{"id":2703,"date":"2017-12-14T09:04:23","date_gmt":"2017-12-14T14:04:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.doctorflue.com\/blog\/?p=2703"},"modified":"2017-12-14T09:04:23","modified_gmt":"2017-12-14T14:04:23","slug":"chimney-blocked-with-debris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.doctorflue.com\/blog\/chimney-blocked-with-debris\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Leave Your Chimney Blocked with Debris!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Scorched<\/p>\n

Your chimney is a necessary part of safely operating your fireplace. Without it, smoke and byproducts from combustion would have no place to go! But when you have a chimney blocked with debris, it can trap exhaust in your home and put your\u00a0safety in jeopardy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Every homeowner should know how to identify the signs of a chimney blockage and how to handle it. Read on to learn more to find out what you can do to keep your family safe from a blocked chimney.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Identify a Blocked Chimney\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

In many cases, a chimney blockage can be spotted by savvy homeowners.\u00a0Especially when you have an active fire burning, you should frequently check your fireplace or stove for any unusual behavior that might indicate a problem. Here are some of the most likely symptoms of a blockage:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Smoky Odor\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

One of the most obvious signs of a blocked chimney is a smoky odor, particularly when you have a fire burning.\u00a0During normal operation, the flue should draw smoke up and out of your home, dramatically limiting any smoky smell that otherwise might affect your home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When the chimney has a blockage, however, that smoke can\u2019t always escape. In addition to pushing a smoky odor into your home, this blockage can lead to\u00a0bigger problems like fireplace backpuffing.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Debris Inside the Hearth\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

This is an obvious sign. If you see debris in your firebox or sticking out of the fireplace, chances are it fell through the chimney. That debris could indicate\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0more that didn\u2019t make it all the way down.\u00a0Even if your chimney isn\u2019t blocked right now, debris shouldn\u2019t enter your flue at all.\u00a0Start looking at potential solutions to block further debris from\u00a0finding its way in.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

High Volumes of Soot\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Frequent use of your chimney is guaranteed to lead to byproduct build up. While you can reduce the build up by burning properly seasoned wood, over time, it will lead to a soot-filled chimney.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you start to notice high volumes of visible soot,\u00a0it\u2019s likely\u00a0that there is\u00a0also\u00a0build up in places you can\u2019t see.\u00a0The only\u00a0reliable way to confirm a blockage, especially deep in the flue, is with a video inspection performed by a professional chimney sweep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Risks of a Chimney Blocked with Debris\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Anything that impacts the effectiveness of your chimney increases the chances of some common risks:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chimney Fire\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Despite being designed for combustion,\u00a0a chimney fire is one of the most dangerous events that can happen in your fireplace<\/a>.\u00a0Most chimney fires start due to\u00a0creosote\u00a0deposits that have built up in the flue. Over time, these deposits grow large and\u00a0cause\u00a0a very hot fire to ignite.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When the creosote ignites, it can cause severe damage \u2013\u00a0which\u00a0can extend far beyond the chimney. Due to the high heat of chimney fires, they can ignite other combustibles near the masonry. Wooden support beams and other home building materials are at risk.\u00a0Chimney fires\u00a0also\u00a0often crack and damage\u00a0your\u00a0masonry. That means\u00a0a second or third chimney fire is much more likely and\u00a0may cause\u00a0damage or even burn down your home.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another potential source of a chimney fire is debris like a bird\u2019s nest falling inside. This can allow a fire to\u00a0happen higher up in the chimney, igniting creosote deposits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning\u00a0& Toxic Fumes\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

If your chimney can\u2019t vent properly, the byproducts from combustion will need to find a new way to escape. The only other option is back into your home.\u00a0One of these byproducts is deadly carbon monoxide.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless and tasteless.\u00a0It\u2019s impossible to notice until you\u2019re experiencing\u00a0the symptoms of CO poisoning, which can be any of the following:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n