- PENSACOLA SHOWROOM: 7555 Highway 98 West, Suite A, Pensacola, FL 32506
- DESTIN SHOWROOM: 36054 Emerald Coast Pkwy #100, Destin, FL 32541
Fire Prevention Week is an excellent time to remind Florida homeowners about fireplace safety tips. Although winters in the Panhandle are considered mild compared to other areas of the country, many homeowners enjoy the warm and inviting atmosphere and lower heating cost that a fireplace, insert, and stove affords. However, the area’s average 38 inches of rain annually can also take a toll on chimneys.
Fire Prevention WeekDoodlebuggers® is proud to celebrate Fire Prevention Week with the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA) to raise awareness about chimney and fireplace safety. It is observed this year from October 6th to 12th, 2024. With our expertise and commitment to fire prevention, you have peace of mind knowing that you are getting the best advice for your chimney and fireplace maintenance.
The theme of NFPA’s 2024 Fire Prevention Week is “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You!” Keep your home safe by ensuring a smoke detector is installed in each bedroom and checking that they work! Then implement a monthly testing schedule. Also, remember that all smoke detectors need to be replaced every ten years.
The Pensacola-Destin area’s humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, can contribute to brick-and-mortar decay, spalling, and other issues. Also, salt air from the Gulf can corrode metal components of the chimney. At the same time, storms and hurricanes can also cause damage to chimneys, including cracks or dislodged bricks. These environmental factors make regular chimney camera inspections especially important.
Our team of chimney professionals, highly recommended in the industry, suggests a camera inspection to complement the basic annual visual inspection. Also referred to as a level 2 inspection by the NFPA, our certified chimney sweep inserts a specialized video camera mounted on a pole through the top of the stack. The ChimCam® system provides the technician with a clearer view of the entire surface of the flue’s interior. This allows them to identify small cracks and other damage that might be missed in a visual-only assessment. By spotting these small cracks early, in real-time, on a monitor, the liner can often be repaired without the cost of a complete replacement, saving money on costlier repairs.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) emphasizes that improper chimney cleaning is a leading cause of house fires. Local fire departments across Florida frequently respond to chimney-related incidents, resulting in property damage, injuries, and displacement. To mitigate these risks, annual chimney inspections and cleanings are strongly recommended.
Early detection of these problems enables timely repairs, preventing heat damage to the masonry walls and reducing the risk of fire and carbon monoxide exposure. Level 2 inspections are particularly important following significant changes to the flue or heating appliance, such as fuel system modifications, masonry repairs, or tuck-pointing. The NFPA also requires a chimney camera inspection before transferring real estate to another owner. It is also necessary after a fire, hurricane, foundation shift, or other event that could cause siginificant damage to the chimney system.
Remember, a chimney fire can quickly spread to nearby residences, especially in townhouses or condos. By following fireplace safety guidelines and scheduling annual inspections and cleanings, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of your hearth while doing your part for fire prevention.
Chimney Inspection & CleaningDon’t wait! If it’s been more than a year since your last chimney inspection, it’s time to schedule one. Doodlebuggers proudly offers CSIA-certified chimney sweeps and Gas-certified technicians for inspections, repairs, and maintenance. Neglecting these services can lead to chimney fires, property damage, and even health risks. Our expert team is trained and committed to providing the highest customer service for all your chimney, fireplace, and stove needs.
Scheduling an appointment is a breeze. Visit a Doodlebugger Showroom near you or contact us online to schedule an appointment, choose a convenient time, and we’ll handle the rest. We serve Destin FL, Gulf Breeze FL, Lillian AL, West Pensacola FL, and surrounding communities!
