A Chimney Maintenance Checklist for the Year

Before the Cool Season

If a fire ever spreads beyond the firebox, get everyone out and call 911 first. In Florida the fireplace sees use on a handful of cool evenings, often months apart, so the first fire of the season checklist matters most:

• Book a yearly inspection, as NFPA 211 recommends, and a sweep if deposits call for it.
• Open and close the damper to make sure it moves and seals.
• Look up the flue with a flashlight for nests or debris.
• Check the firebox for cracked brick or panels.
• Test the smoke and CO alarms near the fireplace.
• For a gas fireplace, have the burner, pilot and glass serviced.

During the Season

While the fireplace is in use, a few habits keep the chimney healthy:

• Burn dry, seasoned wood and keep fires hot rather than smoldering.
• Keep the damper fully open until the ashes are cold.
• Watch for smoke spilling into the room or a new odor.
• Clear ashes regularly into a metal container kept outside.

Before Hurricane Season

Before June, the checklist turns to the outside of the chimney:

• Check that the cap and any chase cover are fastened tight.
• Look for cracks in the crown and loose brick or stucco.
• Make sure the flashing lies flat against the chimney.
• Trim limbs that hang over the chimney or roof.

A Simple Chimney Maintenance Schedule

Put it on the calendar: inspection and service in the fall, a look after any storm, and the outside check in late spring. A fireplace maintenance checklist like this takes a few minutes for each item, and the yearly visit covers the parts you cannot see. When anything on the list looks wrong, it is far easier to fix early.