By Dwight Barnett
Scripps Howard News Service Question: Our home was built in the 1930s, and our chimney does not have a metal liner. We recently removed the mantle and are concerned about what we see. The wall behind the mantle is covered with creosote buildup. There were pieces of newspaper stuffed between the mantle and the wall (as an attempt to stop smoke from coming into the room, we believe) and then a thick strip of caulking was used to cover the crack between the mantle and the wall. There are masonry patches, crumbling, on the front edge of the firebox bricks. Some of the bricks in the firebox are loose. The damper/flue on the top of the firebox opens to the chimney, but there is nothing to keep the smoke going up the chimney. The smoke can circulate around the firebox, which is why we think it was seeping out past the mantle. How do we go about finding someone qualified to advise us on what we need to do to put this back together and be safe? Answer: The creosote buildup is a fire hazard; however, the masonry chimney and the masonry mantle are fireproof. The masons knew what they were doing. The newspaper is a fire hazard, and you're lucky to have discovered it. The fireplace you described does not have a smoke shelf, which is an area just above the firebox and is offset to the rear of the chimney. The shelf aids in the flue drafting and helps prevent back drafting. From your description, I would suggest that you consider a fireplace insert with a metal flue liner. If you want to keep the original design, you will have to rebuild the firebox and add a metal flue liner, which is a very expensive project. To help you decide what to do, you will first need the services of a qualified chimney sweep to advise you on the present condition of the flue and the firebox. Select a sweep who is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. If you decide to rebuild and repair, you will need a masonry contractor who has experience with remodeling and restoration. The best place to find a name is to call a local brickyard or dealer. He will know most of the masonry contractors in the area and should be able to assist you. If you decide to install an insert, the chimney sweep or a fireplace supplier will be able to give you a bid. Before hiring any contractor, always check with the local Better Business Bureau for information on the company you plan to hire. You might consider the services of a home inspector for a second opinion. A home inspector is paid for the inspection only and is not there to sell any additional services. The inspector's opinion is unbiased. (C. Dwight Barnett is a master inspector certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors. Questions may be addressed to him at P.O. Box 14091, Evansville, IN 47728, or e-mail him at dbarnett@evansville.net.)
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