Homeowners who want to switch from a wood-burning fire to a gas alternative have to have the system cleaned and inspected before the change can take place.
Howard Rowell, from the Royal Chimney Service in Milwaukee, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel such a transformation is not straightforward, as there are several areas which must be scrutinised to ensure the system is safe.
"Most manufacturers of gas or log appliances will reference this in their installation manuals by stating that the existing fireplace must be in good condition and meet current building codes," he said.
He explained this is very important due to the amount of acid-laden moisture present in the exhaust emissions.
People who inspect their own chimneys and notice significant damage should call in an experienced repair team to carry out the necessary work to ensure it is done to the highest standards, Dennis Moore Hopkins said in an entry on Ezine Articles recently.