Lindemann Chimney Service, Inc    Chicagoland's Most Trusted Chimney Sweep Company


4Lindemann
      Chimney Service

Winnetka, IL
     847-446-2994
Lake Bluff
     847-918-7994
Deerfield
     847-948-7994
Evanston
     847-866-7994
Arlington Heights
     847-392-7994
 
Chimney Safety
Information

"The fire
which enlightens
is the same fire
which consumes"

4
Lindemann Chimney Service has been servicing Chicago and the North Shore area since 1969.  We were founded by former Winnetka Fire Captain Gary Lindemann when he saw the immediate local need for Chimney and Fireplace Safety. Please review these safety tips to promote fire safety in your home.

CHIMNEY INSPECTIONS
When should the chimney be inspected? What events should trigger a chimney inspection?

All chimneys should be inspected annually and cleaned when a buildup is noted. Burning wood creates CREOSOTE, a flammable substance that collects on the walls of the chimney, potentially providing fuel for a chimney fire.

Sweeping the chimney removes this buildup. Gas and oil furnaces produce a type of soot that, while less flammable than creosote, can block the chimney and cause dangerous fumes, such as carbon monoxide, to back up into your home. Any time you notice visible soot any where in your home, this is a warning that the chimney is not operating properly. Discontinue use of the appliance that vents  until the chimney can be inspected and the problem solved. Soot is carbon; visible carbon stains indicate that carbon monoxide has also been present.

All chimneys should also be inspected:
Before each heating season
Before installation of a new fuel burning appliance (wood stove, gas logs, new furnace or water heater)
Before purchase of a new house
Immediately after a chimney fire or house fire
If your home has been struck by lightening
If your chimney has been hit by a falling tree, or other events that may have caused impact damage
If you notice water stains on the inside or outside of your home in the vicinity of the chimney
If the roof has been replaced

An unlined chimney, such as the one above, presents a dangerous safety hazard. A thorough chimney inspection can detect unlined flues, construction and design defects and more.  
FIREPLACE SAFETY CHECKLIST
Start the season with a clean chimney.
Make sure the damper is open to let smoke escape
Remove all combustible material such as baskets,decorations, kindling, firewood, etc. from the vicinity of your fireplace or wood stove, keeping all such items at least 36" away.


Use a fireplace screen that is large enough to completely cover the fireplace opening for spark protection. The screen will also help to keep children and pets safely away from the fire.
Use a heavy duty grate, and stack the fire to avoid logs rolling out of the fireplace during burning use
Have fireproof gloves, a tool set and a covered ash bucket on the hearth and ready for use  
Never use gas or flammable materials to "freshen up" a fire.
Test your smoke detectors, and install fresh batteries
Install a carbon monoxide detector in public areas on each floor of your home, such as hallways.
Never burn colored paper such as magazines or wrapping paper. Don't burn plastics; never burn painted, stained or treated wood - the fumes are poisonous. Don't use your fireplace as an incinerator to burn pizza boxes, Christmas trees or stacks of paper or cardboard.
Don't leave the fireplace unattended while wood is burning.
Keep the top of your woodpile covered; wet wood is harder to light, creates more smoke and makes your chimney dirty!

FURNACES & WATER HEATERS
Typically, 44% of your energy dollars are used to heat and cool your home. Annual maintenance is important to achieve peak efficiency and keep your family safe.

Have your furnace cleaned and serviced before the heating season to improve efficiency and save energy dollars. Annual maintenance can alert you to impending service problems that can be corrected before cold weather sets in.
Chimneys serving gas and oil furnaces and water heaters also need to be checked annually; the furnace technician does not inspect or clean the chimney.
When it comes time to replace your system, be sure to get the highest efficiency equipment possible. Newer, high-efficiency systems will normally require a new chimney liner suitable for the type of appliance being installed. We offer expert chimney lining installation and will recommend the right grade of liner to provide optimum heating from your new furnace system.
Gas appliance connectors (the flexible, corrugated metal gas tubing) should be inspected;they can be hazardous due to deterioration, excessive movement, bending, or corrosion. Connectors made 30-40 years ago are risky and should be replaced with higher grade, more durable components.
Set water heater thermostats to 125 degrees or lower to prevent scalding.
Keep the space around furnaces and water heaters clean and clear of build-up, rags, newspapers and other debris.
Never store combustibles such as gasoline, aerosol can, paints, solvents, household cleaners, pool chemical or similar products near any fuel burning equipment.

          Copyright Lindemann Chimney Service Inc  2005