Test Your Chimney Safety Knowledge

Are you smarter than the average Evanston area homeowner when it comes to chimney safety and repair?   Knowing the facts about keeping your flue clean and nontoxic is important to the overall health of your fireplace and well-being of your family, pets, and home.  If you are not sure where you and your fireplace safety knowledge stand, take this short quiz to find out if you are an Evanston chimney expert ready to start a repair or a totally clueless homeowner in need of some serious fireplace schooling.

1.      Which is a sign that a chimney fire has occurred?

a)      Puffy or “honey-combed” creosote 
b)      A rain cap that has been distorted/discolored 
c)      Cracks in the exterior masonry work 
d)     All of the above

2.      How often should have your wood-burning chimney swept?

a)      Every 5 years 
b)      Before you sell the home 
c)      Yearly 
d)     Every 2 year

3.      When is the best time to have your chimney swept?

a)      Winter 
b)      Spring 
c)      Summer 
d)     Fall

4.      What is creosote?

a)      A type of fuel you can use instead of wood 
b)      An aluminum protective covering for the chimney 
c)      A by-product of wood-burning fires consisting often of tarry smoke and soot
 

5.      Which is the best for limiting chimney build up?

a)      Small, hot fires 
b)      Long, cooler fires   
 

Answers

1. d) All of the above – Some other signs include finding outside the home creosote pieces around the roof and chimney area, having a damaged damper or roofing material, and cracked or missing flue tiles.

2. c) Yearly - This should be a no-brainer but, just in case you got it wrong, your chimney should be swept and inspected every single year.  During this annual check-up, your chimney partner can look for any signs of a chimney fire, clean out deadly creosote, and advise you on any needed repairs.

3. b) Spring - Although fall is often the busiest time for chimney contractors, most professionals will suggest having your chimney cleaned & inspected in the spring right after the burning season.  Creosote and buildup can create an awful smell in the home and this rancid stench is often exacerbated by the hot summer months.  During winter, especially in Midwestern towns like Evanston, the roof is too icy and slippery for a chimney repair or cleaning.  

4. c) A by-product of wood-burning fires consisting often of tarry smoke and soot - Creosote is the substance that, along with other factors, can create backup with the chimney which can in turn lead to a chimney fire.

5. a) Small, hot fires -  Keeping it short and warm, these fires are more able to drive the heat, smoke, and creosote out of the chimney and away from your home. Longer, cooler fires can allow the creosote to build-up in the flue.

How did you fair on this chimney safety quiz?   After taking this quiz, I hope you have learned more about your fireplace and chimney and how to keep both healthy and safe.  Please feel free to reference back to these questions as needed.   And, most importantly, don’t forget to schedule your Evanston chimney repair.