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(972) 521-7225
Most chimney fires can be prevented. Collin Chimney Sweep & Repair offers chimney fire prevention in Allen, TX with yearly sweeps, creosote removal, inspections, flue liner repair, chimney caps and spark arrestors, plus plain advice on how to burn safely all winter. Call (972) 521-7225.
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A chimney fire starts inside the flue. Wood smoke leaves a layer of creosote on the flue walls, and creosote burns. When a hot fire or a stray spark lights that layer, the fire runs up the inside of the chimney. Some chimney fires are loud, with a roar like a train and flames out the top. Many are quiet and slow. The homeowner never knows, but the heat cracks the liner and leaves the house open to the next fire.
In Allen, most of the risk comes from how we use fireplaces. We light a few fires each winter, often short ones on a cold evening. Short, cool fires leave more creosote than long, hot ones. Many homes here also have prefab metal fireplaces from the 1990s and 2000s. Their metal flues and panels wear out, and gaps open up near the wood framing. A cap that rusted through or blew off in a spring storm lets leaves and bird nests collect in the flue, which is more fuel.
The fix is simple and it is not costly. Remove the fuel, check the system, and burn the right way. A yearly chimney sweep removes the creosote. A chimney inspection finds cracks and gaps before heat does. The National Fire Protection Association says to have chimneys checked once a year, and its heating safety tips are worth a read before the first cold front.
If you think the chimney is on fire, get everyone out and call 911. Do not use the fireplace again until it is checked. After a fire we do a Level 2 chimney inspection with a camera and plan any flue liner repair.
The main step is a yearly chimney sweep and inspection, which is $99 for a limited time. If we find a problem such as glazed creosote, a cracked liner or a missing cap, we show you photos and quote the repair before any work starts.
Creosote. It is the black build-up that wood smoke leaves inside the flue, and it burns. A dirty flue plus a hot fire is how most chimney fires start. Nests, leaves and cracked liners make it worse.
Look for puffy or flaky creosote that looks like burnt honeycomb, cracked flue tiles, a warped damper or cap, and soot on the roof. Many fires are quiet. A camera inspection is the only sure way to know.
Have it checked once a year and cleaned when creosote reaches 1/8 inch. If you burn a lot of wood, or wood that is not fully dry, plan on a cleaning every year before the first cold front.
A spark arrestor is the metal mesh screen around a chimney cap. It lets smoke out and stops hot embers from landing on your roof or in dry grass. It also keeps birds and squirrels out of the flue.
Burn hardwood such as oak that has dried for at least six months to a year. Dry wood burns hot and clean. Wet wood, pine, trash and treated lumber make heavy smoke and fast creosote build-up.
They are safe when they are in good shape. Over time the metal flue, the panels and the cap wear out. Cracked panels and rusted flue sections let heat reach the framing. A yearly check catches this early.
Yes. Gas does not make creosote, but a blocked or rusted vent can push carbon monoxide into the house, and a dirty burner can make soot. A yearly gas fireplace check keeps it safe.
Yes. Put a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm on every floor and near the room with the fireplace. Test them each month and keep a fire extinguisher where you can reach it.
Yes. Collin Chimney Sweep & Repair serves all of Collin County, including Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Fairview and Lucas. Read our chimney safety tips, see all chimney services, or visit our chimney sweep in Allen home page.
Mon–Sun: 7am–8pm
We respond within 2 hours during business hours.
