How often should you have chimney checked?
annualSafety groups recommend an annual inspection. If you use your fireplace often, you may require more frequent cleanings. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends a cleaning when there's 1/8” of soot. If you haven't used your fireplace in years, consider an inspection before you use it.
How do I know if my chimney is safe to use?
How to Make Sure Your Fireplace & Chimney Are SafeThere's no bird nest or debris buildup on the cap.There are no tree limbs above or near the chimney.The mortar and bricks on the chimney aren't crumbling or missing.The chimney rises at least 2 feet above where it exits the roof.More items...
How can I tell if my chimney needs cleaning?
Here are seven tell-tale signs that indicate your chimney or fireplace needs cleaning:Your fireplace smells like a campfire. ... Fires burn oddly. ... It takes more effort to get a fire going and keep it going. ... Smoke fills the room. ... The fireplace damper is black. ... Fireplace walls have oily marks. ... There's evidence of animals.
Do gas chimneys need to be cleaned?
While gas chimneys often don't need as much cleaning as their wood counterparts, it doesn't mean they don't need any cleaning at all. They are just as vulnerable to other chimney problems and it strongly behooves you to have them cleaned and inspected every year.
What makes a chimney unsafe?
Chimney liner damage, excess creosote, chimney fires, drafting obstructions, and mold growth – these common problems can make your chimney unsafe to use and live around.
How likely is a chimney fire?
There are over 25,000 reported chimney fires a year in the U.S. While some sound like a low-flying jet and include flames shooting out the top of the chimney, others are slow-burning and go undetected until a chimney inspection uncovers damage. Chimney fires are dangerous, but they are preventable.
How long can you go without cleaning a chimney?
It simply depends on the creosote buildup. However, it is recommended that a chimney is cleaned after ever face cord of word, or every two years.
What happens if you dont clean your chimney?
When your chimney is not cleaned for a long time, a substance called creosote keeps building up in the flue during the use of the fireplace. This creosote is highly flammable and can lead to a dangerous chimney fire (an uncontrolled 2000 degree fire burning inside the chimney).
Can I clean my own chimney?
In many cases, you can clean the chimney yourself and save a few hundred dollars. Removing ordinary chimney soot is pretty simple. But if you have heavy creosote buildup, you'll have to call in a pro. We'll show you how to inspect yours to see if it qualifies as a DIY job.
What does it cost to have a gas fireplace cleaned?
Most of the cleaning for a gas fireplace can be done on your own when the fireplace is cool and the pilot light is off. However, because of the vent, you will need an annual inspection which costs around $75-$100. If you want a thorough cleaning at the same time the cost could be closer to $150-$175.
How often should gas fireplace chimneys be cleaned?
annualMost homeowners think the fireplace and chimney doesn't need maintenance or cleaning just because it is gas burning. Per the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), gas fireplaces require an annual chimney sweep & inspection.
Do you need to clean your chimney if you don't use your fireplace?
Even if you no longer fire-up your fireplace, you still need to have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually. Think of it like an annual physical for your house. Since your chimney and flue help your house “breathe,” you'll want to make sure they're in peak physical condition.
Is it safe to use an unlined chimney?
One problem that poses a lot of threats and needs to be addressed right away is a broken or non-existent chimney liner. It does not matter what type of fuel you use, an unlined chimney is extremely dangerous.
Can you use a fireplace that hasn't been used in years?
If you just moved into a new house or decide to try the fireplace that hasn't been touched in years, it's a good idea to have it inspected and cleaned. You may wonder, why? It's because fireplaces and chimneys serve as a ventilation system for your home. Even furnaces rely on chimneys to circulate fresh air.
How can I tell if I can burn wood in my fireplace?
Wood Fires If your fireplace has an empty firebox, it is a wood-burning system. Your wood-burning stove will have a door and a space to build your fire, but no ignitors or feeding devices like a pellet stove might have. Wood fires burn wood and vent directly up the flue.
Is my chimney suitable for wood burning stove?
Chimney and Flue Size You can only fit a wood burner in your fireplace if it has a class 1 chimney. If you had an open solid fuel fire previously, this should be the case anyway! If you are replacing a gas fire, check to make sure it isn't a class 2 or pre-cast flue, as these won't be suitable for a stove.
