If your cottage sits empty for months, your fireplace will need some attention before you strike that first match. Daniel Kimia, a professional engineer and the managing director at Zoroast The Fireplace Store in Toronto, has some tips on prepping it.
1) Look for damage or blockages
Make sure there aren’t any cracks in the fireplace or chimney structure, and clear away obstructions, such as animal nests or debris, in the chimney.
2) Inspect the components
“Open and close the damper a few times to make sure it moves freely and will control smoke flow,” says Kimia. “Check that your chimney cap is secure and not damaged so it prevents water entry and animal intrusion.”
Using a flashlight and a mirror to see around corners, examine the flue for soot or creosote buildup, and check the smoke chamber for signs of water damage or deterioration. Run your fingers over the surfaces of your firebox to look for cracks, loose mortar, or crumbling bricks. Make sure your hearth is intact.
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3) Watch out for these problems
- Black and tar-like, creosote suggests incomplete combustion or cool fires.
- Water or rust stains mean the chimney may have leaks or condensation issues.
- Cracks or missing bricks could mean structural problems.
- If smoke blows into the room when lighting, you may have a blockage or draft.
- Smell something bad? Could be an animal nest, stagnant water, or creosote.
4) Maintain your fireplace
Have a professional inspection and chimney sweep once per year if you use your fireplace up to three times weekly. Three to five fires a week requires twice yearly cleaning. To keep your damper functioning smoothly, lubricate the hinges with a high-temperature lubricant. Patch up any cracks in the firebox or chimney and repoint or replace bricks when necessary.
This article was originally published in the March/April 2025 issue of Cottage Life.
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