Don’t Overlook These 5 Warning Signs That Your Chimney Needs Service
There are minor chimney problems, and then there are major chimney problems. Minor problems aren’t urgent, but they need to be addressed before they become major. Major chimney problems need to be looked at now.
American Chimney & Fireplace of Louisville, KY, would like to talk about five clear warning signs that demand fast chimney service.
Chimney is leaning to one side
If this is the condition of your chimney, you may be looking at a collapse before too long. Typically caused by brick and mortar decay, a leaning chimney should not be ignored.
Chimney service companies have the skills and tools to restore a chimney’s strength by:
- Replacing damaged bricks and mortar
- Rebuilding parts or all of the chimney above the roofline
- Addressing chimney footing issues or problems with the masonry below the roof
Masonry deterioration
Not all damaged masonry leads to a leaning or collapsed chimney. Sometimes, the damage leads to water leaks, which can become widespread and affect the chimney liner, interior masonry, fireplace damper, firebox and parts of the home near the chimney.
Masonry damage is most often caused by:
- Inferior-quality bricks used to build the chimney
- Poor workmanship in constructing the chimney
- Earthquakes, lightning strikes, pounding hail and other weather events
- Chimney fires (see below)
- Old age
Significant chimney leaks
Damaged masonry is one way a chimney takes on water from rain and melting snow. Other ways include through gaps in the chimney flashing, through the top of the chimney if no chimney cap is in place, and through breaks in a deteriorated concrete chimney crown.
Watch for these signs of a leaky chimney:
- Cracked bricks and crumbling mortar
- White stains on the masonry (means water is getting into the bricks)
- Damp sections of the ceiling or walls near the fireplace
- Water dripping into the firebox
- Strong, musty odors coming from the chimney
Chimney leaks need to be addressed and fixed immediately.
Chimney fires
Not all chimney fires are big and aggressive. Some are small and go out on their own without anyone knowing about them. But all chimney fires can cause damage. If you know that you’ve had a fire or want to see if there’s evidence of a previous fire, schedule a chimney inspection.
Signs of an active chimney fire:
- Odd tapping or clicking noises
- Rumbling sounds like from a distant train
- Excess dark smoke exiting either end of the chimney
If you encounter any of these signs, call 911 and evacuate the home. When the danger is past, schedule a chimney inspection before using the fireplace again.
Smoke backups and drafting issues
If smoke is moving into your room instead of up the chimney, it likely means one of five things:
- The damper isn’t open far enough
- The flue is clogged with creosote or debris
- A window near the fireplace needs to be cracked to allow a stronger draft
- Exhaust fans in the home need to be turned off
- The fireplace and chimney are new, and the chimney flue is the incorrect size for the fireplace
You can fix numbers 1, 3 and 4. Numbers 2 and 5 need professional attention right away.
Solve all your chimney problems
American Chimney & Fireplace is ready to solve your chimney’s problems and make it strong, healthy and efficient once again. For all chimney issues, reach a chimney pro by phone or get in touch with our handy contact form.
