Chutes N' Ladders

A. A chimney that is used regularly should be inspected annually by a professional who can assess the maintenance your chimney needs.

A.  It's a good idea to schedule your chimney inspection/cleaning after the burn season or in early summer. Benefits are you will have an easier time scheduling and if anything comes up in the inspection, you will have plenty of time to schedule repairs that need to be completed before winter. 

A.  A chimney cap is not mandatory, but is however highly recommended. Not only does it keep the rain out of your flue, which will cause water damage, it can also be a great barrier against pesky animals entering your chimney. 

A.  A flue is like the exhaust pipe on your car. It is a masonry or metal tube that carries emissions from an appliance or fireplace up the chimney and out of your house. A chimney can contain more than one flue. For example, a fireplace on the first floor, and a fireplace in the master bedroom, would each have a separate flue, even though they are all in the same chimney. 

A.  As it relates to your chimney, "draft" is the air flow that carries emissions up a flue and out of your house.  A draft is created by warm air rising and creating flow up the flue. 

A.  This will vary from chimney to chimney, but you can plan on between 60- 90 minutes.