Visited an 1800s farmhouse in Vermont and their chimney setup blew my mind

I was up in Stowe last weekend helping a friend clean out an old property, and the main chimney was this massive stone thing that went from the basement all the way up through three floors. It had like 6 flues running through it for different fireplaces and a cookstove, all still intact. Has anyone else run into those old multi-flue systems and have tips for cleaning them without damaging the masonry?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_ray16d ago

I see what you're saying, but I gotta disagree a little on leaving it completely alone. In my experience, a good inspection from both ends is fine, but a pro with a proper rotary brush and a HEPA vacuum can actually clean those old flues safely if they're careful. The key is using the right brush material-nylon or poly, not steel-and taking it slow so you don't hammer the joints. I've seen setups like that caked with soot that was a fire risk if left untouched, so I'd say it's worth the cost of a qualified sweep to get a look and clean it right.

briannguyen17d ago

That massive 6 flue setup you found is actually a nightmare waiting to happen. My buddy has a similar one from the 1840s in New Hampshire and those old mortared joints are so brittle now that brushing them wrong can send chunks down and block everything. You're better off just leaving it alone unless you're having a pro with a vacuum system do it. I've seen people try to DIY with chains and rods and end up cracking the whole stack to the point it needs rebuilding. For real, the best tip is to not touch it at all. Just inspect from the top and bottom with a flashlight and call a mason if you see buildup, don't risk wrecking that history for a few hours of sweeping.