Guide to Chimneys on the Web

"In 2005, there were 24,500 residential fires in the United States originating in chimneys, fireplaces and solid fuel appliances, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. These fires resulted in 20 deaths and $126.1 million in property damage." (CSIA.org)

Owning and using a fireplace means maintaining it's chimney - maintaining a chimney means having it inspected and cleaned at least once a year to prevent dangerous buildup of creosote. Creosote is a highly-combustible, tar-like substance created as smoke flows up the chimney from wood fires burned in your fireplace or wood stove. As the smoke flows up the chimney, condensation occurs and creosote is formed, sticking to the walls. If enough creosote builds up, it'll catch fire inside the chimney causing damage to your chimney and, possibly, your home. Although hiring a chimney sweep is recommended, you can inspect your chimney yourself with a flashlight and a mirror - just be sure to know what you're looking for.

Creosote isn't the only thing to look for when inspecting your chimney. Missing or loose bricks and stones, decaying mortar, flue obstructions (such as birds nests), and cracked tiles are also signs your chimney needs some attention.

How-Tos Tips and Techniques

• DIY Chimney Cleaning and Sweeping
  It’s very messy to clean a chimney, but it ought to be done regularly to remove built-up creosote and soot, which can catch fire or obstruct the air flowing through your chimney. » More from HomeTips.com
• From Chimney Caps to Chimney Pots: What's Inside Your Chimney?
  Have you ever stopped to think about the parts of your chimney between the fireplace and chimney top? » More from Repair Home
• Leakproof Flashing
  Proper flashing around a chimney includes two layers: step flashing and counterflashing. » More from This Old House
• Keeping Out Water
  Flashing around a chimney is often a problem spot. » More from DIY Advice
• Consulting a Chimney Sweep
  A flue liner should be inspected annually by a certified chimney sweep. » More from HGTV
• Replacement Chimney Liners
  As chimneys age, they begin to deteriorate and threaten the safety of the home. Relining an existing chimney can be tricky, but a flexible steel lining system makes difficult applications easier. » More from Bob Vila
• How to Stop Water Leaks From The Chimney
  If water is leaking from the chimney, you may need to rebuild the concrete crown on top of the chimney. » More from The Family Handyman
• Cracks in a New Chimney
  Chimney failure can occur for various reasons. » More from Ask The Builder
• Increasing the Performance of Your Chimney
  Chimney caps are an inexpensive guard against many problems that might occur in relation to your chimney. » More from Service Magic

Video How-Tos

DoItYourself.com: How to Clean a Chimney Chimney cleaning tips to prevent a fire in your chimney.	An Insider's Look at Your Chimney Chimney Expert Tom Urban shares his insights on what to look for in a chimney inspection.
Danny Lipford: How to Clean and Inspect Your Roof It's important to clean and inspect your roof regularly, since roof leaks can cause major damage to your home including water damage, rot, and mold.	Bob Vila: Repairing and Relining the Chimneys A home improvement project from Bob Vila.

Projects and Repairs

• DIY Network: How to Repair a Chimney Flue Liner and Ash Dump
• The Family Handyman: How to Reset a Loose Brick
• HGTV: Replacing a Mantel
• DoItYourself.com: How to Repair a Broken Chimney Flue
• How Stuff Works: How to Repair Chimney Cracks
• Repair Home: Chimney Repairs
• WikiHow: How to Inspect a Fireplace Chimney
• DIY Network: How to Repair Chimney Mortar

Finding Help

• Service Magic: Fencing Contractors
• HGTV Pro: Find a Contractor
• DoItYourself.com: Find a Contractor
• About.com: 10 Things to Consider Before You Hire a Contractor
• B4UBuild.com: How to Qualify a Contractor for Your Building Project