Grand Old Chimney & Fireplace

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that, in the year 2000 alone home fires caused by overheated dryers were up almost 50 percent. These fires occur when dryer vents gather lint that is not professionally removed from vents and vent lines.

Ever wondered what dryer lint is actually made of? Well, you've probably already guessed there are lots of fibers in lint, but that's not all. Lint also contains: skin cells, pollen, animal hair and dust.

If you're using wood fires to heat your home, or even cook, hardwoods burn hotter and longer. Soft woods have more spark and smell and burn faster. Just remember, for every cord of wood you burn, have your chimney cleaned.

Did you know that in 17th century England, there was a hearth tax levied on chimney owners? This was based both on the size of the house and the number of chimneys the house had. To lessen the financial burden, builder would connect various fireplaces with a single chimney.

It’s important to have your exterior dryer vent regularly inspected. Nesting birds, dried leaves and lint that accumulates around the vent opening can block the airflow, causing the dryer to overheat or causing dryer exhaust gasses to back up into your home.

What is the leading cause of creosote damage to the inside of chimneys? While it was once believed that creosote damage was caused by burning soft sappy woods like pine, studies have shown that burning green woods, and burning low-temp fires, are the actual culprits.

While chimney brushes can be used to remove some types of creosote, the more sticky and tar-like creosote residue known as third degree creosote can require specialized heavy duty stainless steel tools to remove the worst of the buildup.

When you’ve never lived in a home with a fireplace before, you may realize the seriousness of having your chimney swept regularly. Let’s talk about how often you plan to use your fireplace, and how regular cleanings can keep your fires safe to enjoy.

Each year, clothes dryers cause millions in damage in fires. In 2010, there were about 16,800 fires attributed to clothes dryers or washing machines (only 4 percent were directly traced to washing machines). The fires caused $236 million in property damage and 380 injuries.

Have you looked behind your dryer to the vent pipe and followed it as it moved through a vent flap? If the answer is no, you are not thoroughly cleaning your dryer and the risk of a fire, along with reduce operating efficiency, remains.

If you have to take more than one cycle to dry your laundry, or have to use more time, then that turns into that much more charges on your electric bill. Getting your dryer vent cleaned by a professional will improve efficiency and lower your bill.

If your chimney is made of brick, you should have it inspected regularly for cracks and holes in the mortar. Chimney sweeps are trained to look for these kinds of signs of damage to help you protect your home and family.

Did you know that clothes that are soiled in heavy oils, gasoline, or other corrosive materials (even cooking oils) should be cleaned and dried with special care and attention? These items should be washed twice or more before being put in the dryer to minimize fire hazards.