How to install a Chimney Cleanout Door (A Complete Guide)

The first step to installing a chimney cleanout door is to open the fireplace damper and remove any ashes from the firebox. Next, measure the width of the fireplace opening. The distance between opposing jambs should be approximately 8 inches wider than this measurement. This will allow for maximum clearance of a 4-inch thick brick or stone chimney liner when inserting a cleanout door into its frame.

You’re about to embark on a project that many homeowners have never done before! Installing a chimney cleanout door. It’s not as hard as it sounds, but before you get started with the installation, there are some things you’ll need to know. This blog post is your complete guide for installing a chimney cleanout door. We will cover everything from what tools and materials are needed, how to measure your fireplace opening so the new door fits correctly, and finally how to install the clean out door yourself!

What is a Chimney Cleanout Door?

A chimney cleanout door is a small metal or plastic device that fits into the mouth of your chimney. The purpose of this small appliance is to provide an easy way for you to access your fireplace and remove any ash build up inside it when necessary.

It can help prevent dangerous gases from entering your home when left unattended
It can also help keep your fireplace clean and in good condition
If you have a chimney fire, it is important to be able to put it out quickly. A chimney cleanout door makes this process much easier
Cleanouts are also necessary for annual inspections by a professional
If you do not have a chimney cleanout door, you should consider adding one to your chimney.

How to Install a New Chimney Cleanout Door?

A chimney cleanout door is the best way to prevent animals and debris from nesting in your fireplace. Installing a new one can be overwhelming, but with accurate information you will be able to do it yourself without hiring help.

To best understand how to install a chimney cleanout door, you should first familiarize yourself with the inner-workings of your fireplace. While most fireplaces are designed similarly, there can be some variations that may affect installation instructions.
The first thing you must do is turn the gas off to your fireplace. Then, open up the damper and leave it that way until installation of a chimney cleanout door has been completed.
There are three types of installations: “Above Thimble”, “Side Wall” or “Suitcase”. These terms refer to where in the chimney you will attach the cleanout door.

Why do you need a new Chimney Cleanout Door?

If you have an old, rusty, or damaged chimney cleanout door, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible.

A faulty cleanout door can allow animals and water into your home, leading to costly damage.

Replacing your Chimney Cleanout Door is a quick and easy project that can be completed in just a few hours. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps needed to install a new cleanout door on your chimney.
If you have an old, rusty, or damaged chimney cleanout door, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. A faulty cleanout door can allow animals and water into your home, leading to costly damage.
Replacing your Chimney Cleanout Door is a quick and easy project that can be completed in just a few hours. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps needed to install a new cleanout door on your chimney.
The first step is to measure the opening of your old cleanout door. You’ll need to know the width and height of the opening so that you can purchase an appropriately-sized replacement door.
The next step is to remove the old door from the opening. This can be done by using a screwdriver to pry off the hinges, or by cutting the screws with a hacksaw.

Once the old door has been removed, you can install the new one by following these steps:

Measure and mark the location of the screws on the door.
Drill pilot holes in the marks you made.
Insert the screws and tighten them up.
Place the door in the opening and make sure it’s level.
Use a drill to make pilot holes in the wall, then insert anchors into the holes.
Attach the door to the wall using screws.
Finally, check that it’s level and plumb before you close up all of the holes in your new cleanout door with putty.

How to Choose the Right Size of Chimney Cleanout Door for Your Home?

When it comes to choosing the right size of chimney cleanout door, you need to take into account the width of your flue and the height of your chimney.

Tips on Installing your Chimney Cleanout Door

Before installing your Chimney Cleanout Door, take down or remove any type of sheet metal on the interior and exterior of your home. This includes gables, gutters, awnings and more. You can use a reciprocating saw to cut away some parts for easier installation if needed.
Once you have removed all the sheet metal, use a drill to make starter holes in each corner of where the door will be installed.
Then use a chisel and hammer to cut out the rectangle opening for your Cleanout Door.
After that, it is time to install the hinges on the door. Make sure they are securely attached.
Use the reciprocating saw to cut out a hole big enough for your chimney brush or vacuum system’s hose to fit through. If you are using one, attach it securely first before installing the Cleanout Door on top of it. The other end should connect with an elbow at the bottom where it will be facing outside toward the exterior of your home.
Then attach the Cleanout Door onto your chimney, using screws and a drill or screwdriver to secure it into place. You may need more than one person for this step depending on how heavy the door is.
At this point you can use caulk to cover up any gaps where water might be able to seep in.
You are now finished, unless you want to add a lock for security purposes. If so, make sure it is installed correctly before adding caulk around the edge of your Cleanout Door once more if needed. You can then paint or stain your door or leave it as is depending on what kind of look you are going for.

