Common Chimney Problems & How Professional Cleaning Helps

Nov 27, 2024

A modern rooftop with dark gray metal tiles and a red brick chimney topped with a black cap. The clean lines and bright blue sky create a sleek and minimalistic architectural appearance.

As the cold season approaches, homeowners rely on their chimneys to keep their homes warm and cozy. However, without regular maintenance, chimneys can develop issues that impact their efficiency and the safety of those in the home.

Here are some common chimney problems and how professional cleaning can address them.

Creosote Buildup

Creosote is a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood. It accumulates on the inner walls of the chimney, and over time, layers of this tar-like substance can build up, increasing the risk of chimney fires. Removing creosote buildup requires specialized tools and techniques that professional chimney sweeps use to achieve a thorough clean and lower the risk of fires.

Blockages from Debris

Chimneys can become blocked by various types of debris, including leaves, animal nests, or other outdoor materials. These blockages restrict airflow, which reduces the chimney’s effectiveness and can cause smoke or carbon monoxide to back up into the house.

Professionals can inspect the chimney for blockages, safely remove obstructions, and restore proper ventilation. This process is particularly beneficial for homes near trees or in areas where animals are likely to nest in chimneys.

Cracks and Deterioration of Masonry

Made of bricks and mortar, masonry chimneys can develop cracks and other signs of deterioration over time. This damage not only weakens the structure but also allows moisture to seep in, which can lead to more severe structural issues.

During a professional cleaning, chimney specialists carefully inspect the masonry for any signs of damage. Early detection allows them to recommend repairs before the damage worsens, helping homeowners avoid costly repairs down the road.

Liner Damage

The chimney liner protects the chimney walls from heat and corrosion caused by smoke and gases. However, liners can crack or wear out over time, compromising the chimney’s safety. A damaged liner increases the risk of dangerous gases like carbon monoxide seeping into the home. Professional chimney cleaners have the expertise to detect liner issues and recommend appropriate solutions, including repairs or replacements if necessary.

Moisture Problems

When water enters the chimney, it can cause metal components to rust, weaken the masonry, and even create mold growth. Water damage often results from worn or missing chimney caps, flashing, or seals.

Professional chimney cleaning services address this issue by inspecting the chimney for moisture-related damage and checking whether the caps, flashing, and seals are in good condition. Preventing moisture from entering the chimney extends its lifespan and helps protect the home from related issues like mold.

Poor Draft and Ventilation

A properly functioning chimney should create a steady draft that pulls smoke and fumes up and out of the home. However, problems like blockages or incorrect construction can lead to poor ventilation, causing smoke to linger or flow back into the living space.

Poor draft impacts indoor air quality and reduces the efficiency of the fireplace. Professional chimney cleaning improves ventilation by clearing out any obstructions, addressing draft issues, and helping maintain proper airflow for a safe and comfortable experience.

At Chimney Clean Company, Inc., we understand the importance of a well-maintained chimney and are here to help with all your chimney cleaning and inspection needs. Contact us today to schedule your next cleaning and give your chimney the care it deserves.

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Smoking back

There are many fireplaces that seem to smoke back into the house no matter what is done. In our experience, the most common cause is that the fireplace simply needs to be cleaned. This is especially likely if the fireplace has gotten worse over time, that is, the smoking back is worse now than it used to be.

Several other possible causes of smoking back are problems with the damper, chimney cap, grate, firewood, or structural problems with the chimney itself. At Chimney Clean Company, we do a full inspection with every cleaning, or we can also do just the inspection if the chimney doesn’t need to be cleaned. This inspection is designed to reveal any causes of smoking back.

Broken chimneys

In the Bay Area, many chimneys were broken in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Usually, these chimneys are broken at or near the roof line, although sometimes they can be broken further down, even at the ground level.

We are fully licensed masonry contractors. We rebuild broken chimneys. If they are broken at the roof line, this usually entails taking the chimney part of the way down brick by brick, installing steel reinforcing bars, getting an inspection from a city inspector, then rebuilding the chimney back up around the steel rebar.

Missing mortar or damaged bricks

Over time, many chimneys develop places that are missing mortar between bricks, or damaged bricks, either inside the firebox or on the outside of the chimney. These areas can usually be repaired, either by replacing the missing mortar or replacing the bricks themselves. Items such as these can be dangerous because they can allow flames, sparks or hot gases to enter the structure of the house.

Water entry

Sometimes the metal that seals the chimney at the roof, called “flashing”, will come loose or develop leaks. In this case, water sometimes comes into the ceiling of the room and causes water spots and stains on the sheet rock. This flashing should be repaired before the water causes more damage.