Common Chimney Problems and Their Solutions: Expert Insights
A chimney/fireplace combo is an excellent addition to any home. It creates an inviting environment and allows you to warm your home safely. But having a chimney also means you need to give it proper maintenance to ensure it functions properly and you can prevent common chimney problems. You should call in experts to help with serious issues, but you can take steps to handle common problems. If not appropriately addressed, they could lead to a fire risk in your home due to carbon dioxide not being able to escape from the chimney , and then building up inside your home.
Before this happens, it pays to know what steps you should take to address common chimney problems. If these steps don’t work, you should call an expert to help you out.
6 Common Chimney Problems and Their Solutions
Avoid the potential risks of a faulty chimney. Check out these common chimney problems and their solutions.
1. Obstruction in the Chimney
One of the most common chimney problems is when there is a blockage along its path. Several foreign objects, such as leaves, birds’ nests, or other foreign debris, can contribute to a chimney blockage. It is common when your chimney does not have a cap. A chimney that is oversized or too short is at risk of losing ventilation as a result of an obstruction.
When there is a chimney obstruction, it can cause smoke and toxic gas to accumulate inside your home. Specifically, it can cause deadly carbon monoxide buildup.
You can avoid this problem with regular chimney maintenance and a chimney sweep. Install a gas detector inside your home. If you notice any inconsistencies, take it as a sign that you should check your chimney and perform maintenance cleaning. If there is an obstruction in the chimney, you should clean it immediately to avoid the risk of fire at home.
2. Leaky Flashing
Installing a watertight seal on the chimney is a common issue due to incorrect installation. Sealing the chimney requires a professional, or it could result in a leaky flashing. If not done by a professional, your chimney could suffer from rust around the nails or the quality deteriorating. When this happens, water gets through the flashing, which causes extensive damage to the ceiling. It can also lead to structural roof damage!
This type of damage is serious because of the potential cost of repair. When left undetected, it can be too late to realize you have a leaky flashing on your chimney. Therefore, hiring a professional to conduct regular chimney inspections is essential. A visual check of the attic and the chimney can help them identify the potential signs of flashing leaks. Early detection enables you to fix the issue before it becomes irreversible, or too expensive to repair.
3. Creosote Buildup
When you burn firewood in the fireplace, it creates creosote. Creosote is a harmful chemical that the CDC warns against ingesting. When the smoke from the fireplace condenses, it causes a soot-like powder buildup on the chimney liner. Over time, it becomes a brown tar-like substance. You have no reason to worry about buildup from two burns, but it can become a serious problem once there is an excessive substance buildup. This toxic buildup can be flammable.
The higher the creosote buildup, the higher your home is at risk of fire. Therefore, you should regularly clean the chimney liner to ensure no buildup of this harmful substance. Even if you don't see it, you should clean the chimney wall to avoid fire risk. A professional chimney cleaning will cost far less than the potential damage of a house fire.
4. Damaged Chimney Crown
The purpose of the chimney crown is to protect the structure from weather exposure. It is made of metal or concrete materials placed on top of the chimney. Over time, as the crown is exposed to rain, snow, sun, and other harsh environmental factors, it can incur damage. When the crown is damaged, your chimney is vulnerable to weather exposure, weakening the structure. A weak chimney is not reliable or effective.
The best way to address this chimney issue is to reseal or resurface the crown. When it is highly damaged, you should consider replacing the chimney crown. It depends on when you identify the damage to the crown, and the extent of damage to it upon discovery. Again, this is another reason to conduct regular chimney inspections to identify the issue before it worsens. But once you see deep cracks or missing chunks on the crown, it is time to replace it.
5. Chimney Flue Liner Issues
The flue liner is among the most crucial chimney components. It helps the smoke to escape from your home safely. Without it or if the flue liner is damaged, it can cause fire and smoke to affect the framing and wooden support structures of your home. This could put your home at risk of structural damage and make it a fire risk.
You should stop using your fireplace immediately if you see signs of chimney flue liner damage. Contact a chimney professional to check the extent of the damage and have them fix it for you. If it is damaged beyond repair, you will need to choose a flue liner replacement using a durable material. Most flue liners cost an average of $2,500. You can also schedule an annual chimney inspection to ensure your flue liner is in good condition.
6. Damaged Chimney Cap
The chimney cap is necessary because it helps protect your chimney from debris, animals, and moisture. A damaged chimney cap can make the entire structure vulnerable to damage. It can also expose your chimney to obstruction!
There is no other way to fix a damaged chimney cap than to replace it with a new one. The average cost of a new chimney cap is $300. Make sure to get it checked by a professional chimney specialist to avoid the same problems in the future. An investment in annual chimney inspections can translate to more savings since you won’t have to replace the cap as frequently.