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ChimneyClear Blog
Guides from our certified technicians—focused on safety, simplicity, and Canadian climates.
Canadian chimney safety checklist for fall
read • Updated seasonally
Before heating season, verify smoke and CO alarms, inspect caps and crowns, and schedule a sweep if creosote is visible. Keep combustible storage away from appliances.
Inspect alarms and detectors
Test every smoke and CO alarm, replace batteries, and confirm devices are not expired. Place a CO alarm on each floor with fuel-burning appliances.
Test draft on a cold start
Check clearances to combustibles
Confirm rain cap and spark arrestor
Exterior components
Look for cracked crowns, missing mortar, loose bricks, and deteriorated flashing. Ensure the chimney cap is secured and mesh is intact.
Combustibles and clearance
Maintain proper clearance around stoves and fireplaces. Store kindling and firewood away from the hearth and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Booking a sweep
If you see heavy soot or glazed deposits, plan a professional sweep and inspection to prevent chimney fires and improve efficiency.
Understanding creosote: levels and removal
read • Practical guide
Creosote forms from incomplete combustion and can be flaky, crunchy, or glossy. Level 3 glazed creosote often requires specialized removal and a deep sweep.
Levels overview
Level 1 is sooty and powdery, Level 2 is crunchy and tar-like, and Level 3 is glazed, often requiring mechanical or chemical treatment.
Burn seasoned wood only
Maintain proper air supply
Schedule inspections annually
Prevention
Use well-seasoned hardwood, avoid smouldering fires, and ensure adequate make-up air for a clean, hot burn with minimal residue.
Removal options
From rotary sweeping to chemical catalysts, match the method to the deposit level and chimney material to avoid damage.
When to call a pro
If you smell acrid odours, see shiny deposits, or experience draft issues, consult a certified technician for a thorough inspection.