Pro tip: always check the damper linkage before you start a sweep in an old house.

I was cleaning a flue in a 1910 colonial in Albany last Tuesday, and the whole damper assembly came loose in my hand because a single rusted pin had failed. It took me three hours to fabricate a temporary fix on site with parts from my truck. What's the weirdest unexpected repair you've had to make during a routine cleaning?

4 comments

4 Comments

piperbailey2mo ago

Heard about a buddy who found a whole raccoon skeleton jammed in a top damper. Had to take apart half the chimney crown to get it all out. That was a long day for him.

robin5912mo ago

My neighbor's chimney sweep pulled out a mummified squirrel last month.

wren63822h ago

Best to cap the chimney and get a screen, saves you from finding your own surprise someday.

the_claire2mo ago

Ever think a simple cleaning would be fine? I used to, until a damper plate just fell off like @piperbailey said. Now I check everything twice, lol.