Common Chimney Problems You Should Know About

As simple as chimney systems appear to be, a lot can go wrong with them. And a lot of the problems aren’t in places you would typically see.

American Chimney & Fireplace of Louisville, KY, would like to share what we’ve found to be the most common chimney problems in the northern Kentucky and southern Indiana areas.

Chimney leaks

Chimney leaks can come from a variety of places:

• The masonry’s bricks and mortar
• Damaged or missing chimney cap or flue cover
• Warped or rusted chimney flashing
• Cracked or deteriorated chimney crown

No matter how water gets in, it can end up causing some serious problems, including chimney liner damage, rust on the fireplace damper, rotting in the materials of the home, damage to the firebox, and more.

All chimney leaks and their collateral damage can be repaired. Afterward, the masonry can be waterproofed and, if necessary, you can have certain components replaced or installed.

Chimney fires

Chimney fires happen more often than most homeowners realize, with many of them starting and going out quickly before they’re noticed. But all chimney fires can be destructive.

The majority of reported chimney fires in the U.S. each year are caused by ignited creosote, which forms and builds up when wood fires are burned in the fireplace. You can’t prevent creosote, but you can significantly reduce the chance of a devastating chimney fire by having your chimney professionally swept and inspected once a year.

Flue obstructions

• If you use your chimney without a proper chimney cap or flue cover, all kinds of junk can wind up in your flue and cause a drafting obstruction. The most common debris includes:
• Nests built by small animals
• The bodies of small animals that have died in the chimney, unable to escape
• Leaves, twigs and other debris from nearby trees

An obstructed chimney flue can cause smoke and deadly carbon monoxide to back up into your home. Smoke is bad, but the carbon monoxide in smoke is worse: it’s invisible and odorless but potentially fatal to people and animals.

The solutions to flue obstructions are a proper chimney cap and chimney sweeping.

General chimney damage

Every part and component of a modern chimney system can eventually suffer damage, making them less efficient and possibly dangerous to live around.

The most common problems we deal with include:

Chimney crown damage

Cracks in the concrete chimney crown can be patched and sealed. In extreme cases, the crown can be rebuilt.

Masonry damage

Solutions include brick replacement, mortar tuckpointing and chimney waterproofing. Structural rebuilding may be necessary in some cases.

Chimney liner damage

Damaged chimney liners can let flames and combustion gases escape. Liner repair is sometimes a solution. Other times, liners can be replaced with stainless steel liners or the HeatShield flue-coating process.

Fireplace damper damage

Damaged throat dampers and top-mount dampers can sometimes be repaired. If the damage is extensive, they should be replaced.

Chimney flashing damage

Flashing seals the gap between the roof and chimney. Loose flashing can be reseated, and new flashing, if necessary, can be installed.

Help for all areas of your chimney system

No matter what’s wrong with your chimney, American Chimney & Fireplace has the right solution. When problems arise, reach a chimney expert by phone or through our contact form.