Chimney Fire Damage: The Top 3 Causes

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 for any size fire disaster!

Chimney fires are a severe danger to any home and can cause extensive damage.

Last month the professionals at SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties responded to a chimney fire damage call in Jackson County. The homeowners were lucky that the fire was caught early and didn't cause significant interior damage. The only damages to occur were damages to the chimney itself and a small portion of the roof. Although the damages were not severe, this job highlights the importance of awareness of the most common causes of chimney fires.

Out of all of the chimney fire damage calls we have received, we have narrowed it down to three leading causes:

1. Creosote build-up
2. Incorrect installation
3. Faulty chimney components

The following blog post will give more detail on each of these causes so that you can be more proactive in preventing chimney fires.

What is chimney fire damage?

Chimney fire damage is any damage caused by a chimney fire. Common effects of a chimney fire include:

• Structural damage to the chimney.
• Damage to the roof.
• Interior damage.
• Damage to the property's exterior.

The common causes of chimney fires

As we mentioned earlier, the three leading causes of chimney fires are creosote build-up, incorrect installation, and faulty chimney components.

Creosote build-up

One of the most common causes of chimney fires is creosote build-up. Creosote is a wood byproduct that forms when burning wood in a fireplace. Over time, creosote can build up on the chimney walls and create a severe fire hazard.

Incorrect installation

Another common cause of chimney fires is incorrect installation. Poor installation is often due to amateur chimney sweeps who don't know how to install chimney components properly.

Faulty chimney components

The third most common cause of chimney fires is faulty chimney components. Defective chimney components can include anything from cracked chimney liners to loose bricks.

How to prevent chimney fires

Now that you know the three most common causes of chimney fires, you can take steps to prevent them. The best way to prevent chimney fires is to have your chimney regularly inspected and cleaned. The frequency you should have your chimney cleaned depends on how often you use your fireplace. If you use your fireplace frequently, you should have your chimney cleaned at least once a year. If you only use your fireplace occasionally, you can probably get away with having your chimney cleaned every few years.

Steps to take if you have chimney fire damage

Each chimney fire damage job will be different depending on the extent of the damage. However, there are steps that you can take to minimize the damage.

Step 1: Contact your homeowner's insurance company to report the damages.

Step 2: Contact a professional fire restoration company to assess the damage and make repairs.

Step 3: Document the damages and repairs with photos and receipts.

SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties can help with chimney fire damage

SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties can help if you have chimney fire damage. We are experienced in chimney fire restoration and can help you get your home back to normal. When you choose to work with us, we will:

• Assess the damage and make a plan for repairs
• Repair any structural damage
• Clean soot and smoke stains
• Deodorize your home

On top of all that, we will work with your homeowner's insurance company to ensure the damages are quickly and efficiently repaired. In addition, our emergency line is available 24/7, so please don't hesitate to give us a call if you need our help.

We understand how stressful it can be to deal with chimney fire damage. That's why we're here to help. Contact SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties today for all your chimney fire restoration needs.