| Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-606 |
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Q: I have a wood-burning fireplace. I want to know how to remove soot, and what other maintenance steps I should take. A: (James Young, DIY home-improvement expert) Proper maintenance of a fireplace and chimney is important from the standpoint of safety as well as cleanliness. Some maintenance requires professional service. Here are a few guidelines for some thing that you can do yourself. Indoor Maintenance - For simple cleaning, start by removing the ashes from the fireplace (figure A). During the cold season, make sure that the ashes don't build up to a depth greater than about 2 inches. After the cold season, you may want to remove all of the ashes from your fireplace.
- Use a flat fireplace-shovel to clean out the ashes (figure B). Place them in a bucket for easy removal and disposal.
- Remove any remaining ashes or other dry debris using a shop-vacuum with a filter bag (figure C).
Tip: You can add fireplace ashes to your compost pile.
- Removing the soot and fire-stains from the firebox will take a little more effort. Start by spraying on a mixture of soapy water (figure D). Spray on liberally and let the solution stay on the surface for about 30 minutes.
- Once the residue has had a chance to soften, scrub the surfaces using a stiff wire-brush.
- For stubborn stains, you may need to use something stronger than soap and water. Muriatic acid (figure E) is an abrasive chemical used to clean fireplaces.
Safety Alert: Muriatic acid is a harsh chemical, and is also toxic. Wear eye protection, protective gloves and clothing, and follow all safety precautions printed on the bottle.
- Mix one part muriatic acid with 10 parts water, and apply the solution to the brick or stone surfaces of the firebox.
- Let the solution remain on the surface for about 30 minutes before scrubbing with a wire brush (figure F).
- Also use a metal brush to remove rust and debris from the damper (figure G ). The damper may be difficult to access, so wear old clothing, eye protection and gloves for this job. Make sure that the damper mechanism is working properly so that the damper can open and close freely.
Outdoor Maintenance Chimney maintenance is a job for professionals, but there are a few things you can check for yourself. - Make sure that the chimney cap (figure H) is in good condition, and that it does not become clogged with leaves or other debris.
- A wire screen will keep debris and animals from getting down into the chimney. (Birds, raccoons, and other animals may build nests inside chimneys when they are not used frequently.)
- Examine the mortar between the bricks to make sure that it is in good condition, and is not cracked or flaking away. Also check the flashing where the chimney meets the roof. Make sure that there is a watertight seal around the flashing (figure I). If the seal is damaged or cracked, it can be patched with caulk.
Important: If you use your fireplace regularly, it's advisable to hire a chimney-sweep to clean the fireplace and chimney once per year. Debris that builds up inside the chimney can create a serious fire hazard. The cost for this service is typically around $100.
RESOURCES :
HGTV's Complete Fix-It
Author: HGTV
Fireplace & Mantel Ideas: Over 100 Classic Wood and Stone Fireplace Mantel Designs
Model: 1565231066
Author: John Lewman
(June, 1999)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Fox Chapel Publications
East Petersburg, PA 17520
Phone: 717-560-4703
Fax: 717-560-4702
Email: editors@carvingworld.com
Fireplace Book: An Idea Book of Fireplace Designs (Vol. 2)
Model: 0924659580
Author: Aberdeen's Magazine of Masonry Construction
(December, 1995)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Aberdeen Group
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