Steps to installing your Chimney clean out Door

Step One: Measure the inside of your chimney to determine what size door will fit best. You’ll need this later on when you order. If it is an odd sized hole, you can use metal “L”s to hold up the frame for now so that you can measure correctly. Just make sure they are small enough to fit inside the hole and not too close to the opening so that you don’t block airflow.
Step Two: Order your door. Make sure to get a good quality one because this is an important piece of your chimney system. Sloppy work can lead to dangerous situations down the road.
Step Three: Once your door comes in, you can finish measuring and cut a hole to fit it into. You might have to use a jigsaw or other tools, so be prepared for that.
Step Four: Once the frame is complete and dry-fitted inside of your chimney opening, you’ll need to attach it with screws from the inside.
Step Five: Install the door by screwing it into the frame from the outside. Be careful not to strip the screws!
Step Six: Prime and paint your new clean-out door so it matches your home’s exterior.

Now that you know how to install a Chimney Clean out Door, you can be sure your chimney is in good working order and safe to use. Enjoy your fireplace this winter!

*Be sure to also check out our other blog posts on how to clean your chimney and keep it in top condition!*

Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) recommends that homeowners have their chimneys inspected and cleaned annually to prevent creosote buildup. A build-up of creosote can lead to a dangerous chimney fire.

Installing a Chimney Cleanout Door is an easy way to make cleaning your chimney easier and safer. This guide will walk you through the process of installing a chimney cleanout door.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Chimney Cleanout Door: A new, metal cleanout door will need to be installed right next to or inside your masonry chimney opening. It cannot simply be attached directly on top of the masonry and brickwork because rain water and snow melt can get inside and cause damage. The door must be placed in a spot where it can easily be opened and closed, so that you can clean your chimney from the inside.

Safety Tips and Warnings

Keep flammable materials away from the fireplace and chimney. Make sure nothing is blocking your access to both of these, especially if you’re going up on a ladder or scaffolding.
While cleaning the chimney, make sure it’s not too windy out! If there are high winds when you clean your chimney, it could affect how your fireplace draws smoke.
If you’re using a telescoping brush to clean the chimney, make sure that there are no obstructions in front of it or behind it. If so block them off with bricks or boards!
If your home’s power goes out while you’re cleaning the chimney (like if there’s a big storm), make sure to not start the job again until it comes back on.
Be careful when climbing up and down any ladder or scaffolding – don’t want you getting hurt!

FAQs

What should I look for when buying a Chimney Cleanout Door?

The first thing you want to take into consideration is the size of your chimney. You need to know if it is an exterior or interior. Interior are typically smaller and can be easily installed through either flooring or ceiling whereas exterior doors are taller, wider, bulkier and more difficult to install. Exterior doors also have the added bonus of being able to weatherproof your chimney opening. Another thing you want to take into account is the door’s flange. This is the part that rests on top of the chimney and seals it off from the elements. Make sure that it is a good fit for your chimney and that it is deep enough to seal properly. Lastly, you want to make sure that the door has a good locking mechanism. This will ensure that the door stays closed and your home is protected from any potential fires.

What are some tips for installing a Chimney Cleanout Door?

If you are installing an exterior door then you will want to use concrete anchors and silicon caulk. Caulk should be used sparingly, only in key areas that need extra sealing such as around the flange. Anchors are typically rubber or plastic discs that come with a screw for easy installation into your chimney walls. Once they have been installed just snap on the door and tighten the screws. If you are installing an interior door, then a good tip is to use a standard pry bar or crowbar to remove your chimney cap and any extra brick that might be in the way. Then take pieces of wood and create a frame inside your fireplace opening which will give you something sturdy to work with when attaching the door. Make sure to take your time and always double check measurements as even a small mistake can result in disaster.

How do I clean the flue?

Cleaning any type of chimney isn’t easy or fun but it needs doing nonetheless. The first step is make sure that you wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a mask. Second, you will want to break out the vacuum cleaner with the crevice tool attachment. Scoop as much of the soot and ash as possible into a dustbin or bag. You can also try using a chimney brush but be very careful not to damage your flue in any way. If there is a lot of build-up then you might want to consider hiring a professional.

Can I use my Chimney Cleanout Door as an air vent?

No, the door is not meant to be used as an air vent and should not be opened under any circumstances. Doing so could cause a backdraft which would pull smoke and carbon monoxide back into your home. Always make sure that the door is closed and locked when not in use.

Conclusion

Now that you have finished reading how to install a chimney cleanout door, hopefully I’ve answered any questions or concerns about the process. If not, feel free to leave me a comment down below! Thanks again for reading and be sure to check back soon for more articles in this blog series.