Angie's List: Chimney Maintenance Tips

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Are you in the mood for chestnuts roasted on an open fire?

For many families, gathering around a crackling fireplace is a holiday tradition. But, you need to take the proper precautions.

Angie's List has some tips to avoid the mistakes that could burn you.

Skipping annual chimney inspections and cleanings can lead to big problems. So, before you cozy up in front of the fireplace, make sure it's in good working order.

"If you live in a brand new house and don't really use your fireplace you may not need a yearly inspection. But, if you live in an older home they are very important because you might find that your foundation has settled and can pull the liner away and it can start to separate. So, you want to be sure it's in good condition each year," Angie Hicks with Angie's List said.

"If the crack is large enough to fit a nickel inside of it and/or it's broken all the way through and the whole panel flexes on that crack, then it's probably time to replace that panel. If those cracks are smaller than that and very superficial in nature then it's not necessary to replace the panel at that time," Certified Chimney Technician Dennis Lamb said.

Angie's List said if a certified chimney specialist uncovers a problem, don't simply take their word – demand proof.

"It's important to see, I think, photographic proof of whatever it is you might be indicating that they have a problem with so they can see that for themselves," Lamb said.

"When talking with your inspector, be sure they are using the pictures in a way that you can actually see things that identify your house in particular. Unfortunately, the most common scam that we hear about is when a chimney inspector uses pictures from another house. So, you want to be sure that the pictures you're looking at are your house and the damage to your chimney," Hicks said.

Experts say another common mistake homeowners make is failing to use firewood that's seasoned and dry.

"It also, the wood, needs to be split because the bark on a tree actually holds moisture in. So, once the wood is split and stacked and then it needs to dry for six months to a year and be covered," Lamb said.

While gas fireplaces may require less maintenance than a wood-burning fireplace, don't skimp on it.

"If you're burning real wood in your fireplace and you have a problem, the house may smoke up and you know you have a problem. If you're burning gas inside your fireplace and you have a problem, you might not know it because it's carbon monoxide and it's deadly," Lamb said.

Chimney cleaning typically costs about $150 to $200. Angie's List said if someone knocks on your door and offers a super low rate to clean or inspect your chimney, you should probably pass on the deal.

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