The importance of a chimney inspection
It is vital to have your chimney inspected on an annual basis and just before you start using it regularly. These inspections will find problems in your chimney and also provide instructions on how to solve those issues.
Who should you hire for the inspection?
There are two different people who could inspect your chimney. The first one is a traditional chimney sweep but they are not qualified, for the most part, to conduct inspections and make determinations on the quality of your chimney.
Chimney inspections and maintenance FAQs
Here are the answers to some of your most important questions about your chimney, how to maintain it, and what is involved with an inspection.
What is a chimney inspection?
A thorough and careful chimney inspection will alert the homeowner to any physical defects in the firebox or flue, build up of creosote or the presence of any blockages. In addition, the chimney inspection will reveal the status of the structure, its stability, any leaks, or cracks.
What is the purpose of a chimney?
The primary function of a chimney is to remove soot, blockages and any creosote from the chimney liner, firebox or smoke chamber. If you keep your chimney clean, it will operate efficiently and safely. Even a small accumulation of creosote can create a fire.
What is chimney level 1?
Level one involves a general examination of the physical structure of the chimney, which includes assessing the flue liner, joints, interior walls, and chimney crown. This level of inspection will help identify soot and points of obstruction that may increase the risk of a fire.
Do chimney inspectors have to be certified?
They do not play any role in the inspection of the chimney. All homeowners should also know that chimney inspectors need to be certified by the Chimney Institute of America or the National Fireplace Institute. One should always ask the inspector their credentials, proof of insurance, and references before hiring.
Do you need to ask a chimney inspector for references?
One should always ask the inspector their credentials, proof of insurance, and references before hiring. There is also no harm in asking the local chimney institute for references to a company that has chimney inspector contractors. The point is that the quality of the chimney inspector is very important. They need to be certified, and they need to have the necessary experience.
Is chimney inspection under regulated?
It is important to understand that the chimney industry is under-regulated. Therefore, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure annual inspections and to ask the right questions to find the most qualified people to do the job. There is no harm in consulting with the local chimney safety or National Fire Safety Institute if you have any questions. Always ask for a licensed and credentialed professional to inspect your chimney; otherwise, you risk having a fire in your home.
Is a chimney sweep a chimney inspector?
First, it is important to know that a chimney sweep is not a chimney inspector. Many homeowners who have absolutely no clue about chimneys or how they operate and often make this mistake.
When do you need a chimney inspection?
You’ll get this sort of inspection done when any changes are made to your chimney, such as a change in fuel type or getting a new liner, or after any potentially damaging events like a fire or an earthquake. This level of inspection is required when you sell your home, according to CSIA.
What does a chimney inspection look for?
When you get a chimney inspection done, the inspector will take a look at your chimney for buildup, obstruction, damage or any structural issues. They’ll likely sweep your chimney as part of the inspection to make sure they’re getting an accurate look at your system. Then, if they deem it necessary, they’ll recommend any required work.
What is chimney sweep?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re different people. A chimney sweep is a technician capable of providing chimney cleaning services, while a chimney inspector must be certified by the CSIA or the National Fireplace Institute (NFI). These advanced inspection credentials are required by lenders and insurers to ensure your chimney’s safety.
How much does a chimney inspection cost?
For higher level inspections, you’ll pay more. Level two inspections can cost between $100 – $500, and level three inspections can range from $1,000 – $5,000. If you don’t use a certified chimney sweep, ...
How to remove creosote from chimney?
Eventually, the only way to effectively remove the creosote may be to replace the chimney liner, which can be expensive.
What is the residue in a chimney called?
Over time, all of the smoke, gases and particles from the fires you’ve burned will create a buildup in your chimney. This residue, called creosote, is extremely flammable and when it’s allowed to build up, it can cause a chimney fire.
What causes a burning nose in a fireplace?
Obstructions in your chimney – which can be caused by leaves, sticks or unwanted animal nesting – can prevent the escape of gases produced by your fireplace. The EPA says the biggest risk to people comes from fine particles, also called fine particulate matter. Microscopic particles from wood smoke can get into your eyes and respiratory system, and can cause burning eyes, runny nose and illnesses such as bronchitis.
