You’re probably familiar with the game Two Truths and a Lie. Today we’re going to tell you two chimney myths and one truth. See if you’re chimney-savvy enough to know the difference. We’ll tell the tales as they’re originally told, and then wrap it up in the end of the post. Let’s get started!

  1. Truth or Myth? Pine Adds to Creosote Buildup: You should never burn pine because it is evergreen and contains more sap than other types of wood. Pine creates more creosote as it burns because of the sap content.
  2. Truth or Myth? An Unused Chimney Doesn’t Need to be Inspected: Out of sight, out of mind, right? An unused chimney doesn’t need to be inspected because it isn’t doing anything.
  3. Truth or Myth? A Fireplace Doesn’t Always Warm the Room: The fireplace makes the whole family room feel cooler instead of distributing heat like it should.

Did you know which were true and which were not? Are you ready for the big reveal? Let’s see which were myths and which were truth.

  1. Myth! Pine is actually a soft wood and it is perfectly okay to burn it as long as it is properly seasoned. The chimney killer that creates the most creosote is actually moisture, not sap or a specific type of wood. Hardwoods, like oak and maple, burn longer than pine and other soft woods that burn hotter and more intensely because of the sap content.
  2. Myth! The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that all chimneys, whether in use or not, be inspected at least once per year. Animals, debris, and moisture can still get into the flue and cause a blockage. Moisture can get into the cracks, freeze, and cause the cracks to become larger. This cycle can eventually cause structural weakness in the chimney. An annual inspection can catch those issues.
  3. Truth! Just because a fireplace is home to a fire doesn’t mean it’s automatically going to warm the room. In fact, it may cause the room to become cooler because it’s pulling oxygen from the room, which creates a flow of cooler air from the adjoining room. The best way to combat this is to install a fireback behind the andiron. The fireback will radiate heat out toward the room while the fire continues to create heat.

So… How’d You Do?

Did you know which was which? Feel free to share this blog post with others who may find it interesting.

Fireplace Safety and Chimney Inspections in Ridley

We have two CSIA Certified chimney sweeps standing by to assist you with your chimney needs. Give us a call at 610-626-2439 to schedule an appointment for a chimney inspection or cleaning. We provide chimney services throughout Ridley and the Main Line region.