Chimney Sweep - how often?
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 9:44 am
(I hope this is the appropriate "forum" to post this question!) I have a wood-burning fireplace which is only used, at the maximum, off and on for six weeks a year. (I live in South Georgia). This MH is 15 years old and was in quite a state of cosmetic disrepair when I bought it, although it appears to be very structurally sound. I burned wood last winter for @ 4 weeks, off and on, and have just needed to start burning again this year. The fireplace is located in a corner, almost exactly on floor level. My question is: how often do I need to get a professional chimney sweep out here? The home was severely damaged five years ago from a kitchen fire, and I won't want to risk another fire episode occuring from creosote buildup. I'm pretty much a DIY-er, but I don't know that I want to risk doing THIS job myself. The consequences of a fire are a little more serious than choosing the wrong paint color or not shimming a door frame correctly. Any suggestions?