Chimney Tips for the Homeowner

A fireplace is a wonderful addition to any home. But without a properly-operating chimney, a fireplace can be dangerous. While fireplaces are often thought of as a focal point for any room they occupy, their function is much more important than just being decorative. The chimney’s job is to safely vent the smoke and hot gases from the fireplace.

Experts say regular maintenance is important and offer some tips for the homeowner:

1. The homeowner should inspect the chimney often. Make a note of obvious signs of distress, such as cracks and places where the mortar or brick has been damaged.
2. The homeowner should have a reputable, professional company, often called a chimney sweep, inspect the chimney annually. Experts suggest asking how long the company has been in business. They also advise the homeowner to ask for references. The homeowner should expect to pay approximately $75 for the inspection. Cleaning the chimney will cost extra.

A thorough professional inspection will include checking the fireplace, the flue, and damper. Above the roofline, the inspector will check the metal flashing where the chimney meets the roof. Properly-installed flashing will help prevent water from entering the fireplace or leaking into the home. The inspector will also check to make sure the caps are properly affixed to the flue and will look for any overhanging tree branches that could catch fire or block the smoke from leaving the chimney.

A chimney inspection will also reveal if the homeowner should have the chimney cleaned. Experts say an open masonry fireplace should be cleaned if it has a 1/8 of an inch or more buildup of soot, which is a byproduct produced by burning wood. Factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when there is any soot buildup.

The chimney sweep will use brushes attached to a rope or long handles to scrub the walls of the chimney, as well as the flue, to break down the buildup of soot. In some cases, one technician will be stationed on the roof, pulling a rope with a scrubber attached, while another will be inside the home pulling the other end of the rope scrubber. A professional chimney cleaning takes 60 to 90 minutes and, depending on the type of fireplace and chimney, costs $100 to $200.

There are a number of do-it-yourself cleaning kits on the market, but any homeowner who attempts to clean a chimney should be prepared for a dirty task. Also, many experts advise the homeowner to instead go with a professional company that can also provide a safety inspection along with the cleaning.