Chimney & Fireplace FAQs
Answers to the questions homeowners ask us most about chimney and fireplace safety, maintenance and operation.
These are the questions our customers ask most often. If yours isn’t here, call us at (800) 438-3583 and we will help.
My chimney smells like soot, especially on humid days.
Almost every chimney has an odor. Normally the draft pulls smells up and out of the chimney.
Some chimneys have a downdraft instead, caused by wind or by pressure problems inside the house. That pushes the smell into your home.
Some odor will likely always remain, but we can get the smell heading in the right direction: up and out.
I have cold air coming into my house from my fireplace when I’m not using it.
This is a downdraft, and it is most often caused by a pressure difference. Normally air leaves the house through the chimney. When the pressure outside the chimney is greater than the pressure in the room, air rushes down the flue and into your home.
First, make sure your damper is closed whenever you are not burning a fire.
If the draft continues, we can install a top-mounted damper. It seals the top of the flue and opens and closes with a pull cord inside the fireplace.
Why do I need a chimney cap?
A chimney cap keeps rain out of your flue. Rain erodes mortar joints and rusts the metal parts of your fireplace.
A cap also keeps birds, bats and other animals out of your chimney and your home.
A cap costs very little compared with the repairs it prevents.
My damper won’t open. What should I do?
If you know how your damper works, try to open it the normal way.
If it will not move, something may be blocking it from behind or above, or it may be rusted shut. Either one is a warning sign. Don’t use the fireplace, and have it looked at right away.
Stains are starting to appear on my chimney walls. What is causing this?
Moisture carries most stains through the brick. If water is leaking through the flue onto the brick, further damage usually follows.
Caught early, the problem can be stopped before the staining and damage spread. See chimney repair for how we fix it.
My fireplace smokes when I use it. Is there anything you can do?
Yes. First, make sure the damper is open. It sounds obvious, but it is a common cause.
If the damper is open and the fireplace still smokes, the more you can tell us, the faster we can find the cause. Useful details include the wind direction, whether it is windy or calm, the temperature inside and outside, how often it happens and how soon after lighting the fire it starts.
How often should I have my chimney swept?
Have your chimney swept when the creosote buildup inside reaches 1/8 inch or more.
An annual inspection tells you whether you have reached that point. Learn more about chimney sweeping.
My fireplace stinks, especially in the summer. What can I do?
A chimney that vents into your home is a major indoor air quality concern. Creosote contains hydrocarbons that are proven carcinogens.
We can find out why your chimney is not drafting properly during our standard performance evaluation, a Level 1 chimney inspection.
When I build a fire in my upstairs fireplace, I get smoke from the basement fireplace.
This is a common problem and a serious one for your indoor air quality.
We use cameras to inspect the inside of your flues and find out why it is happening.
I heat with gas. Should that chimney be checked too?
Yes. Every gas appliance manual calls for annual service by a qualified technician, and most manufacturers recommend an NFI certified gas technician. All of our gas technicians are certified by both the CSIA and the NFI.
Gas log sets are often overlooked. A simple gas log checkup can save you hundreds of dollars in replacement costs, and in most cases refurbishing can bring a log set back to an almost-new appearance.
Finding a gas leak early is the best prevention. Learn more about gas fireplace service.
How do I know my chimney was really swept?
The most important part of any chimney sweeping is the technician you hire.
Doctor Flue provides before and after pictures of every job on request, so you can see the work for yourself.
Why is it important to have my chimney swept? What happens if I don’t?
Sweeping your chimney reduces the risk of a chimney fire, and chimney fires are a real danger.
A chimney fire starts when creosote inside the flue ignites. Sweeping removes that fuel.
How often should I have my fireplace inspected and swept?
The NFPA recommends an annual inspection.
Have your chimney swept whenever creosote buildup reaches 1/8 inch.
What method does Doctor Flue use for sweeping?
Every one of our service trucks carries several methods, including power sweeping rods, spinning chains for removing glazed creosote and several kinds of traditional brushes.
Some chimney systems need specific tools so they are not damaged. Our CSIA certified technicians are trained to assess the type of system and the type of creosote, then choose the safest way to sweep it.
What causes chimney fires?
A chimney fire happens when creosote that has built up inside the venting system ignites. Regular sweeping removes that creosote.
How long does the service take?
Most service visits take one to three hours, depending on your system and your home.
How far in advance should I contact you?
The best time to contact us is as soon as you finish using your fireplace or appliance for the season.