As a homeowner, it’s essential to schedule chimney maintenance at least once every year. Many homeowners have the misconception of assuming that their chimney is a worry-free component of their home. However, problems sometimes develop, and a damaged chimney should be repaired as quickly as possible. For instance, a damaged chimney can be a major fire risk.
The following are seven warning signals that a chimney is in need of repair.
White Staining
Efflorescence is a white discoloration on a chimney. While removing the stain is very simple, cleaning doesn’t address the underlying moisture issue that generates slight discoloration. Efflorescence is a warning signal that there is a lot of moisture in the masonry. If it is not addressed, the chimney will deteriorate prematurely and lead to other potential moisture-related issues.
Rust
If there is rust in your fireplace, it is a clear indication that there is too much moisture in your chimney. It’s likely you won’t detect rust on the damper, but if it doesn’t seal or function effectively, it is because it’s rusted.
There could be catastrophic damage, like split flue tiles, if there is moisture in your flue, which indicates rusting. It is essential to hire a professional chimney cleaner who can check the flue lining with a special camera and verify that there isn’t a leak in the chimney that could lead to a house fire.
Deteriorating Mortar Joints
Cracked mortar joints should be fixed as soon as possible. The masonry is vulnerable to more moisture as the mortar disintegrates, hastening the decay of the entire chimney. In cold temperatures, the extra moisture can harden inside masonry fractures. Fractures can form when water freezes in bricks, rocks, and cement. If the broken mortar isn’t restored, the chimney might even collapse.
Shaling
When your chimney liner is compromised, shaling might develop. Chips of tile from the chimney pile up at the base of the fireplace due to liner damage. Shaling flue panels are easier to identify than fractured flue liners. A professional would often use a specialized camera to look for broken flue liners. Keep in mind that your chimney has to be repaired if you detect shaling.
Spalling
Spalling occurs when water penetrates masonry, or sandstone, causing the surface to rip or come out. Salt has also been linked to the occurrence of spalling. Spalling can be detected by looking for masonry fragments falling out from a fireplace. Spalling can result in crumbling and, eventually, the chimney’s collapse if not repaired.
Damaged Wallpaper
Another noticeable symptom of chimney damage is the deterioration in the wallpaper or paint on the walls surrounding your fireplace. This deterioration is mainly caused by moisture in the chimney. Before continuing to use the fireplace, it’s important to make necessary repairs to the flue.
Chimney Crown Damage
The top of your chimney is known as the chimney crown. The crown is responsible for shielding the chimney structure. As a result, it’s critical to keep the chimney crown in good shape. To inspect for damage, you need to climb to the roof or call a professional. If the chimney crown is damaged, the following issues can arise:
- Water can seep inside, leading to increasing fractures.
- Moisture can get into the area between the flue and lining, causing the masonry to deteriorate.
To avoid this problem, weatherproofing both the chimney cap and the chimney is a good idea.
CT Chimney Repair is amongst the leading chimney, fireplaces, and masonry service providers in Connecticut. Our company provides maintenance, fittings, and check-up services for the citizens of Connecticut and Florida. The business was launched in 2008, and our team has over 30 years of experience. We are also fully insured and licensed. Get in touch with us today.
