Is this open fireplace safe?
by
Cain
+6
Hi i have a one bed bottom floor flat and i want an open fire place but im unsure if its safe. I have one person living above me and the flats are old, I can hear wind comming down from the chimney and just want to know if looks ok? Thank you
you need to get it inspected by a pro, I had to take the chimney down as the bricks used were splitting.
I agree, hire a professional, someone who speaks chimney.
A licenced home inspector should be able to examine it, and then give you a professional assessment as to its condition. Any local real estate office can refer you on to reputable inspectors.
One way to test it is to put a wet towel or rag or whatever over the chimney top. Then light a small cardboard fire in the fireplace. See if any smoke leaks out in the attic or the apartment above you. You probably need to have the chimney cleaned also, they can catch fire easily if there is creosote build-up. The chimney sweep can recommend an inspector or maybe he can do it himself while he's there.
I agree. A professional chimney sweep inspection would be proper.
I would for sure call professional