To keep your fireplace running efficiently, regular maintenance is a must. Once a year, consider having a chimney sweep clean the chimney of soot.
Soot
Soot is a flammable deposit, dark in color.
Most chimney sweeps recommend cleaning when soot deposits reach 1/8-inch (3mm) in depth.
Wood-burning Fires
It's best to hire a professional chimney sweep to clean your chimney, and perform a thorough inspection to make sure it's safe. But there are a few things you can look at to help determine if cleaning or repairs are required.
Chimney Caps A cap fitted with wire mesh sides covers the hole at the top of the chimney, and keeps rain, birds, animals, and debris from entering. If the cap is missing or damaged it should be replaced or repaired.
Masonry Chimneys Examine the outer mortar between bricks or stone. Shine a flashlight down the chimney to look at the mortar inside. If mortar is crumbling, it must be replaced. Look for cracked tile liners or missing bricks, too.
Metal Chimneys Look for dented or rusted metal and missing screws at joints.
If you are satisfied that the flue is clear and not obstructed by either deteriorating internal masonry or by soot, then you need to start looking at the design of the fireplace/chimney itself.
Showrooms: Beechmount Home Park, Navan, Co Meath, Ireland Tel: (046) 9029009 / 9075874 Fax: (046) 9075876
