Fireplace upkeep

Cool autumn winds are, inevitably, a prelude to cold winter evenings. And what better time to enjoy the living room fireplace? Provided it's been suitably prepared for the occasion. So be sure you have taken appropriate steps to inspect and clean your fireplace, especially if it's been used for a few years.
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1. Clean the ash pit
2. Inspect the flue and the damper
3. Sweep the chimney
4. Inspect the inside of the fireplace
5. Complete the maintenance

1. Clean the ash pit

Start your cleaning with the ash pit. It should be emptied every two years, more or less, depending on frequency of usage. This is a dirty job. So wear suitable work clothes.

Lay a few sheets of newspaper on the floor, place a metal bucket over the paper so you can shovel the ashes into it without dirtying the floor. Avoid dust clouds by spraying the ashes with water.

If your fire place is not equipped with an ash pit trapdoor, remove the endirons to locate the ash pit grill.

2. Inspect the flue and the damper

The flue allows smoke to escape through the chimney while the damper is an adjustable opening that controls the intake of air and oxygen into the fireplace for combustion. They are the two elements that spell the difference between a good and an ordinary fire.

Be sure the damper locks into place solidly, can be raised an lowered easily and is not stained or covered with dust or chimney debris. When the fireplace is not in use, the damper should always be closed to avoid energy loss. Left open, it will let in cold air.

If the damper doesn't open and close properly, clean it - especially around the edges - with a stiff-bristle brush. To do that, you must first open the damper as wide as possible. Then, place a mirror inside the fireplace in such a way as to be able to see the damper opening. Light the area you wish to clean with a flashlight and use the wire brush to scrub the walls and sides of the damper before closing it. Use a broom and dustpan to collect any residual ashes, dust and debris.

3. Sweep the chimney

We recommend you hire a competent sweeper to clean your chimney. If you undertake to do it yourself, rent the appropriate brush, block the fireplace door with a blanket before inserting the brush through the flue, pushing downward and making sure you apply enough pressure to dislodge soot deposits, but not hard enough to damage the lining. When you are finished, wait about an hour before vacuuming the hearth clean.

4. Inspect the inside of the fireplace

Your job isn't over until you have inspected the inside of the fireplace.

4.1 

Use a flashlight to inspect the inside brick and mortar. This is critical if you're to avoid fires due to worn out or poorly installed bricks. If soot keeps you from performing this inspection adequately, use a solution of water and detergent to remove it.

If soot stains will not go away, you'll have to apply a solution of water and muriatic acid, which you should mix in a plastic bucket. Be sure to protect yourself with gloves, a sweater or long-sleeve shirt and safety glasses.

4.2 

Remove damaged bricks and mortar using a cold chisel. Hit the chisel with a hammer to dislodge damaged or cracked mortar. Use a stiff-bristle brush to clean the exposed sides of undamaged bricks.

When you are ready to replace damaged bricks, you should first wet the cavities in which you will lay new bricks to make sure new mortar will not dry too quickly. Then use a trowel to apply new mortar to the surface of new bricks and on the surface of the bricks over which the new bricks will be laid.

Finally, slip the new bricks into place, align them with the existing bricks, remove excess mortar and let dry for a few hours before smoothing out the mortar with a joint tool.

5. Complete the maintenance

Clean both the inside and the outside of your fireplace.
Good job! You’re ready to appreciate a warm fire in full security. Stay warm!
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