Pieces of creosote on the roof
- Smoke or heat damage to roof sections around the chimney
- A distorted or discolored chimney cap
- Puffy creosote
- Issues with the flue tiles, such as cracking or missing chunks
What to Do After a Chimney Fire
Every chimney fire is unique, so there’s no one guaranteed way to address it. However, there are general practices that should be followed when dealing with chimney fires. Below are some of them:
- Flue tile repair or replacement
- Chimney sweeping (inspecting and identifying issues as well as cleaning the chimney)
- Chimney relining
- Masonry repairs
- Rebuilding the chimney (if the damage is severe)
Chimney fires are not easy to deal with, and their effects can be hazardous to you and your family. Fortunately, Chimney Doctors is here to provide you with all the chimney services you need to keep your home safe and comfortable. We serve chimneys of all sizes and dedicate ourselves to providing you with satisfactory results. For more information on our services, call us at (518) 882-5009, or fill out our contact form.
