Prefer to leave it to a pro? (815) 296-8285 · Homeowner chimney tips from Masterful · Romeoville, IL
There is real chimney maintenance a homeowner can safely do between professional visits — and a clear line where the job should be handed to a pro. This guide covers the safe, useful things you can do yourself to keep your fireplace running well and spot trouble early, along with an honest note on what to leave to a certified sweep. None of it replaces an annual inspection, but all of it helps your chimney last longer and burn safer. When you would rather have it handled, call (815) 296-8285.
Burn the right wood, the right way
The single biggest thing you control is what you burn. Wet or unseasoned wood is the fastest way to coat your flue in creosote, because the fire spends its energy boiling off water instead of burning cleanly. Use only seasoned hardwood that has dried for at least six months to a year, ideally under 20% moisture. Split logs dry faster than rounds, and wood stored off the ground and under cover stays dry. Never burn painted or treated lumber, cardboard, wrapping paper, or trash — they burn dirty and can release harmful fumes. A hot, clean fire from dry wood produces far less creosote than a smoldering fire from damp wood.
Keep the firebox and hearth in good shape
Between fires, you can safely maintain the firebox itself:
- Let ashes cool completely — at least 24 hours — before removing them, and store them in a metal container outside, away from the house.
- Leave about an inch of ash in a wood firebox during burning season; it actually helps the fire, but clean it out at season’s end.
- Wipe soot off glass doors with a damp cloth dipped in cooled ash or a proper fireplace glass cleaner.
- Check that the damper opens and closes fully and seals when closed.
Do a ground-level safety check
You do not need to climb on the roof to learn a lot about your chimney. From the ground and inside the house, look for the warning signs a professional would ask about:
- Stand back and look at the chimney exterior for crumbling mortar, flaking brick, or a visibly cracked crown.
- Watch how the fireplace drafts — smoke should pull straight up, not roll into the room.
- Notice any smoky or musty smell, which often points to creosote or moisture.
- Look for water stains on the ceiling or wall near the chimney, a sign of a leak.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and keep fresh batteries in both.
Write down anything you notice and mention it when you book your annual visit — it helps us go straight to the problem.
Simple habits that prevent problems
- Open the damper fully before lighting, and keep it open until the fire is completely out and cool.
- Use a sturdy screen or glass doors to keep embers in the firebox.
- Keep the area around the hearth clear of rugs, furniture, and anything flammable.
- Build smaller, hotter fires rather than large, smoldering ones.
- Keep a working carbon monoxide detector on every level of the home.
What to leave to a professional
Some chimney work is genuinely dangerous or requires training and equipment, and doing it yourself often causes more harm than good. Leave these to a certified sweep:
- Getting on the roof — falls are the real risk here, and a proper sweep has the safety gear for it.
- Removing heavy creosote — a chimney-brush kit from the store rarely removes glazed, stage-three creosote, and missing it leaves the fire hazard in place.
- Inspecting the flue interior — cracks and gaps hide where you cannot see them; a camera scan is the only reliable check.
- Any masonry, liner, or cap work — these affect the safety of the whole system and need the right materials and experience.
A good rule of thumb: if it involves the roof, the flue interior, or the structure, call a pro. Owner Leo Jenkins has 18 years of experience, and a professional sweep and inspection once a year is what ties all of your own good habits together.
Frequently asked questions
Can I clean my own chimney with a brush kit?
You can knock down light soot, but store kits rarely remove hardened, glazed creosote — and that is the buildup that causes fires. A professional sweep removes it completely and inspects the flue at the same time.
How can I tell if my wood is dry enough to burn?
Seasoned wood is lighter, has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when two pieces are knocked together. An inexpensive moisture meter should read under 20%.
Is it safe to go on my roof to look at the chimney?
We do not recommend it. You can learn most of what you need from the ground and inside the house. Roof work is where injuries happen, so leave it to a sweep with the right safety equipment.
How often should I still have a professional inspection if I maintain it myself?
Once a year, every year, regardless of how well you keep up with your own maintenance. Home care and a yearly professional inspection work together; neither replaces the other.
What is the best DIY step to prevent creosote?
Burn only dry, seasoned hardwood and build hot, clean fires. Damp wood and smoldering fires are the number-one cause of fast creosote buildup.
My glass keeps getting black — can I fix that myself?
Black glass usually means damp wood or a cool, smoky fire. Burn drier wood and hotter fires, and clean the glass with cooled ash on a damp cloth. If it keeps happening, have the chimney checked.
Reviewed by Leo Jenkins, owner of Masterful Chimney Sweep.
Want a professional set of eyes on your chimney? Call (815) 296-8285.