Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 20,000 house fires occur each year across the United States as a direct result of unsafe conditions of chimneys and chimney connections found with wood-burning stoves and fireplace inserts.

During colder months, fireplaces can add a cozy appeal and beautiful feature to a home but it is essential that homeowners are diligent about properly maintaining their chimney in order to avoid costly and even deadly fires.

For new homeowners, it is particularly important to inspect the chimney for deterioration or even past fires before using your fireplace. Some red flags to look for include:

  • Damaged or missing chimney flue tiles
  • Tar colored flakes (called creosote) near the chimney on the roof or ground
  • A warped chimney damper
  • Smoke-darkened cracks on the exterior of the masonry
  • Rain cap appears darkened from smoke and/or has a distorted shape
  • Smoke or heat damage to the roof near the chimney

If you’ve resided in your home for some time and have never had your chimney inspected or maintained, it’s time to start!  Dirt and build up causes fires so an annual chimney sweep by a professional is recommended in order to clean and check for cracks and loose bricks. Other preventative actions include:

  • Keep objects such as curtains and decorations away from the fireplace
  • Cut tree branches away from the exterior of the chimney
  • Install a chimney cap to help keep out moisture and animals
  • Use a screen or glass doors when using your fireplace to prevent flying sparks and embers

Lastly, remember that this is not a comprehensive safety guide. Always be diligent when using your fireplace and be aware of any changes to the way your fireplace operates. Signs of a fire include:

  • Loud cracking and popping noises
  • A lot of dense smoke
  • An intense, hot smell

In addition to educating homeowners about fire safety, Lawley is committed to helping you and your family stay safe with proper insurance coverage.  If you’d like to speak to a Lawley representative further about risk management or home insurance, contact us here.