Woodburning Fireplace Maintenance

Fireplace Safety Issues

After you've moved in, have a chimney sweep clean and inspect the fireplace annually to make sure it's safe. Between professional inspections, do your own checks and maintenace to monitor and enhance the unit's performance.

Checking Chimney Caps
A cap fitted with wire mesh sides covers the hole at the top of the chimney. It keeps rain, birds, animals, and debris from entering. Replace or repair a cap that is missing or damaged.

Inspect Masonry Chimneys
Examine the outer mortar between bricks or stone to make sure it is intact. Shine a flashlight down the chimney to look at the mortar inside. If the mortar is crumbling, it must be replaced. Look for cracked tile liners or missing bricks, too.

Inspect Metal Chimneys
Look for dented or rusted metal and missing screws at joints.

Watch for Formation of Creosote
Creosote is a flammable substance that is hard, dark, and crustlike. It is produced during incomplete combustion of wood. An accumulation of creosote can cause a dangerous chimney fire, so it must be removed.