FIREPLACE FACT & FICTION

1. FICTION: Masonry fireplaces are safer than prefab fireplaces
FACT: All prefab fireplaces must meet UL testing to be installed by most state, local, and regional building-codes. When properly installed and regularly maintained by a chimney professional, prefab fireplaces are actually safer than masonry fireplaces.

2. FICTION: Chimneys only need to be checked when used regularly.
FACT: The National Fire Protection Association requires that chimneys be inspected or cleaned yearly. All residue in a flue is combustible and can ignite. A poor maintenance program can result in costly repairs.

3. FICTION: Prefab fireplaces and chimneys are maintenance-free.
FACT: Due to acids, prefabs also require regular maintenance. Stainless-steel liners are not immune to breakdown caused by excess temperatures, little or no cleaning and improper burning of high-acid materials, such as cans, treated wood, and trash. Regular maintenance can prevent the costly expense of relining or replacing an entire system if the unit house becomes involved in the deterioration process.

4. FICTION: Masonry chimneys need less cleaning than prefab chimneys.
FACT: When masonry chimney is not properly maintained, masonry deterioration increases in the smoke chamber, flue-tile joints, and firebox components. Acids in unburned fuels accelerate the deterioration process, especially if excess moisture is present.

5. FICTION: Burnout in chimneys causes no damage.
FACT: In masonry chimney, flue tiles can crack in the first thirty-seconds of a chimney fire. Heat stress can crack the outside chimney-housing and smoke chamber.

In a prefab fireplace with a 2,100° chimney liner, heat stress can cause metal fatigue and warpage.

Damage to masonry and prefab chimneys can result in very costly repairs.

6. FICTION: Chimneys must be torn down to be relined with tile liners.
FACT: There are several less-costly methods of chimney relining, such as cast-in-place, stainless steel, and full tile, than can be done by a true chimney-professional.

7. FICTION: Unlined masonry-chimneys are as safe as current code-built chimneys.
FACT: Most unlined chimneys are quite unsafe. Due to liability and the hazard involved in using such a unit, a professional chimney-sweep will usually "red tag" an unlined chimney.

The majority of fire officials recommend either lining the chimney or completely sealing the fireplace. Unlined chimneys violate several sections of Code 211 of the National Fire Protection Association, as well as state fire-codes.

8. FICTION: Masonry chimneys do not require caps.
FACTS: There is no Birmingham code that require capping a masonry chimney. However, in order to maintain a proper flue, smoke chamber, damper, fire wall, and fire floor, a stainless-steel cap with animal guard should be installed.

On a national annual basis, millions of dollars are required to repair fire boxes that are damaged by excessive water, which can also damage chimneys.

To ensure proper protection, all prefabs are required to have caps.

9. FICTION: Chimney caps are chimney caps. (All chimney caps are the same.)
FACT: Today, most manufactured caps look alike. However, the rust factor is always present with galvanized caps. Many existing caps look like covered wagons or canopies, and some are cement slabs.

10. FICTION: Chimney sweeps dance on rooftops and only clean chimneys.
FACT: Professional chimney-technicians regard the term "chimney sweep" with pride, respect, and affection. Today, however, true professionals can:

- Clean, repair, and reline (Class A or masonry) fireplaces and chimneys - Solve draft and water problems - Install prefabs, stoves, or inserts - Totally rebuild your fireplace

These professionals will have years of experience in their field, familiar with local codes, and belong to numerous professional-organizations in their field