What You Need to Know About Your Chimney in the Spring and Summer

You may not be using your fireplace and chimney during the warmer spring and summer months, but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening to the chimney.  In fact, three serious things can happen that may lead to expensive repairs and unsafe operating conditions.

1. Rainwater damage

Over time, rainwater is a potentially destructive element to chimney systems.

Chimney crown: If the concrete crown that seals the top of the chimney is cracked or was improperly installed, rainwater will get in and begin a deterioration process.

Chimney cap: The high winds of summer storms can loosen a chimney cap or blow it away completely.  Rain can eventually rust out parts of the cap, leaving open spaces for debris and other objects to enter the chimney.  (More about obstructions below.)

Chimney flashing: If the flashing’s water-tight seal between the chimney and roof is lost, water can seep below it and cause damage to building materials of the home and the chimney itself.  Remember: it doesn’t take a lot of water to create a lot of damage.

Masonry: Bricks and mortar are susceptible to serious damage and decay after being exposed to moisture for long periods of time.  When water penetrates even the smallest cracks in the masonry and then freezing temperatures come, the water freezes and expands, causing internal structural damage.  A professionally applied sealer can prevent further leaking, but repair work may be necessary to restore operational safety to the chimney.

2. Debris + creosote accumulation

Depending on how fastidious you are about regular chimney cleaning, you may have a significant amount of flammable creosote existing on the chimney walls.  This isn’t good, but it gets a lot worse when you add in outside debris such as leaves and twigs that blow in the air and always seem to find a resting place inside chimneys.

Debris can act as tinder for a fire, eventually causing creosote to ignite and lead to a potentially deadly house fire.  You’d be amazed at how much debris can end up in a chimney during spring and summer.

3. Small animals seeking homes

For some reason, chimneys are attractive to a variety of small animals from birds and squirrels to snakes and raccoons.  Many of these animals will use the chimney as a birthing room to have their babies.  Some critters will get into a chimney and then be unable to get back out and die inside.  Nests and the bodies of dead animals will cause air-flow obstructions and also can provide more fuel for a chimney fire.

If you have animals in your chimney and believe they’re alive (on quiet nights, you often can hear them in there), or dead, contact your local wildlife agency or an animal removal expert.  Do not attempt to remove or relocate a wild animal by yourself!

These and other chimney problems common during the spring and summer can all be addressed through professional inspection, cleaning and repair services.  Highland, Wisconsin, and neighboring communities count on Chimney Specialists to keep their chimneys and fireplaces running safely and efficiently all year.  Call (608) 929-4887 and tell us how we can help you.