Get matched with top fireplace pros in Columbus, MT

If your chimney doesn't have a damper, you are reducing your home's energy efficiency while allowing drafts, debris, and even animals to enter your home. Remember, installing a damper helps regulate airflow, keeping warm air inside during winter and preventing cooled air from escaping in the summer. It also acts as a barrier to keep out moisture and critters.

Because of the potential danger associated with incorrectly capping the gas line that serves the gas fireplace, many people will choose to hire a professional to do the work. Some homeowners may choose to hire a pro to only handle the gas line for them. They then may attempt to remove the actual insert on their own, which is a challenging—but not impossible—DIY project.

If you would rather use vinegar to clean the stone fireplace instead of dish soap, this mixture should work fine. Vinegar is slightly acidic, however, so it may etch some kinds of stone without quite a bit of diluting. For a stone fireplace, dilute it to about one cup of vinegar for every gallon of hot water. It’s a smart idea to test the diluted mixture in an inconspicuous area of the fireplace and watch for etching. You can use vinegar to clean quite a few different items around your home, and it’s especially good at removing stains.

Removing a chimney is difficult. You may need to take it out brick by brick from inside the walls. If it’s part of the load bearing structure of the home, removing it becomes even more difficult. Chimney removal cost can range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity of the job, and whether or not it’s load bearing. For this reason, many people will choose to remove the fireplace and seal the chimney at the bottom and top. You could remove the visible exterior section of the chimney at the roofline before sealing it, too.