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Safety 📅 Jan 12, 2026  ·  5 min read

Top 5 Chimney Safety Tips for 2026

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Stanley Mattatall
Founder & CSIA Certified Master Sweep — Baltimore Chimneys

As we enter 2026, home safety remains our top priority at Baltimore Chimneys. Whether you have a wood-burning fireplace or a modern gas insert, maintaining your venting system is non-negotiable. Here are the top five safety tips every Maryland homeowner should follow this year.

Rooftop chimney inspection
1

Install Dual Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer—colorless, odorless, and deadly. Ensure you have working CO detectors on every floor of your home, especially near sleeping areas. In 2026, we recommend smart detectors that sync with your phone to provide alerts even when you're away from home.

🚨 Important: Replace CO detector batteries every 6 months. Replace the entire unit every 5–7 years as sensors degrade over time.

Creosote buildup inside chimney
2

Burn Only Seasoned Hardwood

Burning “green” or unseasoned wood leads to rapid creosote buildup in your flue. Creosote is highly flammable—even a 1/8” accumulation can ignite. Only use wood dried for at least 6–12 months. This burns cleaner, produces more heat, and dramatically protects your flue from hazardous deposits.

  • Oak, hickory, and ash are ideal hardwoods
  • Wood should have less than 20% moisture content
  • Never burn trash, cardboard, or treated wood
“A properly maintained chimney isn't something you think about—it's something that quietly protects your family every single winter.” — Stanley Mattatall, CSIA Certified Master Sweep
3

Keep the “Burn Zone” Clear

Keep a three-foot clearance around your fireplace. No rugs, pillows, or furniture should be close enough to catch a stray spark. A sturdy steel mesh screen is essential whenever a fire is burning.

4

Watch for Animal Intrusions

Baltimore's squirrels, birds, and raccoons love chimneys as nesting spots. Strange noises or a lack of draft may signal an obstruction. A high-quality stainless steel chimney cap is your best defense.

CSIA certified annual chimney sweep
5

Schedule Your Annual Inspection

The single most important safety step is having a CSIA-certified technician inspect your chimney once a year. We catch small issues—cracked liners, blocked flues, failing flashing—before they become life-threatening hazards. Level I inspections are affordable and take less than 90 minutes.

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