The Most Common Chimney Problems and How to Fix Them

Aside from providing your home a way to vent fumes coming from the fireplace, the chimney also adds character to the home. However, this iconic home feature must be properly maintained to keep it from being a liability. Today, our new roof installation experts talk about common chimney problems and how to deal with them.

Creosote

Many homeowners assume that only smoke goes up the chimney, but there are other particles that go up the chimney when the fireplace is on. Creosote – a combination of tar and soot will eventually accumulate in the chimney’s inner linings. Unlike regular ash, creosote is still flammable, posing a serious risk of chimney fires. If your chimney has too much creosote, call an expert to have them brushed off the flue lining.

Debris

The chimney is technically an unobstructed opening that acts as a vent. Unfortunately, this also means debris can come from outside and cause blockages that lock the fireplace’s fumes in your home. In some cases, this blockage can be caused by animals nesting in the chimney. Cleaning debris can be a dangerous task; window installation service experts recommend having a technician remove the blockage and animal control if the blockage is caused by living animals.

Cracks

A blocked chimney is bad, but a chimney with more than one opening can be even more dangerous. Constant temperature changes combined with consistent wear and tear can cause the flue lining to develop dangerous cracks where heat, and creosote can seep through. When that happens, fire can literally come from the sides of your chimney and cause massive damage to your home. Get the flue checked on a regular basis to have the inner lining of the chimney re-sealed to keep it safe for use.

Damaged Chimney Cap

According to chimney and fiber cement siding experts, it’s very important to check if the chimney cap is in good condition. Without a proper chimney cap, blockages caused by large debris and even large amounts of moisture courtesy of rain and snow can accelerate the amount of wear and tear in the chimney’s internal lining. A chimney cap must have a proper grill to let the smoke out and keep foreign objects from getting in.

Let us help you keep your chimney in good condition. Timberland Exteriors is the leading home remodeling company in Maplewood, MN. Call us at (651) 439-1760 or fill out this contact form to request for more info.