How often should fireplaces and chimneys be cleaned?
The Real Simple answer: All the official sources are in agreement: To avoid chimney fires, hire a professional once a year to inspect yours for cracks, blockages and creosote buildup and to give it a good cleaning. (To find a certified sweep in your area, go to the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s Web site, www.csia.org.) During the rest of the year, shovel or sweep out ash from your fireplace after every fire for safety: Ash acts as an insulator, so any hot coals buried deep within can stay hot for days. Also, accumulated hot ashes will wear out the grate. And keep an eye out for visible damage. “If you see any cracks around the hearth and flooring or gaps between firebricks, have them inspected right away by a chimney sweep,” advises Michael Litchfield, author of “Renovation 3rd Edition” (Taunton Press, $28). “A spark could get into the breach and cause a fire.” What are the differences between gas and wood-burning fireplaces? The Real Simple answer: First of all, you’re not goi
