It's hard to imagine a Dick Van Dyke singing and dancing on chimneys. His unique Cockney accent, stepping-in time on London's rooftops in Mary Poppins is what you can picture when discussing cleaning chimneys.
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Although the profession has been largely eliminated from associations with child labor and orphans, chimney sweeps are still in existence. They play an important part in home safety and help to reduce chimney fires, which is an average of over 20,000 per year, according to the Chimney Security Institute of America (CSIA).
A professional chimney inspection and cleaning is recommended every year or about once every 80 fires. However, there are many other things that you can do (and should) to prepare your chimney for winter. Two articles from BobVila.com provide insight into the subject.
You must ensure that there is a clear route for smoke.
Remove any branches that are directly above your chimney if you live in a forest. Donna Boyle Schwartz writes that tree limbs can not only be a fire hazard but also affect the chimney's draft and cause damage to the cap.
Eliminate ashes
Make sure you have removed all ashes from your last fireplace use before you begin using it again. Schwartz recommends cleaning out the firebox at least once per week or when the ash is deeper than an inch. If you have one, either sweep the ashes or vacuum them out. Once they are completely cooled, dispose of them outdoors in a compost heap or garden bed.
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If your fireplace is using wood, stock up and store lots of it.
Some fires burn better than others. Make it easier on yourself by ordering the supplies you will need in advance. Schwartz says hardwoods such as oak, maple, and Birch burn longer and are better than soft woods like pine. CSIA-approved fireplace logs like Duraflame and Pres-to-Logs can be used.
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Manasa reddigari writes that dried twigs and branches are the best kindling. He also suggests that cloth be avoided, as it can produce a lot smoke.
To keep wood burning safe, do not burn painted or treated lumber. Schwartz warns that it is not a good idea to pile up firewood in your home. This can attract pests and/or make it more difficult for you to get into your home.
