HUD Articles

Preparing your house for winter may not be on the top of your to-do list right now.  After all, most of us wouldn’t rather spend their down time doing home maintenance tasks when they could be enjoying the fall foliage, or sipping pumpkin-spiced lattes instead of winterizing their house. But, here’s the reality: you can’t procrastinate if you want your home to be fully prepared for the winter elements.  This week we are looking at your fireplace.  Nothing is better than sitting around a cozy fireplace on a cold late fall day.  Here are a some tips provided by "houselogic" to keep your fireplace in good shape this burning season.  

A visual inspection, both inside and outside your home, can ensure that your wood-burning fireplace is in good shape (read: safe) for the burning season. During an outdoor inspection, make sure:

*A chimney cap is present and in good condition.

*There is no bird nest or debris buildup on the cap.

*There are no tree limbs above or near the chimney.

*The mortar and bricks on the chimney aren’t crumbling or missing.

*The chimney rises at least 2 feet above where it exits the roof.

*The chimney crown — the sloping cement shoulders at the top of the chimney — is beveled, which helps air flow.

*The flue liner is visible above the chimney crown.

*The chimney is plumb and not leaning to one side or the other.

*The roof flashing is tight against the chimney.

Inside your home, confirm that:

*The flue damper opens, closes, and seals properly.

*There are no combustible materials, such as animal nests, or other foreign objects in the flue.

*The fireplace surround, hearth, and firebox have no cracked bricks or missing mortar.

If you spot any damage, order a professional fireplace and chimney inspection. An inspection costs, on average, between $79 and $500, depending on whether you’re ordering a level-one or level-two inspection.

Gas fireplaces require less maintenance, but you should still:

*Inspect the glass doors for cracks or latch issues.

*Check that the gas logs are in the proper position.

*Turn gas off at the shut-off valve and test the igniter.

*Ignite the fire and look for clogged burner holes. If present, turn off gas and clear obstructions with a pin or needle.