The Effects of Common Chimney Issues

Lots of things can affect how safely and efficiently your chimney operates. Here are some of the more common chimney issues and their effects.

Creosote in the flue

Issue: Creosote builds up in your flue every time you burn a wood fire. It’s a byproduct of smoke-condensation. Creosote can be flakey, sticky or puffy; in all forms, it’s highly flammable and can cause major damage.

Effect: Ignited creosote is the primary cause of chimney fires in the U.S. each year. Along with being flammable, creosote is very acidic and can cause damage to your flue liner and other areas within the flue.

Obstructions in the flue

Issue: If you operate your chimney without a proper chimney cap to cover the top flue openings, all manner of debris can enter the flue. The nests of small animals, dead small animals, leaves, twigs and falling fruit are common obstructions.

Effect: An obstructed flue causes smoke to draft sluggishly and may send it back into your home. The primary concern here is that smoke contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and invisible gas that is potentially fatal to humans and animals.

Chimney leaks

Issue: Damaged masonry and certain chimney components can cause a leaky chimney. Pounding hail, earthquakes, lightning strikes, chimney foundation problems, freeze/thaw cycles and many other events can lead to this damage.

Effect: Chimney leaks often start small, but they can spread to the point that they affect large sections of the masonry and various components such as the cement chimney crown and the fireplace damper. A chimney in this condition is not safe to operate or live around.

Damaged masonry

Issue: Some of the ways masonry can suffer damage are listed above. It’s important to remember you can’t always see masonry damage – it may be happening inside the flue or below the roof line.

Effect: When the flue’s interior masonry or bricks and mortar below the roof line are broken or decayed, areas of your home can be at risk of fire or major water damage. System-wide compromise may cause the chimney to collapse entirely.

Damaged chimney cap or crown

Issue: Chimney caps can be damaged by rust, certain weather conditions and plain old age. Cracks in chimney crowns can be caused by some of the events mentioned above.

Effect: A faulty chimney cap can allow water and debris into the flue, which can lead to water damage and drafting obstructions. Cracked chimney crowns put the bricks beneath them and parts of the inside of the chimney at risk of extensive water damage.

Cracked or broken chimney liner

Issue: Whether you have a stainless steel, clay tile or poured-in-place chimney liner, it won’t last forever. Heat and acids from smoke and creosote effects the liner material, potentially causing breaks and cracks in the liner.

Effect: A damaged chimney liner can allow toxic gases to escape into open areas of the home and may cause adjacent home building materials to catch fire. Gaps in the liner can lead to damage of the chimney’s interior masonry.

Prevent and solve these chimney issues

All these chimney issues require some level of masonry repair, structural rebuilding work or component repair or replacement. If you suspect there are problems with your chimney, schedule a chimney inspection to isolate the issue. Even when there are no “known” problems, an annual chimney inspection is the best way to prevent major issues down the line.

For all your chimney sweep, chimney inspection and chimney repair needs, Dubuque Fireplace & Patio of Dubuque, Iowa, is ready to help. Call us today at (563) 582-5156. In the Highland, WI, area, call Chimney Specialists at (608) 929-4887.