A fireplace that isn’t properly
maintained can be a fire hazard – inspect your wood-burning
fireplace regularly to avoid problems down the road.
Inspecting your fireplace isn’t too difficult, but it can be
quite messy, so make sure to wear old clothes and a hat. A
work light will give you a decent initial glimpse into the
flue, but to really assess the situation it’s important to
put on a dust mask or respirator and safety goggles, and
really take a good look inside.
 First, examine the firebox, looking for cracks and
loose joints. Masonry fireplaces may also have damaged
bricks and mortar. Loose firebox joints and cracks are easy
to repair with refractory cement, which can take high heat.
You can find this product in fireplace stores.
 Next, open the damper. A functioning damper will
move easily and sit tightly against the throat. The metal
should be solid and not contain any cracks, severe pitting,
or rusty segments. If the damper needs to be replaced, you
must hire a professional to do the job – this is not
something to be attempted on your own.
 It’s also necessary to look up the flue for
damage. You can use a high-powered flashlight or work light
to see up the flue and inspect the flue liner. With metal
flue liners the joints should be well aligned and everything
should look clean. Tile and masonry flue liners are a little
different – make sure they are solid and contain no cracks.
For any repairs, contact a certified professional.
 No leaves or debris should be clogging the
chimney, especially because birds and squirrels tend to nest
in chimneys that haven’t been used in a few months.
 You may have to inspect the flue from the roof if
you can’t see everything from below. Hiring a professional
chimney sweep is best if you don’t feel comfortable doing
this yourself.
Cleaning a chimney is something homeowners can do without
hiring a professional chimney sweep, but in most cases,
people experienced in the business are best suited to the
job and can get it done for a reasonable price. |
