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For most brick cleaning jobs, including fireplace bricks, use a masonry sponge and a gentle cleaner. A simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar, or a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of water, can effectively remove grime. For tougher stains, you can use a dedicated masonry or fireplace cleaner. It is crucial to wet the bricks thoroughly with water before applying any cleaning solution to prevent the brick from absorbing it, and to rinse the surface completely afterward. Harsher cleaners containing bleach or ammonia should only be used as a last resort, and they should never be mixed together.

Depending on who’s doing the estimating, about 22,000 to 25,000 chimney fires happen each year in the United States. Given the fact that millions of Americans have fireplaces (and chimneys), that means chimney fires aren’t exactly common—but they’re not rare, either. Since they’re so dangerous, it’s important to take precautions to prevent them.

A chimney cap costs about $300 on average to install, with prices ranging from $75 to $1,000. The final cost depends on several factors, including the professional you hire, the accessibility of your chimney, the cap's material and size, whether any repairs are needed, and if it requires custom fabrication. Chimney caps are usually made from galvanized steel, stainless steel, or copper. Copper caps are the most expensive, followed by stainless steel and then galvanized steel. Excluding labor, average material costs are around $100 for galvanized steel, $250 for stainless steel, and $600 for copper. You may also face additional costs, such as hiring a chimney sweep to clean the chimney before the cap is installed.

Gas-powered fireplaces seem to be the most desirable type for homebuyers, per a Redfin report on homebuying trends. That said, any fireplace that has been maintained well and is in safe, working condition could be a draw for buyers, regardless of whether it uses wood logs, propane, or electricity as fuel.