Every fall, Kersey homeowners ask us the same question about their chimneys, and the answer isn’t what most people expect. If you’ve been waiting to light that first fire this season, here’s what our licensed team wants you to know before you do.
Myth: ‘My chimney looks fine, so it’s safe to use.’ Fact: Kersey’s dry air hides dangerous creosote faster than you think.
Most Kersey homeowners assume a clean chimney means no buildup, but creosote, the flammable tar left from fires, starts forming the moment you burn wood. By the time you see soot on your glass doors, it’s often too late. Our crews find thick creosote layers in half of Kersey homes we inspect this time of year, even in chimneys that look clean. If your last sweep was over a year ago, schedule one now before you risk a fire hazard. Learn more about creosote risks in our glossary or book a sweep for Kersey or nearby Greeley, we offer free written estimates.
Myth: ‘I can wait until winter to sweep.’ Fact: Kersey’s early fall winds push debris into your flue before you fire up the hearth.
Here’s the catch: leaves, pine needles, and even bird nests get blown into chimneys as early as September, especially in older Kersey homes with loose caps. We’ve pulled whole nests from chimneys in Windsor and Milliken neighborhoods before homeowners even lit a fire. A pre-winter sweep removes that debris and checks for cracks caused by last winter’s freeze-thaw cycles. See our fall prep checklist or request service for your area, our crews prioritize Kersey first, then surrounding towns like La Salle and Platteville.