Signs of Chimney Damage: When to Call for Professional Repair in Concord

Owning a home with a chimney is great, especially during the winter when you need a cracking fireplace to keep everyone cozy and comfortable. But when fireplace season comes rolling around, it’s when homeowners realize that their chimney isn’t in its best condition. Since it’s often out of sight, it’s hard for homeowners to realize something in the chimney needs to be fixed. Ensure you know how to assess your chimney for signs of damage before it’s too late. 

Part of being a responsible homeowner is scheduling regular maintenance or identifying the signs of chimney damage. That way, you'll know when to call the professionals to repair your damaged chimney before it becomes a hazard to your health and family.

Signs of Chimney Damage

Chimney damage is not something you should take lightly. It’s a serious issue you should address promptly before it becomes a fire hazard or risks your family's health.

When you see these signs of chimney damage, call the professionals immediately.

1. Foul Smell

Creosote buildup is a common issue in many chimneys. It is a byproduct of wood combustion, wherein the substance is released into the air and clings onto the chimney walls whenever you start a fire. Therefore, using your fireplace frequently means more creosote buildup on the flue liner.

As a result, you can smell that smokey or foul odor in your home whenever you light your fireplace. Unfortunately, the bad smell is just the tip of the problem. The real issue lies in the toxic gases emitted from your chimney and inhaled by your family. Creosote prevents black gases from escaping from your chimney as it blocks the path. The more creosote buildup in your chimney, the lower your indoor air quality.

Not only that, creosote buildup can also start a fire in your home. It is the most common sign of chimney damage, so you should call professionals to perform a chimney sweep and remove the creosote.

2. Water Leaking

Water leaks or damage are other tell-tale signs of chimney damage that needs repair. The best way to check this is to inspect your fireplace following a heavy rainstorm. If there is water in the fireplace, it’s an indicator of a chimney leak.

You must call a professional immediately about any signs of a water leak. It can indicate other chimney problems, such as a damaged crown, mortar, and torn flashing. A water leak in the chimney also causes damage to the walls, ceilings, and sidings. White staining on the chimney exterior indicates excess moisture, so you should address the underlying cause of moisture. If you leave it unattended, the leaking water can cause the chimney to lean or collapse over time. 

3. Rusty Components

Check the metal components of your fireplace to see signs of chimney damage. You will know there is damage when you see rust forming on the metal components, such as the firebox or the damper. When you see rust forming, it’s time to schedule a repair.

It is closely linked with water damage since most rusty components can be due to excessive moisture or water leakage. Therefore, when you see rusty components, it might be too late or could mean extensive damage to the chimney and its components. You need a professional to inspect your chimney for signs of damage, as they use specialist equipment.

4. Damaged Mortar Joints

Check the mortar for any signs of damage. The mortar holds the bricks, blocks, or stones of your chimney together. Various elements, such as rain, snow, and temperature changes, damage the mortar. 

You need masonry experts to inspect or replace the damaged mortar and joints. If you don’t fix the mortar damage, it can expose the chimney to rain, snow, or other elements. It could threaten the structural integrity of the chimney and it could collapse.

5. Cracked Chimney Crown

A cracked chimney crown is another visible sign of chimney damage. The crown sits on top of the chimney, making it easily visible. The crown helps to protect the chimney from the elements. Without it, the chimney structure is vulnerable.

As mentioned, water damage or leaks can cause problems for your chimney, especially as it is exposed to excess moisture. A damaged or cracked chimney crown is one of the ways for water to get into the structure. You need a professional to waterproof or fix the crown and prevent the damage from spreading to other parts of the structure.

6. Interior Wall Damage

Water leaks and exposure to elements can cause damage to the interior walls of the chimney. As it is exposed to rain or heat, the interior wall can be vulnerable and structural damage can occur over time. Look for signs of discoloration on the interior walls. Water leaks or damage can cause such discoloration. 

Professional chimney repair services will inspect the source of the water leak to prevent water from seeping into the walls. The sooner you can address the problem, the more you can prevent mold growth and serious chimney problems.

7. Spalling

Spalling is an easy signal of damage to detect because it occurs outside the chimney. When there is external damage to the chimney structure, bits of masonry like stone, concrete, or bricks could settle at the bottom. The damaged masonry can be due to excess moisture. You need professionals to come in and fix the masonry to prevent other parts from crumbling and threatening the structural integrity.

8. Shaling Flue Tiles

Do you see pieces of flue tiles in the fireplace? It is a sign of a damaged chimney that you should pay attention to. The flue liner is crucial because it protects the various internal components of the chimney against heat. Without a functioning liner, the fireplace and chimney risk overheating and corroding. Therefore, a chimney flue liner is crucial to prevent house fire due to a damaged chimney.

Call a Professional When You See These Signs of Chimney Damage

Do not ignore these signs of chimney damage. Hire a professional to inspect and assess the underlying cause to address the issue immediately. Waiting or postponing repair will cost more as you will have to replace the entire chimney structure or make your home more prone to fire. Also, it is essential to conduct regular chimney inspections to detect these signs of damage before they get worse.