Thanksgiving Prep: Don’t Forget About The Chimney

While gathering trimmings for Thanksgiving along historic Mitchell Street in downtown Milwaukee, with a spiced pumpkin latte in hand, don’t forget about your chimney. As cooler weather arrives and thoughts turn to cozy evenings beside a crackling wood fire, it’s essential to resist the temptation to use your fireplace until your chimney receives a thorough inspection and a clean bill of health. Since most house fires in Wisconsin occur in the winter and start in the chimney, including an inspection as part of your Thanksgiving prep will help ensure your fireplace is ready for the holiday season.

Your Six-Step Thanksgiving Chimney Checklist

Follow these steps to prepare your chimney for the Thanksgiving holiday:

1. Schedule Your Chimney Inspection

The most important step is scheduling a professional inspection by a certified sweep. It is essential for preventing hidden dangers, such as excessive creosote buildup, cracks in the flue, or blockages, from spoiling your holiday fun. If you haven’t used your fireplace since last winter, or if you plan to use it more frequently over the holidays, an inspection is mandatory for fire prevention.

2. Clean Out the Firebox and Ash Dump

Remove all old ash and debris and dispose of it in a metal container outside. It also helps remove potential odors,
keeps the space tidy, and allows you to inspect the masonry inside the firebox for any cracks or damage.

3. Make Masonry Repairs

If your inspection reveals cracked mortar, damaged bricks, or a faulty crown, schedule repairs immediately. Midwest winters are challenging for masonry chimneys. Minor cracks can quickly become major, costly water-damage problems.

4. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches

Overhanging branches can drop leaves and debris into the flue, creating obstructions and fire hazards.

5. Clear Leaves and Debris Off Your Roof

Leaves accumulating on the roof or in the valleys near the chimney can hold moisture against the flashing, accelerating rust and deterioration. Keep the roof area around the chimney flashing clean to prevent water damage and leaks.

6. Burn Seasoned Firewood

Only burn firewood that has been properly dried (seasoned) for six months or more. Seasoned wood burns cleaner and hotter, and produces less flammable creosote than green wood. Hardwoods like Oak, Maple, and Hickory are dense, burn long, and produce excellent heat with a soft aroma, making them perfect for a cozy Thanksgiving fire.

Safety Tips Around the Fireplace

The hearth is a cherished centerpiece of most homes in Wisconsin. It is essential to remember that a fireplace will often remain hot to the touch for several hours after the flames have been extinguished. Keep your family safe, especially your little ones and curious pets, with these tips.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are functioning properly. Replace batteries and test every six months. Some fire departments will provide and install them free of charge.

Use a Fire Screen or Glass Doors

These safety devices will prevent sparks and embers from flying out of the fireplace and onto rugs or floors.

Keep a Safe Zone

Ensure all flammable materials—such as rugs, decorations, and furniture—are at least three feet away from the fireplace opening. Also, keep children at a safe distance.

Pro Tip: Consider Installing a Top-Mount Damper

Unlike the traditional throat damper, a top-mount damper seals the flue at the top of the chimney when not in use. This damper provides better protection from rain and cold air, significantly improving your home’s energy efficiency while keeping the flue cleaner and drier.

Certified Chimney Inspections in the MKE

When prepping for Thanksgiving, leave the chimney to the certified professionals at Smokestacks. Whether you have a fireplace or stove, a professional chimney inspection is essential to ensure a warm and cozy Thanksgiving and holiday season. Smokestacks is proud to be the leading chimney sweep serving Greater Milwaukee, including Brown Deer, Nashotah, Town of Lake, and Oak Creek. Beat the winter rush—call Smokestacks today to schedule your chimney inspection before the Thanksgiving holiday.