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Chimney Stains And What They Mean
Stains on your chimney are both a good and bad thing. They’re good, in that they’re letting you know there’s a problem with your chimney — sort of an early warning system if you will. However, they’re primarily a bad thing, because you don’t want to have them in the first place. If you ever notice a stain, regardless of color, on your chimney, it’s important to identify where it’s coming from and how to fix it. Here’s what they mean when you see them.
Black chimney stains
Although no chimney stains are good, black stains are the most indicative of a problem. They can point to mold, which in itself is a cause for concern.
Some black stains are simply the result of normal soot, although it’s far more likely indicative of an excessive creosote build-up within your flue. If this build-up is not properly taken care of, creosote build-up can lead to a chimney fire.
Regular chimney sweeps and inspections can help mitigate this issue. In addition, be sure to only burn firewood that is dry and properly seasoned. Burning the wrong kind of wood will make creosote deposit faster.
Blue or green chimney stains
The next most common color you’ll see is blue or green stains. Both of these are signs of the same two potential problems: mold and algae. Both of those can cause significant health issues for your family.
Most likely, these types of stains point to an issue with moisture build-up. Something is allowing water to penetrate and stay within your chimney. Mold and algae love moisture, and the more you have the more likely they’ll take hold in your chimney.
Red or brown chimney stains
Red or brown stains almost always are a result of rust. In many cases, your metal components such as your cap or flashing have rusted components. When water runs over them, it takes some of the iron with it and stains whatever it touches. This can extend to your roof and siding too, depending on if there are other water issues with your chimney.
White chimney stains
Finally, if you ever notice white stains on your chimney, it’s yet another sign of a water issue. White stains are mineral salt deposits called efflorescence. When rainwater evaporates, it can leave behind this substance on your chimney. Any source of water can cause this, but if you see it on the inside of your chimney, it means you have a water issue that needs to be addressed right away.
Stopping the inherent cause of chimney stains
The best way to prevent any kind of chimney stains is with a regular inspection and chimney cleaning. Proactive chimney maintenance can stop many of these problems in their tracks before they take hold in your chimney.
If you notice anything unusual with your chimney, we’re here to help figure out the root cause of any problem you find and how best to fix it. Schedule an appointment with a Dubuque Fireplace & Patio technician by giving us a call at 563-582-5156, or by filling out our website contact form.
