Is There Something Spooky Lurking In Your Chimney?

Is the monster that goes bump in the night lurking in your chimney? The tips, taps, creaks, whooshes, and thumps coming from your chimney might make you wonder if a ghost, ghoul, or another creepy crawling creature has taken up a residence in your chimney. Thankfully, most chimney noises are easily explained by common chimney problems. While we can’t promise no spooky happenings are going on, we can help to alleviate some concern by going over potential causes.

Spooky Critters

Chirping, scurrying or rustling sounds coming out of your fireplace, may indicate a critter has made its way inside. Bats, birds, rodents, and other small animals may seek shelter in your chimney or get trapped inside when they are looking for a place to hide. 

If you have any critters building nests, or using your chimney to stockpile winter supplies, you may also hear a rustling noise as the critter moves around through the debris. Make sure to schedule an annual chimney cleaning to take care of any debris build up and remove any critters who are hiding inside the flue. 

Wind, storms, or other natural elements

Gusts of wind can cause whooshing and whistling in your chimney! During a storm or when it is a gusty day you may hear the howling of the wind blowing down your flue. 

Creosote buildup can also cause the wind to sound strange when it blows down the chimney, or for a rumbling noise to occur when the fireplace is lit. This can be fixed with a chimney sweeping or by installing or replacing your chimney cap. Chimney caps also protect against rain, snow, animals, and other debris. 

Spooky Structural Concerns

Structural issues are the most concerning possibility. Since your chimney is exposed to the elements at all times, break down or natural deterioration is always possible. Any gaps or cracks can accumulate and leave you with potential issues. If you hear an increase of different types of noises, it may be due to structural issues.

If you suspect you may have structural issues, you should call a chimney professional as soon as possible. The sooner these issues are caught, the safer your home will be.

Need A Chimney Expert?

Billy Little and Guardian Chimney Sweeps have offered Chimney Sweep and Chimney Services in the Greater Houston TX area for many years, with thousands of satisfied customers that trust us with the important job of maintaining the safest operation of their fireplaces with cleanings, repairs and inspections.