Chimney maintenance?

[Frances]

My oven got caught in the rain yesterday, and now the entry way is coverd with soot.

Looks as if the chimney needs cleaning maybe...

So how should I go about this? Has anyone got any tips to share, about tools to use, how often it needs cleaning, anything else?

[CanuckJim]

Frances,

You'll frequently get the run off of dry soot soaked from the rain. It's not dry soot, really, that's a problem for chimney fires, it's caked creosote that can ignite. I wouldn't worry about it, really, even though it's messy. If you're concerned, you can get a soft bristled round or square brush designed for woodstove chimneys to clean it. You buy the brush and the number of extension handles you might need. Probably one in your case.


Jim

[gjbingham]

Having only seen relatively few fires so far, I would think that you've still got several seasons of fires before you need to think about cleaning the chimney. According to my neigbor, the retired fireman, those hot hot fires that we build should burn all the dangerous creosote/soot out of the chimney.

[dmun]

For what it's worth, my worst soot washdown was in the first rain. The problem seems to have reduced with use of the oven. Also, the soot that washes down (and I have a LONG chimney) dries to a powder that brushes off with the oven brush.

[Xabia Jim]

I throw a bucket over the chimney when not in use....keeps it drier and no soot problems. (yet)

[Frances]

Thank you for the advice!

Good to know I don't have to do anything yet. I'm working on getting someone to make me a little roof thingy for the chimney, just haven't quite got there yet...

[Acoma]

Buy a chimney cap.

[Frances]

Sure, they have beautiful ones down at the DIY. Copper, with a turning top to stop the wind going down the chimney. Only 300 USD a go.

....And that's all I've been able to locate so far. Apart from a really really ugly one on ebay.

[Acoma]

Duratech chimney caps at FB 70-110. Look at the FB store.