At Firesafe Industries, we’ve dedicated nearly four decades to advancing chimney safety and restoration through innovative ceramic solutions. Our journey began in 1981, and since then, we’ve been at the forefront of developing high-quality insulating and non-insulating ceramic materials and delivery systems for residential, commercial, and industrial chimney restorations.

Our Commitment to Excellence

Our mission is to provide the best products tailored to each chimney project’s unique needs. We pride ourselves on offering highly competent technical assistance, consulting for repair or restoration projects with unique challenges, custom-formulating materials, and designing application systems based on a project’s individual requirements.

Our Products

We offer a range of specialized products designed to enhance chimney safety and performance:

• ChamberGuard: An insulating material designed to strengthen and restore the smoke chamber in residential masonry chimneys.
• FireGuard: A patented pure ceramic resurfacing system and mortar joint repair solution for vitreous clay flue linings, boasting a temperature rating of 3,205°F—the highest in the industry.
• CrownGuard: A severe weather crown repair and protection membrane that serves as your chimney’s first line of defense against water damage.
• Guardian Chimney Liner®: A cast-in-place system for relining masonry chimneys, developed through over 45 years of testing to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Guardian Smoke Chamber Restoration (SCR): A cast-in-place process that restores a masonry chimney’s critical smoke chamber area with only a 1-inch thickness, providing the most significant thermal barrier available.
• Centering & Insulation System (C.I.S.): A process designed for centering and insulating new metal chimney liners, ensuring maximum protection, conformity, and peace of mind.

Our Network of Certified Contractors

With over 38 years of experience in the chimney restoration industry, we’ve developed an extensive network of certified contractors across America to install our products. This network allows us to create custom chimney products tailored for accredited contractors to install, ensuring that each project receives the specialized attention it deserves.

The Bigger Picture: Roof Maintenance and Chimney Safety

Chimney restoration goes hand-in-hand with proper roof maintenance. A stable, well-maintained roof is essential for the safety and functionality of your chimney. We recommend partnering with reputable roofing professionals in your area to meet your roofing needs. Their expertise complements our efforts to provide you with a safe and efficient chimney system by ensuring the structural integrity of your roof. Sometimes, roofers will spot chimney damage during a routine roof inspection! This can be critical for your home’s safety!

Why Choose Firesafe Industries?

Our extensive fieldwork and the latest scientific research tools and technology have allowed us to develop higher-quality products and more efficient repair systems, bringing Firesafe to the forefront of the chimney restoration industry. Our technical department custom designs formulas and systems for specific architectural, scientific, or engineering projects, ensuring we meet each client’s unique needs.

At Firesafe Industries, we believe in safer chimneys through science and innovation that offer you healthier air flow and safety! Our experience in ceramic engineering and polymer coatings has led to vast improvements in chimney lining systems and maintenance products, ensuring that your chimney is restored and enhanced for better performance and safety.

If you want to learn more about our products or find a certified contractor near you, please visit our website or contact us directly. We’re here to help you achieve a safer, more efficient chimney system for your home or business.

Please note that Firesafe Industries is owned and operated by newenglandchimneysupply.com

As a leader in chimney manufacturing products, the team here at NECS always wants to provide valuable information regarding your home’s chimney. That includes chimney safety precautions and ideas to make sure your chimney is safe!

Chimneys are not just a functional component of our homes; they also add a touch of charm and warmth. However, ensuring their safety is crucial to prevent potential hazards. Numerous chimney-related accidents occur yearly due to negligence or lack of awareness. To help you enjoy the cozy ambiance without worry, we’ve compiled a list of essential chimney safety precautions.

10 Top Chimney Safety & Maintenance Tips

1. Regular Inspections and Maintenance

One of the most critical aspects of chimney safety is regular inspections and maintenance.

Just like regular roof inspections, HVAC tune-ups, and plumbing maintenance – having your chimney professionally inspected at least once a year can identify issues such as creosote buildup, blockages, or structural damage. These problems can lead to chimney fires or carbon monoxide leaks. Regular cleanings and maintenance will keep your chimney in tip-top condition.

2. Install a Cap and Screen

Chimney caps are essential for keeping out debris, animals, and rain. Installing a cap with a mesh screen also prevents sparks and embers from escaping the chimney and igniting nearby flammable materials. A well-maintained cap and screen act as a first line of defense against potential chimney fires.

Additionally, if a cap and screen can help prevent issues with your home’s roof! If your chimney is poorly maintained or constructed, it can cause issues with your home’s roof system.

3. Use Seasoned and Dry Firewood

Burning dry, seasoned firewood reduces creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires. Wet or green wood produces more smoke and releases harmful chemicals into your home. Ensure the wood you burn has adequately been seasoned for at least six months to a year to minimize the risks associated with moisture content. You can reach out to local landscaping companies near you or mulch supplies to see if they have dry firewood!

4. Practice Safe Burning Techniques

Proper fire-building techniques are essential for chimney safety. Use kindling to start the fire and gradually add larger logs. Avoid overloading the fireplace, as this can lead to increased creosote buildup. Use a fire screen to prevent sparks from escaping and landing on flammable surfaces.

5. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced during combustion. It can be lethal if it accumulates in your home. Installing carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home and near bedrooms can provide early warnings in case of CO leaks from the chimney or other sources.

6. Be Wary of Creosote Buildup

Creosote is a highly flammable substance that accumulates in the chimney over time. Regular chimney cleanings can help remove creosote, but you can also reduce its buildup by using dry wood, avoiding smoldering fires, and maintaining adequate airflow in your fireplace. You can heat your home without running the risk of fire issues by ensuring you don’t have any creosote buildup!

7. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

If you have a wood-burning stove, chimney, or fireplace insert, adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation and maintenance. Why is this important? It ensures you’re using the appliance safely and efficiently. You wouldn’t leave other appliances/systems in your home unkept/maintained – such as your furnace or air conditioner – so why would you do that with your chimney?

If your HVAC system says change the furnace filter every 90 days, you should. Well in the case of any chimney components, it is vital to follow the guidelines put forth by the manufacturer.

8. Keep Flammable Items at a Safe Distance

Flammable materials should be kept well away from the fireplace or wood-burning stove. In other words, don’t keep the old magazines and newspapers nearby! This includes:

• Furniture,
• Curtains,
• Magazines
• Decorations, and
• Anything else that could ignite if exposed to sparks or heat.

9. Properly Dispose of Ashes

Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep this container away from flammable materials and structures to prevent accidental fires. Obviously, any homeowner will tell you never to bring the container of ashes inside; always leave it outside, just in case!

10. Create an Escape Plan

Growing up, you always heard, “Stop, drop, and roll.” Nowadays, they have added down and crawl. And while these seem a bit silly as an adult, the reason they were stressed to as kids is so we would know what to do in the event of a fire emergency.

Well, if you have a chimney, it is wise to have an emergency plan in case of a chimney-related emergency. Ensure all family members know how to evacuate safely and where to meet outside the home, including elements of stop, drop, and roll and proper safety in the event of a fire. Having working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on every floor of your home is vital, too!

The Verdict –

Chimney safety precautions are essential for the well-being of your home and family. While the chances of an issue arising are few and far between, it is better to use regular inspections, proper maintenance, and responsible burning practices to help prevent potential disasters.

By following these guidelines along with the other tips above, you can continue to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of your fireplace while ensuring a safe and cozy environment. Remember that chimney safety should not be taken lightly, as it can make all the difference in preventing accidents and protecting your home.