In 1982, wood-burning appliances accounted
for more fires, more fire deaths, and greater property damage
than any other kind of heating fuel -- about 140,000 fires, 250
deaths and $257 million in property damage. These losses represented
20 percent of all residential fires in the U.S., 5 percent of
all fire deaths, and 8 percent of estimated property damage.
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Kevin
Goff
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Serving Lansing, Michigan
and surrounding areas
517-699-7787 Inspections Performed 24/7 including Holidays |
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Links of Interest Chimneys CPSC research indicates that most wood heating
fires involve the chimney and not the appliance itself. The majority
of these fires are contained within the chimney and cause no
damage to the house. The Commission is concerned, however, not
only about the chimney fires that did ignite other parts of the
house, but also about the potential future hazard from the continued
use of chimneys whose structural integrity has been compromised
by a chimney fire. This is especially true in light of the fact
that many contained chimney fires are not reported to the fire
services; in fact, consumers may not even be aware that a chimney
fire has occurred.
Therefore, the Consumer Product Safety Commission
is issuing a special safety alert concerning chimneys used with
wood burning stoves, fireplaces, and fireplace inserts. The Commission
urgently warns consumers to be aware of the potential fire hazards
associated with these chimneys.
Now that the nation
has entered the heating season, the Commission strongly urges
you, if you have a stove or fireplace, to check the chimney
for any damage that may have occurred in the past heating season.
If it is difficult to examine the chimney, a local chimney
repairman, chimney "sweep," or dealer
can help. Have any damage repaired NOW.
Most fires involving either masonry or prefabricated
metal chimneys occur because of improper installation, use or
maintenance. The Commission staff has identified the following
common causes of fires:
Structural damage to metal prefabricated chimneys
that results in wood framing being exposed to excessive temperatures
or leakage of potentially toxic gases to the interior of the
home can take the following forms:
Structural damage also occurs in masonry chimneys,
often associated with deterioration or improper installation
of the chimney. The tile inner liner and the surrounding brick
or block structure may crack and separate, perhaps as a result
of the ignition of creosote that has built up in the chimney.
Many old chimneys do not have a tile liner. If your chimney does
not have a liner, the addition of a properly installed liner
is advisable. Also, a clay liner should be sealed with refractory
cement.
Even when the heating
appliance is properly installed, people with either metal or
masonry chimney systems should frequently check the chimney
for creosote deposits, soot build-up, or physical damage. This
involves only a simple visual examination, but it should be
done as often as twice a month during heavy use. If you see
heavy creosote buildup, suspect a problem, or have had a chimney
fire, a qualified chimney repairman or chimney "sweep" should
perform a complete safety inspection. They can arrange for
any necessary repairs or creosote removal, which must be done
before the heating appliance is used again.
There are products now available which, according
to recent tests conducted by independent laboratories, show promise
for reducing the production of creosote and harmful pollutant
emissions. Advance wood stove designs appear to provide more
complete combustion of the fuel. Catalytic combustors appear
to achieve similar results, and are available with new stoves
or as separate components which can be installed between the
flue gas exit and the chimney connector of existing stoves.
The Commission advises owners of all
chimneys to:
If you have had a fire or other safety problem
with your chimney, or would like additional information, call
the Commission's toll-free Hotline 800-638-CPSC
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© 2008 Goff Home Inspections, LLC
Contact Me Now for an estimate or to Request an Inspection
517-699-7787Goff Home Inspections, LLC
Serving Lansing, Michigan and surrounding areas