On the Search for a Blue Springs Chimney Service Company? Hire SureGlow Stove & Chimney

On a mission to find the most reliable full service chimney company near you? Your search is over. For quality care in the Greater Kansas City Area, trust SureGlow Stove & Chimney every time.

We’re Blue Springs Homeowners’ Chimney Sweep of Choice

If you live in or near Blue Springs, Lake Lotawana, Buckner, Sugar Creek, Parkville, Lenexa, Leawood, or anywhere else in the area, choose SureGlow for all of your chimney sweep and fireplace repair needs. Our experts provide the following:

Looking to schedule a service? Reach out now.

How Can I Ensure My Fireplace Doesn’t Become a Fire Hazard?

Fireplaces have become so commonplace that it’s easy to forget how dangerous they can be if not properly cared for. After all, you’re hosting a hot bed of flames in the middle of your home. Needless to say, skimping on proper care and investing in subpar services (or taking a do-it-yourself approach) simply isn’t an option.

How can you ensure your warm and inviting fireplace doesn’t turn into a huge fire hazard?

Schedule Regular Professional Inspections

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) advise homeowners to have each fireplace, wood stove, and chimney inspected annually to ensure a safer, more efficient fireside experience.

Even if you don’t use your fireplace often, having a professional chimney sweep or technician inspect it at least once a year is essential. A thorough inspection will catch any potential issues like cracks, creosote buildup, or faulty components that could pose a risk of fire.

Schedule Regular Professional Sweepings

Your chimney professional will need to sweep your chimney before they can inspect it, so this goes right along with those annual inspections. Why are sweepings such an essential? Over time, creosote, which is a highly flammable substance produced by burning wood, will build up in the chimney – and it needs to be regularly removed.

In addition, outside debris and nesting materials can fly in and build up, and sometimes woodland critters and birds can find their way in and set up camp. All of these scenarios invite fire hazards too – and it’s a good reminder that even rarely used flues need annual care.

Use Proper Firewood

If you burn wood in your fireplace, always use seasoned, dry wood for your fires. Seasoned wood is lighter weight, makes a hollow sound when smacked against another piece, and should have a moisture content of around 20%. Wet or green wood produces more creosote and can create dangerous conditions in your chimney.

On this same note, never throw trash, paper products, treated wood, cardboard, or anything other than seasoned wood in your fires. It may feel harmless, but burning these products can cause a lot of harm over time.

Make Sure You Have a Quality Chimney Cap

Chimney caps don’t always seem like much, but they do a lot. They prevent debris like leaves, twigs, or animal nests from blocking your chimney, and they also keep sparks and embers contained, preventing them from igniting your roof or nearby trees. All in all, a properly installed cap is a simple, affordable way to prevent fire hazards.

And, fire hazards aside, caps also keep water and excess moisture out of your flue, ensuring your entire system stays in better shape for the long haul.

Properly Dispose of Fireplace Ash

While a thin layer of ash in your firebox is okay, you don’t want it to build up too much, which is why regularly removing ashes from the firebox is important. That said, when disposed of incorrectly, fireplace ash can become a huge fire hazard. Ashes can stay hot for days and may cause a fire if not handled properly. 

Properly dispose of ash by scooping it with a metal shovel and placing it in a fire-safe container with a tight metal lid. Never leave ashes in a cardboard box or paper bag – and never dump them straight into the trash. Rather, seal them in the appropriate container, then set them on a nonflammable surface outdoors for a few days to ensure they properly cool.

Regularly Check for Cracks & Damage

Booking annual professional inspections is essential, but you should be keeping an eye on your system too. Inspect the fireplace and chimney regularly for any visible damage, such as cracks in the mortar or gaps in the firebox. Even minor damage can lead to dangerous heat exposure or allow harmful gases to leak into your home. 

If you do find any signs of damage, contact a professional to repair it right away – and don’t put your fireplace to use in the meantime.

Adhere to Fireplace Safety Rules

Keeping fireplace safety tips in mind, like never leaving a fire unattended and having smoke/carbon monoxide detectors installed, is important. Have a plan in place if a fire does break out, and make sure you’re well-versed on how to properly build and maintain a fire.

In addition, make sure those in your home are well-educated on proper fireplace use, and never let small kiddos or pets get too close to the area – no matter how curious they can get.

Maintain Proper Ventilation

With fireplaces, proper draft and ventilation is imperative. Poor ventilation can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide inside your home, as well as invite in smoke and fire hazards. If you notice any issues with smoke not leaving the chimney or feel that you have a drafty, inefficient fireplace, consult a professional for troubleshooting.

Adhere to Proper Clearances

Keep flammable objects, such as furniture, rugs, and curtains, at least three feet away from your fireplace. The surrounding area should also be clear to prevent accidental fires, so resist adding that flammable seasonal decor to your mantle. You should also have a fire extinguisher nearby, especially if your fireplace is in a room with combustible materials.

Blue Springs Has Lots To Offer – Including a Quality Chimney Service Provider

Blue Springs is a warm and welcoming city with plenty to do, and its close approximation to downtown Kansas City makes it an ideal spot for those who love a lower-key vibe…but like to have plenty of big city amenities close at hand too.

Some popular spots in Blue Springs, MO include:

  • Adams Dairy Landing: This is a popular shopping center with plenty to explore and enjoy.
  • Fleming Park: This is the largest park in Jackson County and has opportunities for camping, picnicking, learning historical lessons, playing soccer, doing some archery, and more.
  • Burrus Old Mill Park: One the oldest parks in Blue Springs, Burrus Old Mill Park features a skate park, some sports fields, tennis courts, and more.
  • Blue Springs Lake: This is a 720-acre reservoir where people can water ski, go tubing, and or do some fishing. 
  • Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area: This area provides hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and educational programs, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
  • Dillingham-Lewis House Museum: Built in 1906, this native limestone structure is home to the Blue Springs Historical Society and showcases historical replicas and displays. 

This is just a short list – Blue Springs has plenty more to offer in terms of natural beauty, historical insights, and popular shopping attractions. Take a day to explore – you won’t regret it!

Are you a resident of the city? For quality chimney sweep services, choose SureGlow Stove & Chimney. We serve Blue Springs, Kansas City, Grandview, Lees Summit, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, Independence, Raytown, and more. Call or book online today.

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Do Business With Chimney Professionals You Can Trust

When your safety is at stake, you need to rely on trusted professionals to keep your home hazard-free. That’s why residents in Blue Springs and the surrounding area call on SureGlow Stove & Chimney every time. Our technicians are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and receive continuing education which enables us to accurately evaluate, service, and maintain your chimney and fireplace.

We are dedicated to providing superior service to homeowners in Blue Springs, as well as to all of our customers in the Greater Kansas City Area. Call or book online now.

We’re proud to have Kansas City, MO as part of our service area. If you’re in Greater Kansas City Area, count on us.