You should know what you’re burning before you burn it. At Watson Brothers Chimney and Vent, we want to keep you informed on what it means to own a fireplace. Proper maintenance and knowledge of what you can and shouldn't burn are essential when utilizing a fireplace. To ensure your family stays safe around the fireplace be sure to get routine chimney sweeps and watch out for these 10 flammable items you should never burn.

Flammable Items You Should NEVER Burn

Burning items that contain toxic compounds, such as paints, solvents, plastics, and electronics, can create hazardous airborne pollutants that can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. These pollutants can cause serious health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, as well as cancer. Burning materials that are highly flammable can also pose a danger to your home and your fireplace. Over time, dirt and grime can build up in your chimney which can be a hazard when utilizing your fireplace. Here is a list of hazardous materials you should never burn in your fireplace:

1. Plastic: Burning plastic releases toxic fumes that can be dangerous to people’s health.

2. Styrofoam: Like plastic, burning Styrofoam releases toxic fumes when burned.

3. Paint: Paint releases toxic fumes when burned, and it can also cause explosions.

4. Painted wood: It is not recommended to burn painted wood due to its flammability.

5. Motor oil: Motor oil is extremely flammable and burning it can cause serious harm to people and the environment.

6. Compressed gas cylinders: Compressed gas cylinders contain a great deal of pressure and are highly flammable. Burning one can cause an explosion.

7. Aerosol cans: Aerosol cans contain flammable chemicals and should never be burned.

8. Gasoline: Gasoline is highly flammable and can cause a dangerous fire.

9. Dryer lint: Dryer lint is extremely flammable and should never be burned.

10. Propane tanks: Propane tanks are highly flammable and can cause a dangerous explosion when burned.

Importance of Routine Chimney Sweeps

Routine chimney sweeps are essential for the safety and performance of the chimney system. Over time, chimneys can accumulate dangerous creosote and other combustible material that can cause a fire. Regular chimney sweeps help to reduce the risk of a fire, as well as keep the chimney free of obstructions that can reduce airflow and impact the efficiency of the chimney.

In addition to preventing fires, a routine chimney sweep can help to reduce the amount of smoke and fumes that are emitted from the chimney. This is especially important if you are using a wood-burning fireplace, as the smoke and fumes can contain harmful particles that can be hazardous to your health.

A professional chimney sweep can also inspect the chimney and identify any potential problems that should be addressed before they become bigger issues.

Finally, a routine chimney sweep can help to ensure the longevity of the chimney system. By removing the creosote and other combustible materials, as well as inspecting for any potential damage or wear and tear, a professional sweep can help to ensure that the chimney will continue to function properly for many years to come.

How We Can Help!

Routine chimney sweeps are an important part of maintaining the safety and performance of any chimney system. By removing the debris and inspecting for potential issues, a professional sweep can help to keep your home safe and your chimney in top condition. Enjoy your fireplace year-round with the peace of mind that your fireplace is safe and highly functional. Contact us today at Watson Brothers Chimney and Vent to get an inspection!