How to Open a Fireplace Chimney

When you use your fireplace, you should always make sure that the chimney is open. An open chimney will let the smoke from the fire leave your home. Proper ventilation also ensures that carbon dioxide gas does not build up inside your home. Carbon dioxide build up inside your home is very dangerous.

Supplies needed

• 
  

  Ladder

  
  


• 
  

  Fireplace cleaning brush

  
  


• 
  

  Chimney cleaning brush

  
  


• 
  

  Large plastic tarp

  
  


• 
  

  Duct tape

  
  


• 
  

  Garbage bags

  
  


• 
  

  Work gloves

  
  

1. 
   

   Put your work gloves on. Remove
   all the used firewood and ashes from the fireplace. Use the
   fireplace brush to clean off the bottom of the fireplace. The fireplace does not have to be extra clean. You are just removing debris to make room for the debris that will come down from the chimney.

   
   


2. 
   

   Place all of the debris from the
   fireplace into a garbage bag.

   
   


3. 
   

   Use the larger plastic tarp to
   cover the front of the fireplace. Secure the tarp with the duct
   tape. This will ensure that dirt and debris from the chimney does
   not enter your home.

   
   


4. 
   

   Use your ladder to get onto the
   roof. Be sure to bring your chimney cleaning broom with you.

   
   


5. 
   

   Use your hands to manually open
   the chimney. Use the chimney cleaning brush to remove all
   obstructions that may be in the chimney. Start at the top of the
   chimney and work your way down to the bottom. Once the chimney is
   clean and there aren't any obstructions, you are done.

   
   


6. 
   

   Go back into the house and remove
   the plastic tarp from the fireplace. Use the fireplace broom to
   clean up all of the dirt and debris from the chimney. Place the dirt
   and debris into a garbage bag.