Jun. 19, 2007 - Summer Chimney Safety

A perfect time to check and clean

Now that summer is a only few days away, it is the perfect time to check and clean your chimney.  This is essential to your family's and home's safety.   Having a clean chimney is also on the checklist of competent home inspectors.

The Chimney Safety Institute recommends that if you light fires in your fireplace or woodstove three or more times a week during the heating season, proper maintenance would include cleaning and inspecting the chimney once a year. If you burn green wood, twice-a-year cleaning and inspection may be necessary.

* Educate yourself about your chimney. Organizations like CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association provide a wealth of information on their Web sites about chimney maintenance and safety.

* Network. Talk to friends and family members who also have fireplaces. Who do they use? Would they recommend the person to someone else?

* Web sites like Service Magic help homeowners connect with qualified contractors in their area. Since the contractors must pay the Web site to be included in their database, the service is more likely to attract qualified contractors. You'll be able to request a quote for your job, hear from potential service providers within hours (in most cases), and review the comments and opinions of other consumers who have hired the contractor.  

Source: ARA