You know your chimney is up there, but do you ever really take a good look at it? Harsh weather and use can lead to serious issues over time, resulting in poor performance, costly repairs, and possibly a dangerous situation for your home and family.
Knowing the signs that your chimney is headed for trouble can help you catch problems early. Here are seven clues that your chimney needs a fix.
Cracked or Spalling BricksBricks that are cracked, flaking, crumbling, or chipping are a sign that moisture has seeped into the masonry. Water gets into the bricks and mortar joints, and when temperatures drop, it freezes and expands. Expansion causes tiny cracks that worsen over time, leading to deterioration. If you don’t fix this as soon as possible, the chimney’s structure can weaken and potentially collapse.
A white, powdery substance on the chimney’s exterior is called efflorescence and is another sign that moisture is penetrating the brickwork. While you can clean the stains, you must address the underlying moisture issue to prevent bigger problems.
Ignoring efflorescence can cause the structure to weaken, increase mold growth, and lead to brick deterioration.
Rusty streaks or corroded metal parts inside the chimney indicate water intrusion. Water getting into the chimney can compromise the damper, causing it to stick or fail. A blocked flue can lead to smoke buildup in the home or toxic gases that fail to vent.
The crown protects the chimney against rain, snow, and debris from getting in. A cracked or damaged crown allows moisture to seep in, accelerating brick and mortar deterioration. This can lead to interior water damage, mold growth, and structural instability.
Mortar holds the bricks together and when it deteriorates, the entire chimney’s stability is at risk. Look for gaps, crumbling mortar, or visible erosion between the bricks. Failing to fix this as soon as you notice the problem can lead to bricks becoming loose or dislodged, causing the chimney to lean or collapse.
Bits of flue tile in the fireplace are a red flag that the liner is damaged. The liner is essential for protecting your home from heat and dangerous gases, and cracks compromise that protection, increasing the risk of a fire or carbon monoxide leak.
Does your fireplace stink? Does it smell musty, smoky, or moldy? Odors can signal a moisture problem, animal nests, or creosote buildup. All of these can create chimney hazards that risk your family and home and compromise your fireplace’s performance.
Prevention is the best way to deal with these issues and the hazards that come with them. Here’s how to be proactive and keep your chimney in tip-top shape.
Hire a professional chimney sweep to inspect your chimney for signs of damage, blockages, or buildup. Annual inspections are crucial, especially if you use the fireplace regularly.
Catching minor issues like small cracks and creosote buildup can prevent costly repairs and improve your chimney’s longevity.
Besides annual inspections, it’s a good idea to get the chimney cleaned at least once a year. Creosote is one of the main causes of chimney fires because it’s so flammable. Regular cleaning keeps creosote levels in check and ensures proper airflow.
While experts recommend yearly chimney sweeping, you might want to do it more often if you use your fireplace as your primary heat source.
A chimney cap is a metal cover that sits on top of the chimney to keep out rain, debris, snow, and animals. Preventing these things from getting in the chimney can reduce the risk of damage and ensure efficiency.
Brick and mortar are porous and prone to water damage. Applying a waterproof sealing product can help protect the chimney from rain, snow, and ice. Waterproofing reduces the risk of spalling bricks, efflorescence, and deteriorating mortar and can increase your chimney’s lifespan.
Branches that hang over the chimney can drop leaves, twigs, and debris inside, and it makes it easier for critters to get in. Experts recommend trimming back tree branches at least 10 feet away from the chimney to reduce risks.
Lastly, burn only seasoned hardwood like oak, maple, or ash instead of softwood to reduce creosote buildup. Seasoned woods are dry and burn hotter, producing less smoke and residue.
Call Chimney Solutions in Chattanooga, TN, for expert chimney services. We’ve been the most trusted chimney and fireplace contractor for more than 20 years, and our certified team has the training and expertise to keep your chimney and fireplace in good condition for your long-term comfort. Contact us today to schedule a cleaning and inspection.
