Linda Bazinet Thursday, December 16, 2010 10:04:00 AM
1.Fireplaces
The top of the chimney should be capped or screened to keep out rodents & birds.
Call a chimney sweep to remove soot & creosote if the chimney has not been cleaned in awhile.
Store firewood or chopped wood in a dry place away from the exterior of your home.
Inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening & closing.Eliminate air leaks from the fireplace with a draft stopper.
Check the mortar between the bricks & tuck points.
Look for pitch and tar accumulation in your wood-burning fireplace, and get a professional to clean it. If you have a gas-operated fireplace, keep the door and the flue closed when not in use. Make sure the gas pipe is rain capped and in good shape. If you have a wood burning stove, keep the door closed when not in use.
Linda Bazinet
