Expert: James Ball - 2/13/2009

Question
I have a new home with a fireplace. Recently after a fire I went to close the flu and I noticed that on the top, right side where the top bricks are I can stick my hand behind that brick and feel a breeze. It seems to me that they forgot to seal the top bricks to the side.

Does this seem to be a mistake or would there be some reason that the inside of the fireplace ( with the exception of the flu) not ne totally sealed.


Answer
Hello Sean, no this does not sound right, do not use the fireplace until it is checked, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have they should be able to help.
James