Chimneys
As an important part of your heating and ventilation system, it
is important to have your chimney cleaned and inspected at least
once a year if it is used regularly.
Inspecting the Chimney
In the fall, watch for a weak chimney draft. Since the temperature
difference between chimney smoke and outdoor air is not so great
during the fall season, smoke won't rise as quickly as it should.
This may cause too much smoke to be in the room.
Back-puffing can also be a danger. An obstructed chimney or flue
causes smoke to build up in the house. Blockage can be caused by
soot and creosote buildup or by bird's nests.
Most chimneys are built of brick and lined with fireproof flue
tiles. A cap of mortar seals the top against the weather. To inspect
a chimney, follow this procedure:
- Using a strong flashlight, check inside the chimney for soot
buildup and any obstructions, such as birds' nests or leaves.
- Check the flue tiles for cracks or missing mortar.
- On the chimney's exterior, look for crumbling mortar between
bricks and at the cap, loose or missing bricks, or flashing that
has corroded or pulled away from the chimney. These can cause
chimney leaks.
Cleaning the Chimney
Your chimney should be cleaned regularly, since built-up soot and
creosote restricts the draft, making your fireplace or wood stove
inefficient. A dirty chimney may even cause fires. Since this is
an incredibly messy job, you may want to hire a professional chimney
sweep to do it. But if you do it yourself, follow these steps:
- Cover the fireplace opening with newspaper and protect nearby
furniture, carpets, and draperies.
- Wear a dust mask and goggles.
- Use a good steel chimney-sweeping brush to clean the chimney
from up on the roof. Attach the brush to a rope at least the length
of the flue and chimney, and attach weights to the end of the brush.
- Pass the brush repeatedly down to the flue bottom and up again
until the brush no longer brings up large amounts of soot and creosote.
- Use a heavy-duty vacuum – not a household model – to vacuum the fireplace.
Brushes and weights are available from home improvement centers
and wood stove dealers. You also can buy fiberglass rods that attach
to the brush. These may be useful for cleaning long horizontal runs
of stovepipe or for cleaning a chimney from below.
If your chimney is leaning, has several bricks missing, or if the
flue needs repair, consult a professional.
|
Here's a creative gift idea! Give the Gift of Time.
Send a gift certificate to a friend.
|
|
