Maintaining the Chimney

Maintaining a chimney is the job of a chimney sweep. But unless your employer is already contracted with one, you will need to schedule the annual cleanings and inspections. If you need to find one, look for a sweep who has been given certification by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. CSIA-certified sweeps must pass an exam showing their knowledge of state codes, proper procedures, and safety measures, and they must renew every three years. To prevent liability on your employer's part, make sure the sweep is covered by worker's compensation and liability insurance. Of course, you should always check references and the Better Business Bureau before contracting with a sweep.

Two things you can do to help protect your employer's chimney:

Install a chimney cap. This will prevent squirrels, raccoons and birds from seeking shelter or building nests in the chimney. It will also keep water out and keep wayward sparks from landing on the roof (in case someone other than you builds a fire and doesn't know the hazards of overfeeding a fire!). Stainless steel caps are the most durable and usually come with a lifetime warranty. If your employer dislikes the aesthetics of a stainless steel cap, consider decorative terra-cotta caps made by the Superior Clay Corporation or a handmade English chimney pot made by the Northern Roof Tile Sales Company in Canada. A chimney sweep can place the order for you and get the best price.

Have a professional apply water repellant. Gas-permeable repellant spray allows water to vaporize out of the brick. Other repellants may trap water in the brick, so ask what the worker will be using.

If a strong ash or smoke smell emanates from your employer's chimney even when the fireplace has been closed up during warmer months, the chimney may need to be cleaned. Contact the chimney sweep. Building a proper fire - with wooden matches, tinder, kindling, and dry hardwood logs - will help prevent the odor.

What if the chimney has been cleaned and you're building fires correctly, but the odor remains? Your employer's home may have a problem called "negative pressure." Negative pressure describes a situation whereby too much air leaves the house and not enough comes in, a problem more commonly created in newer (more airtight) homes. Negative pressure causes air to be sucked into the home through the chimney when it isn't in use, resulting in the creosote smell.

If you suspect negative pressure is causing the odor, ask your chimney sweep to check the flue's seal for tightness to prevent the air from being sucked into the house. S/he should also be able to give you suggestions on ways to allow air to come into the home and prevent negative pressure.