How do you check that your chimney is safe before using it?
Short answer. Before the first fire of the season, open the damper and look up the flue with a flashlight for nests, debris or heavy buildup, check the firebox for cracks, test the draft with a lit match or rolled newspaper to see that smoke goes up, and confirm your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms work. If you find a blockage, cracked liner tiles, glazed creosote or smoke rolling back into the room, do not use it until a professional inspects it.
The ten minute check
- Open the damper. It should move freely. Debris falling down means nesting or loose material.
- Look up the flue. With a strong flashlight, check for nests, leaves, broken tiles or a thick coating.
- Scratch test. Scrape the flue wall above the damper. About 1/8 inch of buildup, or a shiny glazed layer, means call a sweep.
- Inspect the firebox. Look for cracks, gaps in the mortar or loose bricks.
- Draft test. Light a match or a twist of newspaper at the damper. Smoke should pull up the flue. If it lingers or comes into the room, the flue may be blocked, or exhaust fans may be pulling air down the chimney.
- Check alarms. Test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms and replace batteries.
- Look outside. From the yard, confirm the cap is on and nothing is hanging off the top.
Do not light a fire if
- You find a nest, debris, or heavy or glazed creosote.
- Liner tiles are cracked or missing.
- Smoke rolls back into the room during the draft test.
- There has been a chimney fire, lightning strike or storm damage since the last inspection.
Gas fireplaces
Check that the vent is clear, the glass is intact and the pilot behaves normally, and follow the maker's service schedule.
A homeowner check does not replace the yearly professional inspection that the fire safety standard calls for. For leaks around the chimney, see chimney leaks and crickets and roof maintenance checklist for Georgia.