3 Reasons You Have a Smokey Fireplace

If you have a fireplace in your home, you’ll use it regularly during the holidays and the rest of winter. Fireplaces add warmth to your living room by not only increasing the temperature but also offering ambiance. A smokey fireplace is a danger that you need to avoid, though. Here are three reasons you have a smokey fireplace in Alexandria, VA:

You Need Your Chimney Cleaned

A dirty chimney can lead to a smokey fireplace. If you haven’t scheduled a chimney cleaning this fall, there might be a buildup of creosote or a nest inside it. Both can prevent your fireplace from adequately exhausting smoke. Hire a chimney sweep company to inspect and clean your chimney before you begin using your fireplace.

Problems With the Chimney Cap

Even a partially closed chimney damper can cause your fireplace to let smoke enter your living spaces. Make sure the damper is completely open before starting a fire. If an open damper doesn’t help clear the smoke, you might have a damaged chimney flue. A chimney repair company can inspect in and around the chimney cap and fix any issues.

Wet Firewood

If you burn wood in your fireplace, make sure it’s dry before lighting it. Wet firewood doesn’t burn well or generate enough heat for your chimney to work as it should. Your firewood is too wet if the fire smolders or you hear hissing sounds. Test your firewood by hitting two pieces together. If you hear a dull thud, it’s too wet.

Schedule a Chimney Repair

A smokey fireplace poses a danger to your health and safety. Don’t risk it by continuing to burn the fire and inhaling those particle pollutants. Contact Rooftop Chimney Sweeps for all the chimney installation, repair and maintenance services you need to enjoy a comforting and safe fire. We look forward to hearing from you and helping.