Fireplace (wood-burning)

Routine Care Task

Clean and inspect fireplace chimney

Chimney fires can be very dangerous. This task will help prevent them.

Priority

Timing: June (yearly)

NOTE: The tasks and timings shown here for your Fireplace (wood-burning) are based on a single-family home located in Massachusetts with a default set of home care goals and priorities.

If you setup your POLICY-Wizard™ personal home manager for a different location with different home care goals, your recommended home care program can have different tasks and timings for your {home feature}.

How To

Typically for $90 to $150 , a professional chimney sweep will thoroughly clean your fireplace and chimney and check for defects. Or you can do the work yourself if you have the proper brushes and vacuums and don't mind the mess or hassle.

The tasks include:

Inspect for creosote deposits in the flue. If greater than 1/8" in thickness, then the chimney flue should be cleaned.

Check the firebox for damaged brick or mortar.

Check the damper for operation and snug fit. Also inspect for cracks, pitting or rusted-out sections.

Check the flue for broken or damaged bricks on the flue liner. Cracking is a sign that there has been a flue fire and is a potentially serious problem.