6 Chimney Facts You Might Not Have Known

You have a chimney in your house and you use it during the winter for your fireplace. You also enjoy decorating your fireplace mantel and making it feel warm and cozy for the holidays! While you understand the basic functions of a chimney and fireplace, we have some fun chimney facts to share that you might not have known about these important structures.

Fact #1: The Great Fire of London Influenced Chimney Construction

Centuries ago, chimneys were constructed using wood and hay. It was dangerous to use and expensive to build.

When the Great Fire of London hit in 1666, the English Courts demanded that chimneys were built using brick and mortar while extending at least 4.5 feet above the roofline.

person repointing a chimneyFact #2: Chimney Sweeps Bring Good Luck!

In Poland and Croatia, you’re considered lucky if you rub a button on our clothing while passing by a chimney sweep on the street!

Fact #3: Millions of Chimneys are in Use Each Year

According to the EPA, there are 13 million chimneys and fireplaces in use each year.

Fact #4: Chimney Fire is Intensely Hot

If you’re looking to warm your home, a chimney fire can surely get the job done—but be careful! These fires can burn up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fact #5: A Chimney’s Height is Important

Tall chimneys direct smoke away from the home and other surrounding structures. It also allows chemicals to self-neutralize before reaching the ground.

Fact #6: Chimney Maintenance is a Matter of Safety

If you haven’t bothered to call for a chimney sweep lately, keep in mind it’s not about aesthetics. There are an estimated 25,000 chimney fires in the last year that accumulated over $120 million in damage.

why burning plastic in the fireplace is not okay

Call Boston’s Best Chimney for Your Boston, MA Area Chimney Needs

The best way to prevent chimney fires is regular maintenance with chimney sweeping. If it’s time for a chimney inspection, Boston’s Best Chimney can provide peace of mind this holiday season! We are an all-service chimney company serving the Greater Boston, MA area with chimney masonry work, installations, commercial chimney work, and more.  Get in touch with us today about chimney sweeping and other services by calling 781-893-6611.

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