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Does a rarely used chimney still require regular cleaning?
My home is 20 years old and I have used my fireplace maybe 10 times. Is it necessary to have cleaning chimney work done if I have not used my fireplace that often?
What is a fireplace flue damper, and how do you open one?
There are many kinds of dampers, depending upon how old the house is and the choice by the masons. Many dampers have a hinge on the rear and a handle that can be pushed or lifted to lift the front and latch it open. Others have a lever designed to move with a knob or chain connected to the damper. Some chimneys have counter-balanced dampers on the top of the chimney that are opened by pulling and latching a chain. A "tilt and slide" damper not only opens with a handle, but also has a movable grating that can be "slid" open and shut using a knob cast into it. If you have a gas log fireplace and can not close your damper by the handle it is very possible that the damper has been disabled or welded open according to the 1991 building code that states that dampers in new gas log fireplaces must be disabled. The only type of damper that is allowable to use in a gas log fireplace is an inflatable damper. If you do not have a gas log fireplace and you cannot open or close your damper it is likely that it has corroded to the point of non-function. The chimney is a very acidy and corrosive environment any metal in it will rust and degrade rapidly over time. Lubricate the damper with a penetrating oil and try to loosen it by hand or call a chimney sweep to come and work on it.
What are the release dates for Ask This Old House - 2002 Installing a Recirculation Pump Lining a Fireplace Chimney 10-19?
Ask This Old House - 2002 Installing a Recirculation Pump Lining a Fireplace Chimney 10-19 was released on: USA: 11 February 2012
Why is a chimney called a chimney?
The word "chimney" comes from the Old French word "cheminee," which means fireplace or hearth. The term then evolved to refer to the vertical structure that carries smoke and gases out of a building from a fireplace or stove.
I want to add an outdoor fireplace to my home, should I do old fashioned or gas powered?
Well the advantage of putting it outside is that you wouldn't have to add a chimney to your home. I think the old fashioned wood burning fireplaces have a lot more charm. Installing a gas fireplace for outdoor use would be fairly pricey. I would suggest getting a fire pit like the ones off this site.
Fireplace Remodel?
form_title= Fireplace Remodel form_header= Remodel your fireplace with help from experts. How old is your existing fireplace?*= _ [50] What size mantel would you like to install? Do you want a gas fireplace?*= () Yes () No
Fireplace Repair?
form_title=Fireplace Repair form_header=10463 Select the issue(s) that are effecting the performance of the fireplace insert.*= [] Gas smell [] Broken glass [] Not enough heat [] Fan isn't functioning porperly [] Needs regular service [] Not venting properly [] Other Please specify the type of fireplace the unit is inserted in.*= () Masonry () Factory built (zero clearance) Does the unit still have warranty coverage?*= () Yes () No () Don't Know What kind of ventilation is present?*= () Natural vent () Direct vent () Unvented (vent free) () Through chimney () Through the side of the unit Is your fireplace fueled by natural gas?*= () Yes () No
Where does the Scots word 'lum' come from?
The Scots word "lum" comes from the Old English word "lumm" which means "chimney" or "smokestack." It has been in use in Scots language for many centuries to refer to a chimney or the flue of a fireplace.
How do you repair a fireplace with a rusted out fire box and then safely install a wood stove?
This is probably going to require building permits and inspections- would hire a chimney specialist to do this. Refitting will inolve removing old fireplace, and installing new. Building Code may not allow you to connect wood stove to pre-fab fireplace- the stovepipe needs to be connected directly to the chimney. Please discuss work planned with a legitimate chimney contractor- you may change your mind on some of it.
Is it ok to remove an existing lintel from a fireplace you need to remove one row of bricks in order to fit a new wood stove insert into the old fireplace opening?
This would not be a good project for the average homeowner. That lintel is supporting the weight of the chimney above it. To remove and install a new lintel will require temprary support of the chimney on that side. Failing to do that can result in cracks, or even collapse of the chimney.
How do you replace a thermocouple on a gas fireplace?
To replace a thermocouple on a gas fireplace, first turn off the gas supply and wait for the fireplace to cool down. Locate the thermocouple near the pilot light and unscrew the old one from the gas line, then install the new thermocouple by screwing it in place and reassemble the gas line. Finally, relight the pilot light and test the fireplace to ensure the new thermocouple is working properly.
When installing double wall flue pipe?
What is the clearance around a zero clearance fireplace flue pipe inside of the surround that you build assuming it is double wall or type L since there is a gas log in the old surround.
