IMPORTANCE OF CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE
The following statistics are excerpted from the 2003-2005 Residential Fire Loss Estimates released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC), August 2008. These are the latest statistics available as of 9/1/08. (The full report is available from the USCPSC here:
http://www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/fire05.pdf)
In 2005, there were 24,500 residential fires in the United States originating in chimneys, fireplaces and solid fuel appliances, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. These fires resulted in 110 personal injuries, 20 deaths and $115.2 million in property damage.
Virtually all of these fires were preventable according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a non-profit institution dedicated to public and chimney professional education. Both CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association recommend yearly chimney inspections to help prevent these hazards.
Many American homeowners think their chimneys only need to be cleaned and inspected if they burn wood in their fireplaces or wood stoves. But almost all heating appliances, whether they burn gas, oil, wood or coal, rely on the chimney to safely carry toxic gases produced by the heating system of the house.
A carbon monoxide detector can warn homeowners of potential poisoning after the deadly gas has already entered the living area, but an annual chimney inspection can help prevent carbon monoxide from entering the home in the first place.
Each fall, homeowners shift into home-improvement mode. They clean gutters, garages and basements -- preparing homes for winter. But they usually don't inspect, repair or clean their chimneys, despite the potential for damage to their property or even to their lives, however we recommend this inspection, cleaning and/or repair takes place at the end of each burning season,usually in the month of April, prior to the heat and humidity of the spring, summer and fall months, which may cause the chimney/appliance to be more difficult to clean and cause unpleasant smells in the home. Furthermore, an end of season inspection, cleaning and/or repair will have you well prepared for the cold season when it arrives.
An annual chimney inspection is a modest investment that can reduce the danger of chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. Jeffrey L. Decker has 30+ years experience and expertise based on fire codes, clearances and standards for the construction and maintenance of chimneys and venting systems, as well as the installation operation and maintenance of multi-fuel burning stoves and appliances.
Call Jeffrey L. Decker today for all your chimney needs.
1-860-634-4259
anytime
Working Together to Protect Your Home and Family
