Kitchen Remodeling: Working It into Every Budget

Do you know what it takes to keep your chimney in good condition? When you have a fire in your fireplace, the smoke contains poisonous gases. Your chimney removes those gases so that you don't breathe them in. If your chimney is dirty or damaged, those gases can enter your home, which can be fatal. To prevent that danger, you should keep your chimney in good condition.

Here is a brief description of the maintenance and repairs your chimney may need:

Cleaning

Each time you light a fire in your fireplace, soot and creosote is deposited along the inside of the chimney. Over time, the deposits can become so thick that air can't flow through properly. When that happens, chimney fires can break out. You should have your chimney swept at least once a year.

How To Sweep A Chimney

1. Open the doors to your fireplace.

2. Tape clear plastic sheeting over the entire opening.

3. Cut a small slit in the plastic.

4. Place the broom and handle through the hole in the plastic.

5. Push the broom up through the chimney.

6. Add additional extension poles as the broom goes higher into the chimney.

7. Move the broom in an up and down motion to remove all the soot.

8. Remove the broom.

9. Take the plastic sheeting off the opening and use an industrial vacuum to vacuum up the soot.

Tuck Pointing

The mortar around a brick chimney can wear out over time, especially if the fireplace is used on a regular basis. If too much of the mortar wears out, the chimney can collapse. Tuck pointing is the process you use to replace worn out mortar.

How To Tuck Point

1. Scrape away the worn mortar using a chisel.

2. Be sure to scrape down about 1 inch.

3. Mix new mortar according to package instructions.

4. Mortar mix can be purchased at any home improvement store.

5. Use a narrow tipped trowel to press the new mortar into the grooves between the bricks.

6. Repeat the process wherever you see worn out mortar.

Whether you use your fireplace on a daily basis or only once in a while, you need to keep the chimney in good repair. Be sure to clean your chimney at least once a year.  If you're not comfortable cleaning your own chimney, be sure to contact a professional chimney sweep to take care of the maintenance for you.

To learn more, contact a company like Early Times Home Solutions with any questions or concerns you have.