This post is guest blogged by Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware’s “Helpful Hardware Man”.

Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance Advice

Hi folks, I’m Lou Manfredini, Ace’s “Helpful Hardware Man” and there is nothing better than coming in from the cold and sitting in front of a roaring fire. But chimneys and fireplaces aren’t maintenance free.

Your chimney should absolutely be cleaned and inspected on a yearly basis. This project requires specialty tools and ladder work, so it’s a project that is better left to a certified chimney sweep. There is an organization called the Chimney Institute of America (www.csia.org), which can help you find chimney professionals in your area and can give great advice on how to handle fire mishaps.

If you use a wood-burning fireplace, you run the risk of having a lot of build-up, so make sure the flames are completely extinguished and that the debris and creosote are scooped up after each fire. Too much debris can lead to a poorly vented fire, which can bring smoke into the home.

There are products out there that you can purchase, one in particular called the Chimney Sweeping Log, which does a great job of cleaning your chimney in-between professional cleanings. These products can help cut down on chimney build-up, but it is not a replacement for having your fireplace or chimney professionally cleaned.

If your fireplace and chimney are giving you problems, there are plenty of experts to turn to, many listed on the Chimney Institute of America’s website. There are companies out there that just clean, and others that inspect, troubleshoot or make repairs so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

About the Author

Lou Manfredini is Ace Hardware’s “Helpful Hardware Man”.