Top 5 Most Common Chimney Problems

Fireplaces and their associated chimney can be a wonderful addition to any home. The cozy smell of burning wood and the snap and sizzle of the kindling igniting can be so warm and welcoming for many families. This is especially true in New England during the cool fall months and even colder winter season. For homeowners in the northeast a fireplace isn’t just an aesthetic part of a living room but a functioning part as well. 

Chimneys are not just the focal point of a family room but are one of the components that home inspectors carefully examine when examining a home for a potential buyer. The visual inspection of the fireplace, flue, chimney, brick, and chimney cap can determine the health and maintenance of the feature. 

Here are five of the most common issues inspectors uncover during a visual examination of a fireplace and chimney components. 

Damaged or Missing Chimney Caps 

Starting at the top of the fireplace element is the chimney cap. This feature has a two-fold function; to keep embers and sparks safely inside the chimney and to keep water, moisture, and wildlife out. The former protects a structure from having a roof fire and the latter protects the inside of the chimney and home from becoming a nesting area for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. Along with keeping critters out, the cap is meant to keep moisture and water out that could damage the mortar and brick. 

A professional and experienced inspector can determine if the chimney cap is functioning as it should and whether it should be replaced or repaired in the future. 

Damaged Brick & Mortar 

The masonry of a chimney can last an extremely long time if cared for and well-maintained. 

However, if left to its own devices, moisture is the enemy of brickwork and masonry. If water is allowed to seep into the cracks of the brick and then freeze, the brick will expand and crack over the years. This can lead to missing bricks and mortar or gaps that can lead to more moisture intrusion that can show up as a water stain on interior surfaces. The best way to keep a chimney healthy is to keep all moisture out. 

A home inspector will be able to inform potential buyers if there is visible damage to the bricks or if bricks are missing, loose, or in need of repair. 

Chimney Obstructions 

A blockage in a chimney can be caused by many issues. If a fireplace has not been used in a considerable amount of time. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and rodents could set up a nest in the dark protected space. Obstructions could also be caused by broken bricks, a build-up of creosote (see below) or an excessive amount of fallen leaves/debris.

Blockages can be caused by a number of things and ultimately could prevent the smoke from a fire from going up and out of the chimney like it’s designed. Chimney blockages are dangerous and can allow toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide into the rest of the home. Nesting material and debris could also cause a fire once the fireplace is once again put to use. 

Creosote Build Up 

Another issue that a chimney could potentially be found to have is the build-up of creosote on the walls of the brick structure. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) “creosote build-up in chimneys was the most common cause of home heating equipment fires. Creosote is a mixture of black or brown tar and soot, which is a fine carbon powder. This power, over years of burning wood, can build up along the walls of a chimney. Thousands of house fires, caused by dirty chimneys, occur every year.” Chimneys are often overlooked and taken for granted. The NFPA recommends that a Level II inspection is performed on the chimney upon any real estate transfer.  This type of inspection involves using a camera to film the interior lining of the chimney.  

Flue Issues 

A chimney flue is a vertical passage or duct that runs from the fireplace to the top of the chimney. The purpose of the flue is to channel smoke and toxins from the fireplace to the outside air. It is prone to damage due to the stress and heat it endures. Cracks and deterioration to the flue could be a dangerous situation for homeowners if the components are not inspected and regularly maintained by a certified chimney professional. 

Call for your home inspection with Clark Hill Inspections and know that all visible components will be thoroughly examined for your peace of mind.