A practical chimney care guide
Keep the records and observations that make maintenance easier.
Start with an annual check
CSIA recommends having chimneys checked annually, with sweeping and repairs as needed. Keep reports together and discuss changes in appliance use or performance with us.
Pay attention to changes
New odors, water staining, deteriorating masonry and smoke entering the room should be assessed. Describe when the issue happens and stop using a system that may be unsafe until it has been evaluated.
Keep the approach simple
Use the appliance according to its manufacturer’s instructions. Keep combustible items away, maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms according to their instructions, and avoid roof or flue work yourself.
If there is an immediate hazard
For a suspected chimney fire, carbon monoxide alarm or immediate danger, leave the building and call 911 from a safe location. If you smell smoke inside the house or a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone out and call 911 first.
Reference: Chimney Safety Institute of America.
A burning-season routine for southeast Minnesota
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Late summer | Book the yearly inspection and sweep. Do masonry and crown repairs while it is warm. |
| Before the first fire | Test smoke and CO alarms. Open the damper and look for daylight or debris. |
| Mid-winter | If you burn every day, check for heavy soot at the damper; heavy users may need a mid-season sweep. |
| Spring | Look at the chimney from the ground for missing caps, cracked crowns or flaking brick after the freeze-thaw season. |
Use the service checker to see which visit you need.