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A chimney is not the low maintenance feature many people think it is.  The handsome addition of a fireplace and chimney means taking on a whole set of responsibilities.  To ensure that the wood-burning heat source doesn’t start a house fire or in any other way endanger your home and family, an annual chimney essential.  Some common chimney problems are chimney obstruction, creosote, brickwork problems, chimney crown and cap, and cracks in the flue.

Obstruction

Chimney obstruction or blockage is caused by numerous things, including obstruction of the chimney draft.  If a chimney doesn’t have sufficient height, for instance, an ambient updraft can prevent smoke from going up and out of the chimney the way it’s supposed to.  Negative air pressure caused by a house that’s too airtight can draw smoke into the home.  Chimney blockage is dangerous; it can cause toxic fumes such as deadly carbon monoxide to enter the home.

The most common problem with old chimneys is obstructions.  They are not just caused by objects or animals from outside but may also occur due to construction factors.  For example, you have a shorter chimney.  The smoke won’t vent out properly, which will later result in excessive soot buildup (a fine carbon powder) that may hinder your chimney flue.

Brickwork Problems – Tuckpointing

A neglected chimney can lean, crumble, and completely collapse.  Maintenance is needed to ensure that water doesn’t penetrate the chimney system.  Tuckpointing is one of the procedures chimney professionals frequently perform, in which damaged mortar is removed; the new mortar gives the chimney the stability and protection it needs.  There are times when brickwork becomes so damaged because of moisture that the bricks also need to be replaced.  Making repairs is, of course, far less costly than having to completely replace a collapsed chimney.

Chimney tuckpointing is your friend when it comes to repairing damaged mortar.  Due to water penetration, mortars and bricks may start to crumble, which calls in tuckpointing for help.  In addition, the new mortar offers chimney stability and protection.  Replacing the bricks will be your other option if the brickwork has already had severe damages. Take note that repairs are better than replacing the entire chimney. It will break your bank.

Damaged bricks or worn-out mortar may cause a chimney to leak. 

As many people are aware, homes with brick exteriors need a certain amount of maintenance over the years to keep them from crumbling or succumbing to mildew.  Brick chimneys are even more exposed to harsh weather conditions than siding, so they can be expected to wear out more quickly. Mortar may begin to crack, leaving gaps for water to enter, or the bricks themselves can start to crumble.  It usually is not effective to simply caulk on top of worn-out mortar since the surface underneath is continuing to deteriorate. For a long-term fix, it will probably be necessary to have the chimney tuck-pointed (finishing the mortar joints with a narrow ridge of putty or mortar) and replace any severely damaged bricks.  It’s also a good idea to have the chimney waterproofed after the other repairs are finished.

Chimney Crown and Chimney Cap

The top of your chimney is a chimney crown unless you install a chimney cap, which is recommended.  If the chimney crown becomes cracked, it needs to be repaired so that moisture doesn’t get into the chimney system.  Moisture is the biggest enemy to the chimney system and can cause damage to the masonry, lining, firebox, damper, ceilings and walls in your home, and more.  Chimney caps also protect the chimney from moisture but also keep out animals and other debris, but they sometimes need to be replaced.

The chimney cap is a device that sits on top of the chase cover.  Typically, the sides are made of a screen that prevents sparks from escaping from the chimney, and the top is covered to keep out water and other elements.  Over time, the seal between the chimney cap and the chase cover can break down, leading to the chimney cap leaking.

Even the best chimney caps can eventually suffer from age and wear. Both the chimney cap and chase cover are usually made of metal, and they can break down from rust as they age.  One or both of these features may need to be replaced if they are no longer watertight.

Cracks in the Flue

Chimney linings are subjected to a lot of stress, including heat and deposits of flammable substances.  If moisture combines with the creosote, the lining can deteriorate.  When a lining is cracked, it needs to be replaced before using the fireplace again, since the lining is what protects the combustible parts of the home from catching fire.  It can be difficult to determine whether a flue is in good condition.  We use a camera which shows every detail of the flue, from top to bottom; we can provide you with assurance, whether it’s assurance that the flue is in good form or whether it’s assurance that the lining indeed does need to be replaced.

It’s normal for homeowners to forget about the fireplace and chimney when it isn’t being used, but it’s important to be intentional about ensuring that the wood-burning system is safe to use by scheduling an annual inspection.

Flashing prevents moisture and debris from entering the roof—if it’s damaged, it could let water in.

Flashing is the material that roofers place on parts of the roof where water could seep into gaps usually on corners, edges, or places where the roof meets a wall.  Flashing is also installed around the base of a chimney. If this flashing is damaged or not installed correctly, it won’t create a shield against water or debris, which will result in the chimney leaking water.

Regular Chimney Maintenance and inspection

Regular maintenance will solve any issues with chimneys you have.  It’s better to identify the problem before the situation worsens.  It would help if you did a chimney inspection at least once a year.  Homeowner’s negligence is the chimney’s silent killer.  Make sure to understand that a chimney requires a lot of maintenance before adding it to your home.

Need help? Ask a professional

You may be able to perform the procedures without the help of a professional.  Still, it would be best to hire a professional to deal with the issues. Damaged chimneys are dangerous to deal with for the hazards and risks they pose.