How dangerous is it to use my fireplace if my chimney is old (1920) and doesn't have a liner?

Question

it's expensive to add a liner and I am hesitant to believe professionals who want the work....

Answer 1

It depends on what shape it is in. A 1920 chimney may be safer than a new one. I would have it inspected by a chimney sweep. They are not the contractor who would line it, so would be inclined to give you an honest answer. If it has been used all this time, I would not hesitate to continue using it. Good luck.

Answer 2

I could be deadly..Period. Before using it I would highly recommend getting a good reputable chimney sweep /certified inspector to have a complete look see inside and out of the entire unit. You could also go the cheap way and possibly the fatal way and get a few CO2 alarms and if they go off it means your chimney is really dangerous. But by the time they sound it may be too late. But I would spend the $ on an inspector..is your life not worth the $ spent? I would think it is.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Remember, anyone can call themselves a "certified chimney sweep" hire a good contractor, your going to have to line the chimney anyway to use it.

Using a chimney that old allows the concrete to fall out between the brick where you can't see it, the heat and creosote can then seep into the house and, if it gets hot or starts a fire, can then seep into the house where it can't be seen.

Answer 4

I know of many fires that resulted the same way. Let the professsional check it out. A chimney liner is not that expensive. $300- $500. Your life is worth it.

Answer 5

A chimney without a liner can allow heat to transfer though the walls and catch them on fire. My Sister had this happen. The wall that caught fire was an upstairs closet. Lucky she smelled it or they would have lost the house.

Answer 6

get a good chimney sweep to check it out.