Chimneys Must Be Cleaned by 1 November, Experts Warn of Fire Risks
In Latvia, flues of solid and liquid fuel heating appliances must be cleaned by 1 November. Insurer ERGO and master chimney sweep Māris Bambis explain how to avoid soot build-up and the dangers of poorly built chimneys.
As the heating season approaches, homeowners in Latvia need to check and clean their chimneys, stoves and fireplaces. Fire safety rules require the flues of solid and liquid fuel heating appliances to be cleaned by 1 November. Insurance company ERGO and master chimney sweep Māris Bambis explain how to spot fire hazards.
Flues of long-burning solid fuel appliances also need extra cleaning during the heating season itself, between 1 November and 1 March.
Spring is the best time
Bambis says people often think about cleaning only once a problem appears, although a flue should be cleaned regularly. In his view, the best moment is spring, right after the season ends, because in autumn many people call specialists at once and the wait can be longer.
Deposits can build up within a month
It is impossible to say exactly how fast soot and tar form in a flue; it depends on the appliance, the fuel and how it is used. Deposits can accumulate in as little as a month or two. Burning damp wood or closing air supply vents leads to incomplete combustion, so soot, tar and creosote build up faster. These deposits can cause a fire.
How the chimney is built matters
Sanita Rubene, director of ERGO's Claims Management Department, says problems also arise when a chimney is built incorrectly. If a metal chimney is installed after the building is finished, a safe distance from wooden structures and ceilings is often not kept. The insulation of a double-wall chimney can also lose its properties over time.
Rubene reminds homeowners that a home should have a smoke detector and a fire extinguisher, and that insuring the property is worthwhile.
Three basic principles
- Clean the flue, ideally every year after the heating season ends.
- Use the appliance as intended: suitable fuel, sufficient air supply, no overheating.
- Heed warning signs – weaker draught, smoke, or changes in heat output.
