What Should a Homeowner Do to Maintain Their Fireplace?

What Should a Homeowner Do to Maintain Their Fireplace?

A homeowner should keep the firebox clean, burn the correct fuel, watch for damage and schedule a fireplace and chimney inspection every year. Maintenance also covers the liner, damper, cap, masonry and venting.

Schedule an Annual Inspection

NFPA 211 calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected annually, with cleaning and repairs completed when needed.

A Level 1 inspection generally applies when the system has not changed. A home sale, chimney fire or appliance change may require a Level 2 video inspection. See Ace’s chimney cleaning and inspection services.

Remove Ashes Correctly

Wait until ashes are cold. Place them in a covered metal container outdoors, at least 10 feet from the home and other buildings. Embers can remain hot long after a fire.

Do not allow ash to block airflow or contact the grate.

Burn the Right Firewood

Burn dry, seasoned firewood. Wet wood produces more smoke, less heat and more creosote. Never burn trash, cardboard, painted or treated wood.

Avoid long, smoldering fires. Low flue temperatures encourage creosote. Sweeping logs do not replace professional inspection and cleaning.

Check the Fireplace Before Each Use

Open the damper before lighting a fire. Look for fallen tile, loose firebrick, cracked mortar, rust, water or animal debris. Keep combustibles away and use a spark screen.

Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and replace expired units.

Watch the Chimney Exterior

From the ground, check for a missing cap, cracked crown, loose bricks, white staining and rusted chase covers. Do not climb onto an unsafe roof.

Maintain Gas Fireplaces Differently

Gas fireplaces do not create wood creosote, but still need professional service. Schedule service for delayed ignition, soot, unusual odors or a pilot that will not stay lit. Do not rearrange logs or alter controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a fireplace need inspection if it is rarely used?

Yes. Moisture, animals, corrosion and masonry deterioration can affect an unused system.

How often should a chimney be swept?

Inspect it annually and clean it when deposits or debris make cleaning necessary. Usage and firewood quality affect the schedule.

When should I stop using the fireplace?

Stop if smoke enters the room, material falls into the firebox, the chimney leaks or you suspect a chimney fire or venting problem.

Schedule Fireplace Maintenance

Family-owned since 1978, Ace Chimney, Fireplace & Outdoor Living provides CSIA Certified fireplace inspections, chimney sweeping and repairs in Louisville, Lexington and surrounding Kentucky communities. Schedule fireplace maintenance before your next fire.