6 Common Chimney Problems

Chimneys are often overlooked when annual maintenance costs are budgeted, but homes often have some of the many common chimney problems. Chimneys are vulnerable to damage like a car squeezed into a too-narrow parking spot is prone to get nicks on the doors. Does your home have any of the six common chimney problems listed below?

Damaged Chimney Flashing

Making chimney flashing repairs is a standard occupation of chimney sweeps everywhere. The flashing is the metal portion of the chimney. Flashing is difficult to correctly install. The purpose of chimney flashing is to create a watertight connection between the chimney and the roof. The portion of the metal that attaches to the chimney is the troublesome part of the installation process.

 

 

When chimney flashing rusts or pulls away from the connection with the chimney, chimney leaks occur. The wood in roofs frequently rots away as a result of flashing damage.

Deteriorating Mortar

Mortar is among the different components of a chimney that contribute to the important job of keeping moisture out. Moisture has a devastating effect on bricks. If moisture gets inside the chimney system, each affected brick suffers damage during the freezing and thawing cycles of winter. When the water expands and contracts, the movement causes the gradual deterioration of the bricks.

The thing about mortar is that it lasts only about 25 years, at best. Meanwhile, the masonry itself usually lasts a century or more. It is important to keep a close eye on aging mortar. Once the mortar begins to flake off and deteriorate, homeowners can cut costs by scheduling repair before moisture infiltrates the bricks. Tuckpointing is a procedure that involves scooping out the old mortar and adding new. The trick is to be sure and schedule tuckpointing before any moisture has entered the masonry system.

Creosote Buildup

Creosote is the highly flammable, tar-like substance deposited in the chimney flue every time there is a wood fire. A floating ember can start a chimney fire due to creosote buildup. Because chimney fires almost always result in costly damage and often result in home fires, creosote is dangerous. Per leading fire safety experts, schedule chimney cleaning either annually or once there is ⅛ inch of creosote buildup.

Cracked Masonry

If you notice that there are cracks in your chimney, do not waste any time scheduling a chimney inspection so that repairs can be made. Cracks make it easy for moisture to get into the masonry. Neglecting repairs associated with moisture intrusion will lead to a leaning chimney that could collapse altogether.

Chimney Flue Damage

The chimney flue must be intact for your home to remain safe during the use of your fireplace. Even when a tiny crack develops in the flue lining, life-threatening home fires and exposure to deadly carbon monoxide are very real threats.

Damaged or Missing Chimney Cap or Chase Cover

Chimney caps and chase covers are essential for keeping moisture out of the chimney system. If you do not have a chimney cap or a chimney chase cover, schedule installation as soon as possible. Otherwise, any type of precipitation will expose your chimney to moisture damage.

Contact Guardian Chimney Sweeps

For trusted chimney maintenance, contact Guardian Chimney Sweeps. Our Certified Chimney Professionals™ provide quality services you can depend on. No matter what types of chimney problems you may have, Guardian Chimney Sweeps is ready and equipped to resolve each issue in a timely manner. At any of the following numbers, give us a call today to schedule a chimney inspection, chimney cleaning, chimney repair, masonry rebuilds, flue liner repair or replacement, and more:

Toll-free: (888) 306-6069

Conroe: (936) 271-9781

Houston: (713) 401-2011