Fireplace/Chimney Inspection Checklist

Inspecting your fireplace and chimney regularly is essential to keeping your home safe from accidental fires.  Failing to check them annually can result in the development of hazardous conditions including smoke pipe tears, blockage and a buildup of carbon monoxide.  To keep your home safe at all times, use a fireplace and chimney inspection checklist to examine your chimney and fireplace properly.

Fireplace 

• Check the damper. The damper covers the throat of the fireplace.  It’s meant to completely seal your fireplace when it isn’t being used to prevent heat from escaping your home.  A damper that doesn’t work correctly is not only potentially dangerous, but it can also significantly increase your heating costs.  You should be able to open and close your fireplace damper easily.  Use a flashlight to inspect the throat of the fireplace behind it, and make sure the damper is free of rust and any cracks.


• Inspect the firebox.  The firebox is the fireplace part that is used for starting and maintaining fires.  Look for signs of wear and tear.  Your firebox shouldn’t have any loose, damaged or cracked bricks. 


• Look over the hearth.  Your hearth should be solid and sturdy.  Look for cracks or any damage that may have occurred over time.  Double check the mantel to make sure it’s secure.

Chimney 

• Examine the chimney flue to make sure it’s not damaged or blocked.  Gases and smoke pass through the chimney flue, so it’s very important that it’s working correctly.  If your chimney flue becomes blocked, it can cause dangerous gases to become trapped in your home.  One chimney can have multiple flues if the home has several fireplaces or stoves.  Make sure you inspect all the chimney flues in your home.


• Clear built-up soot from your chimney.  Built-up soot can be flammable, so make sure you clean it frequently.  Use a round brush on a long pole, and remember to clean narrow spaces as well as the main passage. 


• Check for presence of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so use a carbon monoxide detector to make sure there is no buildup of the dangerous gas in your chimney.