Wood-burning fireplaces and chimneys require consistent attention before and during the heating season. This reference covers what to check, how to clean, and what safe operation actually looks like from October through April.
Read the Inspection Guide
A walkthrough of what homeowners and certified WETT inspectors check before the first fire of the year — from the firebox liner to the chimney cap.
Read article →
Creosote build-up is the leading cause of chimney fires in Canada. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of cleaning procedures from ash removal to flue brushing.
Read article →
Burning technique, wood moisture content, draft control, and carbon monoxide risks — a practical overview for households operating wood appliances in Canada.
Read article →The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 211) recommends at minimum one inspection per year for wood-burning appliances. In Canada, WETT certification is the recognized standard.
When flue temperatures drop below 150°C, unburned wood gases condense on chimney walls. Even a 3mm layer of Stage 3 creosote is enough to sustain a chimney fire reaching 1,100°C.
Firewood split and stacked for at least 12–18 months typically reaches 20% moisture or below. Burning wet wood below that threshold produces three times more creosote than dry wood.
Install at least one CO detector within 5 metres of each sleeping area. Test the battery monthly. CO from incomplete combustion is odourless and dangerous within minutes at high concentrations.
Tightly sealed homes built after 2012 often lack adequate combustion air for wood appliances. A persistent back-draft or smoky room when the damper is open is a sign the appliance needs a dedicated air supply.
A missing or damaged chimney cap allows rain, snow, and birds inside the flue. Water accelerates mortar deterioration and rusts steel components. Inspect the cap each autumn before the season begins.
Have a question about your chimney or fireplace? Leave your details and we will respond within one business day.