Common Chimney Issues
If you own a working fireplace and use it as a source of heating and comfort, you’ll eventually encounter some situations where you’ll need our Chimney Specialist technician to perform general maintenance on it. Here are the six most common chimney problems you’ll run into.
Blockages in your flue
Blockages in your flue usually come from up top (which means that if you have chimney blockages, you probably have a missing cap too). Blockages can be as simple as leaves, dirt, and debris to birds and rodents that have made a home inside of your chimney. Because these all pose various types of hazards, they should be removed as soon as they’re discovered.
Creosote build-up
We’re starting off our list of the most common chimney problems with everyone’s “favorite”: creosote. Of course, we’re sarcastic when we say that. Creosote is probably the most common problem as it’s a by-product of burning wood. If you burn wood that hasn’t been properly seasoned, creosote will form faster than normal. A chimney sweep will remove this and is essential to the safe operation of your chimney.
A cracked flue liner
Older homes had a ceramic flue liner. This is far less durable than the metal liners of modern home construction. Regardless of the type of liner, it helps to keep the heat within your chimney from causing problems (up to and including a fire) to your home’s interior. If it’s cracked, it can’t do its job properly.
Deterioration of your masonry
Structural problems with your masonry include smaller issues such as cracks or gaps in the brick and mortar to a leaning chimney. You don’t want to use your chimney if it leans, and cracks should be fixed via tuckpointing or repointing before applying a waterproof sealant.
A broken crown
Your crown sits at the base where your chimney meets your roof. If it’s cracked, water can make its way into your home. Fixing this will ensure that water doesn’t leak into your roof.
Flashing that leaks
Likewise, there should be a sufficient layer of flashing around the base of your chimney where it meets the crown. As with a broken crown, if your flashing fails, water can make its way into your home and cause a leak. If left to go too long, it can even lead to mold issues in your home.
A missing or busted cap
Finally, we mentioned earlier that the leading cause of blockages is a missing or busted cap. Your cap allows smoke to escape but keeps everything else out. If it’s completely gone or has gaps in it, it’s not doing its job and should be replaced ASAP.
We can fix all of these common chimney issues and more
We’ve been serving Madison and the surrounding communities for over 40 years. Regardless of the common chimney issues you’ve encountered, as well as the uncommon ones, we can help. We’ll fix the situation as it is and help you come up with a plan to keep it from happening again. Ready to get started? Then contact the team at Chimney Specialists, Inc at (608) 929-4887 or by filling out our short form on our website here.
