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Chimney fires are catastrophic events that can put your whole home at risk in a matter of minutes. Homeowners often don't realize how easy it is for a fire to get out of control. Luckily, most chimney fires can be avoided with proper chimney maintenance. Finding and correcting small problems is easier than trying to put out a huge fire, and chimney repair cost in Marietta is a small price to pay for keeping your family safe. Creosote The most common cause of chimney fires is a buildup of creosote in the chimney. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood, and you’ll see it as a black, tar-like substance in your fireplace and chimney. It is extremely flammable, and any sparks from your fire can set the whole chimney ablaze. The thicker the layer of creosote, the more dangerous it becomes, so it’s important to have it removed periodically by a chimney sweep. Burning Embers Even with relatively small amounts of creosote in your chimney, burning embers flying up from your fireplace can cause fires to start. This often happens if there are cracks in your chimney lining where the embers can become lodged in your walls or attic. It can also happen if the embers fly out of your chimney and land on your roof. Make sure your chimney is in good repair and install a chimney cap to catch embers before they can escape. Extreme Temperatures Because of the extreme heat generated by a fire, chimney fires can start even without an ember or spark to set it off. These are often seen in older chimneys that do not have enough insulation separating the chimney from the flammable materials in your walls. Ask your chimney sweep about fixing weak spots or adding extra insulation--a small chimney repair cost in Marietta could save you from a devastating home fire.
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