If you have a fireplace or a woodstove and use it regularly, it should be inspected at least once a year. Chimney flues, whether metal or made with brick or stone, must be properly maintained to prevent smoke damage, carbon monoxide poisoning or chimney fires. The interior of the chimney should be inspected to insure it is not blocked and free of excessive creosote build-up. The exterior should be inspected for cracks and the condition of the flashing.

During long periods of disuse it is common for creatures such as squirrels and birds to make nests in chimneys. Their nests can block or restrict air flow from the woodstove or fireplace causing it not to burn at all or burn very poorly. Not only will a restricted chimney make it more difficult to start a fire it may cause smoke to flow into your home instead of up the chimney.

Chimney caps such as a spark arrestor will help to keep creatures out of the chimney and reduce the risk of a roof fire from floating embers. But chimney caps make it more difficult to inspect the inside of the chimney.

Any creosote build-up must be removed. Burning wood, especially green wood, results in the accumulation of creosote. Creosote is a tar-like substance that builds up inside the chimney. It is flammable and any excess build-up can lead to a chimney fire. A build-up of more than 1/8 of an inch should be removed to prevent a chimney fire.

How to inspect a chimney flue and chimney:

Inspection of the chimney is done from the bottom and the top of the chimney. If you aren't comfortable climbing up on your roof to inspect your chimney you should consider hiring a professional chimney sweep. If you find damage to the chimney a professional should be consulted for repairs.

Use a mirror to look up the chimney along with a powerful flashlight to illuminate the inside of the chimney. Look for any blockages, cracks, other damage and creosote build-up. Inspect the mortar joints in the brick or stone. Gaps will allow water penetration which can lead to damage and allow carbon monoxide to flow into the house.

If you discover a nest in the chimney scare away the creatures by wadding up a single piece of paper and burn it in the woodstove or fireplace. The smoke will be minimal but may be enough drive out any creatures. If that does not work use a pole to dislodge the blockage. A piece of lightweight PVC pipe works well. Be sure to use a long enough piece that it won't become lost in the chimney if you drop it or tie a rope around the pipe so it can be retrieved if you do drop it.

Creosote can be removed using a chimney sweep brush. Attach a rope to both ends of the brush and pull it up and down the chimney until all the creosote is removed.

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