Common Winter Chimney Problems

In frigid temperatures, plants are covered and pets are brought inside, but chimneys can’t escape their vulnerability to common winter problems. If you plan ahead, you can avoid being surprised by chimney vulnerabilities. Some foresight could save you time, money, & frustration. The following are common winter chimney problems with tips on addressing them or avoiding them altogether.

Cold Shaft of Air

Chimneys installed on exterior walls tend to get filled with a cold shaft of air in wintry weather. It is difficult to light a fire with a chimney flue that’s full of cold air because the combustion gases can’t rise, but there is a solution. The answer to the problem is to prime the chimney. What is typically done is to create a newspaper torch, light it, and carefully hold the lit torch up to the open damper. The warmth from the torch will dispel the cold column of air, though it may take up to three tries to create a sufficient draft.

Unwanted Guests

Various critters are attracted to chimneys in winter. Some are seeking the warmth radiating from the structure. Raccoons, for instance, have been known to deliver their kits in a chimney, intending to raise their little ones there. Sometimes, animals get into chimneys and cannot get out. With these unwanted guests, you may need animal removal services. Contact trained chimney technicians for animal removal because it is dangerous to interact with a wild animal, whether it’s dead or alive.

In the case of federally protected birds called chimney swifts, going into a chimney to build nests is pure instinct. It is against federal law to disturb the nests of chimney swifts. If your chimney becomes a stop on the migratory journey of chimney swifts, time and patience will be required. There is generally about a two-week period in which hatched chimney swift babies make a lot of racket before the birds move on. They leave behind hazardous materials such as their waste and nests that cause chimney blockage.

To avoid critters in your chimney, contact chimney experts to install a chimney cap as soon as possible. Because these essential accessories help keep moisture out of the chimney system, you are also helping to prevent water intrusion with the installation of a chimney cap.

Puzzling Smoke Smells

If you smell or see smoke in your home that isn’t near your fireplace that is currently in operation, you likely have a damaged chimney flue or possibly a smoky fireplace. Chimney flues are important for protecting combustible parts of a home from exposure to extreme heat. Chimney liners also protect occupants of a home or business from potentially life-threatening toxic fumes. You may miss your fireplace in winter, but it is dangerous to use a fireplace that has a damaged chimney flue.

Schedule annual chimney inspections in spring or early summer to help avoid interruptions in the use of your fireplace during winter months. Chimney inspections conducted by qualified chimney sweeps can help you by revealing unseen damage, such as a deteriorating chimney liner. In case repairs are needed, it’s best to have them done during warm weather. For instance, masonry sets well in warm weather and can only be achieved in winter with special equipment, supplies, and chimney sweep expertise.

Masonry Damage

Chimneys are highly vulnerable to moisture damage, and that is chiefly because of what happens to the masonry in winter. The water inside of masonry expands and contracts during freezing and thawing weather conditions. The movement of the ice and water creates movement in the masonry, as well. The damage being done is irreversible, and affected masonry must be removed and replaced.

The chimney sweep experts at Dubuque Fireplace & Patio are trained and have the experience to address chimney issues in any season, and that includes common winter chimney problems. Give Dubuque Fireplace & Patio a call at (563) 582-5156 for help finding solutions to all of your chimney problems. If our sister store in Highland WI is more convenient to your location, give Chimney Specialists Inc. a call today at (608) 929-4887 or toll-free at (800) 395-6660.