Chimney systems can experience damage that’s not always obvious to people living in the home. Some issues start in the interior areas of a chimney but eventually spread and put the home and the people in it in danger. Other types of chimney damage are easy to spot.

Keystone’s Fireplace & Stove of Mechanicsburg, PA, would like to present a checklist of chimney damage signs to watch for.

Causes of Chimney Damage

Several things can cause damage to a masonry chimney. They include:

• Chimney fires
• Water leaks
• Destructive weather events
• Low-quality materials or shoddy workmanship in building or repairing the chimney
• Old age

Let’s look a little deeper into each cause.

Chimney fires

Some chimney fires are large and obvious. Others are small and go out before anyone knows they’re happening. But all chimney fires can damage the chimney liner, smoke chamber, chimney cap and other parts of a chimney.

Watch for:

• Dark stains on the masonry at the top of the chimney
• Burnt or warped sections of the chimney cap
• Carbon monoxide leaks
• Sooty chunks in the firebox

Water leaks

A chimney can leak from many places, including the masonry, chimney cap, chimney crown and roof flashing. Intruding water can not only cause structural deterioration, but it can also damage system components and lead to unsafe operating conditions.

Watch for:

• Water dripping into the firebox
• Damp or discolored patches on the walls or ceiling near the fireplace
• Rusty or squeaky fireplace damper
• Musty smells in the attic or coming out of the fireplace
• While stains on sections of the exterior bricks (this means water is penetrating)
• Cracks in the bricks or in the concrete chimney crown

Destructive weather events

In Pennsylvania, we have our share of wild weather, much of which can harm a chimney system. Heavy rains, lightning strikes, pounding hail, fierce winds and other “natural” occurrences can cause serious damage.

Watch for:

• Damaged or missing chimney caps
• Unseated or missing roof flashing
• Cracks in the bricks
• Common signs of water leaks (see above)

Low-quality materials or shoddy workmanship

If your chimney was built or repaired by inexperienced workers, or if low-quality materials were used, problems are likely to happen at one point.

Watch for:

• Brick spalling (flaking)
• Loose or missing bricks
• Sections of mortar crumbling away
• Loose or ill-fitted chimney caps, fireplace dampers and other components
• Drafting issues caused by an incorrectly sized flue liner

Old age

A well-built masonry chimney should last 20 to 25 years or more. But eventually, even the sturdiest chimney will begin to fail. Many of the signs of structural and leak problems listed above apply to chimneys that are nearing the end of their lifespans, so keep an eye out for them.

Creosote buildups

A common problem with chimneys that serve wood-burning fireplaces is the buildup of creosote. This substance forms as smoke condenses in the flue and is highly flammable.

Annual chimney sweeping should be a part of your regular chimney maintenance activities. This will keep creosote levels at a minimum and could help to prevent a destructive chimney fire and the backup of smoke and deadly carbon monoxide.

Get your chimney into great shape

Keystone’s Fireplace & Stove can help you keep your chimney working right and performing efficiently with a full menu of expert chimney sweeping, chimney repair, chimney rebuilding and chimney inspection services.
Reach a chimney pro by phone or get in touch through our handy contact form.