How To Clean A Fireplace And Chimney

A Quick Guide to Chimney Maintenance

CC0/fotofixautomat/Pixabay

You might not spend a lot of time thinking about your chimney, especially during the warmer summer months. But as the nights draw in and the time comes around again to start using your fireplace or wood burning stove, you don't want to run into unexpected chimney issues and blockages.

For that reason, it's crucial to undertake chimney maintenance at least once a year. This is the bare minimum recommended by the National Fire Protection Association. Most people do so in the fall, before they start using the chimney again. But, if resources allow, it won't hurt to take a look in the spring as well. Here are some common questions and answers.

What Does a Chimney Sweep Do?

A chimney sweep will basically clear out the inside of your chimney. Primarily, that means removing soot. But a chimney sweep will also clear other blockages or potential blockages, such as built-up creosote, from the chimney liner, smoke chamber, firebox and damper. With creosote being so flammable, it's crucial that it gets removed regularly—since it only takes a relatively small amount to pose the very real risk of a chimney fire.

But that's not the only risk. Regardless of whether you have a wood burning fireplace or a gas heater, blockages and poor air flow will lead to a gradual (or not so gradual) accumulation of carbon monoxide in your home. Even at low levels, this is unpleasant, causing headaches, dizziness and nausea. But at high levels, it can kill.

When is the Best Time for Chimney Maintenance?

As stated above, the National Fire Protection Association sets annual maintenance as the minimum required standard. And most people undertake chimney maintenance between September and November, usually before they start using the chimney again.

But you should also undertake chimney maintenance whenever the need arises. If there seems to be a problem with the air flow, for instance, don't wait until the fall to sort it out. Likewise, if you've just purchased a new home, it's a good idea to at least have the chimney checked right away.

Crucially, don't assume your chimney is fine just because you haven't used it. Insects and other animals may have taken up residence, causing potentially dangerous blockages.

What are Some Common Chimney Repair Jobs?

Short of full chimney replacement, there are several repairs and related maintenance jobs that are commonly required by homeowners. Chimney mortar repair, for example, becomes necessary when water mixes with creosote to erode the brick and mortar. Because of the often prohibitive chimney relining cost, however, preventative measures are better (see below).

Another common job when it comes to repairing the chimney is to fix issues with venting systems. While many of us baulk at the average chimney repair cost, just remember that it's cheaper than a brand new chimney installation, let alone dealing with fire damage.

Who Installs Chimney Caps?

Most chimney maintenance professionals will offer this service and a choice of chimney cap sizes. Alternatively, you may wish to install chimney caps yourself. Either way, the installation of high quality stainless steel chimney caps can eliminate many common chimney problems, and in turn dramatically lower annual maintenance costs.

The primary function of chimney caps, for example, is to keep excess water from entering in from outside. They also prevent animals from getting in and building nests—especially important as the weather gets frostier and your warm chimney becomes increasingly appealing to critters.

What about Chemical Cleaners?

Chemical cleaners are used to remove creosote from the inside of chimneys, and many people think they're an adequate substitute for traditional, mechanical cleaning. But this doesn't appear to be the case. Not only is a proper chimney sweep more thorough, but the regular close inspection it involves will turn up other problems that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Although some professional chimney sweeps may make use of these chemical cleaners, they are not an adequate substitute on their own. Aside from anything else, the false sense of security these cleaners promote can foster a dangerous sense of complacency. If in doubt, call a professional.