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FROM THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT: 

With the fall and winter months upon us, many residents will turn to their woodstoves and fireplaces to provide much-needed warmth!  Here are some reminders to ensure the safe operation of these heat sources: 

Prior to starting your woodstove or fireplace, have a chimney sweep clean and inspect it.  You may have had a chimney fire and not even been aware of it!  (If the flue is damaged as a result of a chimney fire, it may be covered under your home owner’s policy.)

Be aware of the type of wood that you are purchasing.  There are many reputable wood suppliers, but there are also those who sell green and/or soft wood at the same price as good, seasoned hard woods.  Green and soft woods are hard to burn and can cause creosote, which leads to chimney fires.

Storage of the wood is also important.  If it is to be stored outside, it should be covered to keep it dry.  Wet and frozen wood is hard to burn and may also lead to a build-up of creosote.

A good practice to prevent creosote build-up:  After running the stove on low overnight, run it hot in the morning for 10 to 15 minutes.  If you have a thermometer on the stove pipe, get it to between 400 and 500 degrees.  Do this daily.  This will generally crystallize the creosote so it falls back into the stove.  To be sure of safe operation, have the chimney cleaned periodically as well.

Lastly, a reminder that building permits are required for woodstoves, chimneys, fireplaces (gas or wood), replacement furnaces and chimney relinings.  New York State Code requires that, prior to the relining of a chimney, it be cleaned as well as inspected.  Stand-by generators and transfer switches also require a building permit and have to be inspected by the Town as well as an electrical inspector.

Stay safely warm this fall and winter!

If you have questions about any of the information above – or projects you are undertaking at your residence – please call our office at (315) 986-1400, ext. 307.  We’re here to assist you!

                                                                                                            Norman Druschel