Is Your Chimney Safe For Santa?

Is your chimney safe for Santa? As the big day draws near, the importance of keeping your chimney safe for Santa’s arrival is only growing. While there are always risks to traveling down the chimney, there are things we can do to improve safety for Santa.

Some ways that we can help to keep our chimney safe for Santa are:

Clear the Roof

Making sure that the roof is clear of tree limbs and other debris ensures a clear landing for Santa. It is important to keep any foliage or branches at least 15 feet away from the chimney. Sleighs can travel well in snow but not so well over branches.

In addition to helping Santa, this also helps protect the home on the morning of Christmas. As the fireplace gets going, there is always a possibility that embers can travel up through the chimney. These then have the potential to catch any brush on fire that may be on the roof. 

Chimney Cap

While Santa will have to maneuver around your chimney cap, keeping it on your chimney is vital. Without the Chimney cap, critters and debris can enter the chimney. This has the potential to block the flue on the way down, rendering it impossible for Santa to continue.

This is vital for reasons beyond keeping the chimney clear for Santa as well. A blocked chimney can be very hazardous and debris catching on fire further up in the flue can also be very harmful. Keeping a cap on the chimney is the best way to prevent this from happening.

Check the Mortar

Homeowners should ensure that the entire chimney remains sealed off from the elements. Over time, the mortar that keeps the chimney together can wear out, opening holes in the flue. As visited above, this can lead to debris and animals entering the chimney and blocking it. Rendering Santa stuck.

It’s important to make sure that you are inspecting the worthiness of your mortar every year.

Flashing

The flashing surrounds the chimney and protects it from letting in moisture. As the snow starts to fall, it’s important to make sure that the flashing is intact and not letting in any water. This helps to make sure that Santa doesn’t get his suit wet and grimy.

In addition to this, a leak in the chimney can lead to water spots on the ceiling, mold, and other issues. Making sure that your flashing is up to code is the number one way to prevent this.

Chimney Inspection

The best offense is a good defense! Getting your chimney inspected every year is the best way to ensure that you are maintaining a safe entryway for Santa. A chimney inspection is a quick and reliable way to find out if there are any issues with your chimney. 

Hiring a professional like the ones at Brick + Ember Outfitters will give the confidence that your chimney is in good standing. Go confidently into the season, ready to heat your home throughout the winter!

Other Holiday Tips

Throughout the holidays, there are a few other things to consider to keep your chimney and house safe! These tips can go a long way in ensuring a safe and festive season. As the holidays go on, please keep in mind the following:

Don’t Burn your Christmas Tree

Pine contains higher levels of creosote than other forms of wood. Burning your tree in the fireplace can release higher levels of dangerous chemicals into your home.

Don’t Burn Boxes and Wrapping Paper

Like the Christmas tree, it is wise to keep these out of the fireplace. They can burn quickly and unpredictably, making them more dangerous than standard wood. The ink on these also includes hazardous chemicals when burned so any colored paper should not get burned.

Keep your Fireplace Clear

The mantle is the pride of many homes but it’s important to keep the space clear. Decorations should stay at a safe distance from the flames.

Maintaining Home Safety

Always maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These are the first line of defense if anything goes wrong. Check these regularly and make sure to replace the batteries as needed.

We’ll Help Keep Your Chimney Safe

Santa Clause is a-coming to town so now is the time to prepare for his arrival. The team at Brick + Ember Outfitters is here to help! Schedule your inspection today.

After the inspection, our staff can directly address any concerns that there may be with your chimney. From there we can form a plan to address them quickly and efficiently. We handle everything from design and masonry to chimney sweeping and repair. 

We take pride in our work and in helping people enjoy the favorite parts of their homes!  Our dedicated team of professionals is happy to come out and ensure that you have a Chimney that’s good enough for Santa!