Advice on Fixing Chimney Problem
I just bought a limestone with a non-working fireplace and a decorative mantle. Small amounts of dust are coming down the chimney into the mantle. (Dust is red so looks like coming from bricks.) I am planning to call a chimney company to do something to stop the dust problem, but before I do, I…
I just bought a limestone with a non-working fireplace and a decorative mantle. Small amounts of dust are coming down the chimney into the mantle. (Dust is red so looks like coming from bricks.) I am planning to call a chimney company to do something to stop the dust problem, but before I do, I am wondering what people think I need to have done to remedy the problem so that I will be able to knowledgeably evaluate recommendations by the chimney companies. Alternately, is there any problem with fixing it myself, if I can figure out a way to put something over the mouth of the chimney to prevent the dust from falling into the fireplace.
home depot sells chimney caps for the rain/ birds, etc…
cheap and easy to do it yourself. don’t leave em uncovered~
http://www.chimneyballoon.us/catalog/item/2257305/1692971.htm
There are probably just a couple of decaying bricks inside your chimney. Unless you want to turn your fireplace into a working one, which would require you to line the chimney, there is probably not much point to calling in a chimney guy. Go to the roof and look – chances are the chimney is all capped up except for the flue that vents the furnace. If that’s the case, you could jamb pretty much anything in there as a plug. If that’s not the case, and rain, etc. are getting into your inactive flues (and tons of heat escaping in the winter), then you should have a chimney guy or roofer cap them.
My chimneys duct from heater to roof & hot air circulates through old fireplaces.
Thanks for the comments. My understanding is that the chimney is not being used as part of my heating/cooling system, since it is through new gas furnaces and central A/C. Right, or is that something I need to be checked.
Be sure that the chimney isn’t in use as part of your heating system before you close it off.
a peice of foam core board and roll of duct tape