Hello.
I recently purchased my first home. The house was built in 1920, colonial style, and has a fireplace.
I called a chimney sweep that has been doing work for over 30 years in our area, and he quoted $50 to come out and inspect it. Which is fine, but I am worried that he will just tell us the fireplace is useless and I am out 50 bucks.
Is there anything I can inspect myself that will tell me more about the fireplace/chimney and tell whether or not it is functioning?
There is a capped gas pipe on the floor inside the fireplace, but otherwise no dials or valves or anything like that.
I have read that a lot of older homes do not have liners inside brick chimneys. Is it dangerous to use a fireplace like this, even if I just wanted to once or twice a year?
I am happy to provide detailed photos if needed.
Thanks!
I recently purchased my first home. The house was built in 1920, colonial style, and has a fireplace.
I called a chimney sweep that has been doing work for over 30 years in our area, and he quoted $50 to come out and inspect it. Which is fine, but I am worried that he will just tell us the fireplace is useless and I am out 50 bucks.
Is there anything I can inspect myself that will tell me more about the fireplace/chimney and tell whether or not it is functioning?
There is a capped gas pipe on the floor inside the fireplace, but otherwise no dials or valves or anything like that.
I have read that a lot of older homes do not have liners inside brick chimneys. Is it dangerous to use a fireplace like this, even if I just wanted to once or twice a year?
I am happy to provide detailed photos if needed.
Thanks!