6 Signs your Chimney Needs to be Cleaned

Your chimney plays an essential role in drawing smoke and other harmful pollutants out of your home, ensuring that your fireplace works safely and efficiently. And just like any other system in your home, your chimney requires regular cleaning to do its job safely. Without regular cleanings, creosote -a highly-flammable, tar-like byproduct of burning wood - can ignite and cause a chimney fire. Here are six signs that your chimney needs to be cleaned:

1. Frequent Use

We recommend cleaning your chimney at least once a year - more frequently if your fireplace is used often. If you love to enjoy nightly fires, schedule additional cleanings to keep creosote from building up.

2. Smoke in Your Home

If you notice smoke in your home, this could be a sign of a dirty or obstructed chimney. A dirty chimney restricts airflow, causing smoke and harmful gases to accumulate in your home. When your chimney is functioning correctly, it should draw smoke and other pollutants out of your home.

3. Difficulty Starting a Fire

If you have trouble starting a fire in your fireplace it could be due to a blockage or buildup of creosote in your chimney. When the chimney is clogged, the smoke cannot escape, and the airflow is restricted, making it challenging to start a fire.

4. Slow Burning Fire

If your fire burns slowly or doesn't burn as hot as it used to, this could be a sign of a blockage or buildup of creosote in your chimney. A restricted airflow can cause the fire to burn less efficiently, producing less heat.

5. Presence of Animals

Chimneys are a popular nesting place for small animals such as birds, squirrels, and raccoons. If you hear rustling or scratching sounds in your chimney, it's a sign that animals have taken up residence there. Animal nests and debris can block your chimney, preventing smoke and gases from leaving your home.

Pro Tip: Got animals? A chimney cap can prevent small critters from entering and nesting in your chimney. Our CCP-certified chimney professionals can help you select and install one today.

6. Burning Smell and Flakes

As creosote accumulates on the walls of your chimney, it can produce a strong burning odor. You may also notice creosote debris or flakes on the surface of your firebox.

Chimney Cleaning and Inspections in NH and MA

Is your chimney due for its next cleaning? Contact our CCP-certified chimney professionals at Admiralty Chimney. We can clean and inspect your chimney to improve its safety and efficiency, and ensure that your home is safe and comfortable.

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5 Common Problems Found During a Chimney Inspection

A chimney inspection is a critical step in the upkeep and maintenance of your system. An annual inspection not only ensures your fireplace and chimney are functioning safely and efficiently, but also catches common problems that would otherwise go undetected. In this month’s blog, Admiralty Chimney’s CCP-certified chimney experts share the most common problems they see when performing a chimney inspection.

1. Creosote Build-up

Creosote is a highly combustible, tar-like substance that is formed when wood is burned. Over time, it builds up inside your chimney, reducing airflow and creating a fire hazard. Creosote can also ignite at high temperatures, putting you at risk of a chimney fire. During your inspection, a technician will evaluate the amount of creosote build-up and recommend a professional cleaning to remove it.

2. Cracks in the Chimney Lining

Your chimney liner is designed to protect your chimney walls from the corrosive effects of combustion byproducts. The presence of cracks or damage to your lining can lead to a number of issues, including an increased risk of chimney fires and exposure to carbon monoxide. During your inspection, the professional chimney technician will check your lining to ensure it’s in good condition and functioning properly.

3. Obstructions

In addition to creosote build-up and lining damage, technicians often find chimney obstructions during the inspection. Obstructions can be caused by a variety of factors, including excess creosote, animal nests, and yard debris. When obstructions are present, they can prevent proper airflow and increase the risk of chimney fires.

4. Damage to the Chimney Cap and Crown

A chimney cap and crown protect your chimney from water and debris. If these components are compromised or deteriorating, they can allow water to seep in, causing leaks and damage to your chimney and home.

5. Malfunctioning Chimney Damper

The damper is responsible for controlling airflow in your chimney, and when it is not functioning properly, it can result in poor combustion and decreased efficiency. A chimney sweep will evaluate the damper to ensure that it is in good condition and functioning properly.

Chimney Inspection, Service, Maintenance, and Repair in NH and MA

Professional chimney inspections give you a thorough understanding of the functionality and performance of your system. Identifying common chimney problems early on gives you an opportunity to address issues before they result in serious, costly repairs. If it’s been awhile since your last inspection, schedule your appointment today with our CCP-certified chimney technicians. We’re your locally owned and operated full-service chimney company.

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Is your Chimney Trying to Tell you Something? Signs and Causes of Chimney Water Damage

As homeowners, we often forget that the tallest point of our home is the most vulnerable to the elements. And when it comes to your chimney, rain, snow, and ice can be a major problem. Water damage can compromise your chimney’s structural integrity, cause mold growth, and create other serious problems. Knowing the signs and causes of chimney water damage can help you address it before it becomes a serious and costly issue.

Signs of Water Damage

Water leaks can appear in many different forms, both on the interior and exterior of your home and chimney. The most common include:

1. Peeling wallpaper, water stains, discoloration, visible leaks and moisture on the walls or ceilings around your chimney.

2. A musty odor from your fireplace — especially after heavy rains.

3. Water or condensation inside your fireplace.

4. The presence of thin tile shards from the flue liner inside the firebox.

5. Problems with the interior or exterior masonry such as cracks or spalling, and missing mortar.

6. Efflorescence, a white chalky residue on your chimney’s surface.

7. Rust or decay on your chimney’s metal components, including the damper, fireplace doors, and frames.

What Causes Chimney Leaks?

Wet weather and high winds cause wear and tear on your chimney. Overtime, materials break down, and water gets inside. The most common causes of chimney leaks include:

• A Damaged or Missing Chimney Cap – A damaged or missing chimney cap can’t keep out rain, sleet and snow.

• Poorly Installed or Damaged Metal Flashing – Improperly installed or damaged flashing won’t be able to hold a waterproof seal between your chimney and roof.

• Cracked Chimney Crown – Cracks in your chimney crown allow water to leak into the flue lining.

• Damaged or Spalling Brickwork – Eventually all masonry chimneys start to crack, especially when regular maintenance is neglected.

• Deteriorated Mortar Joints – As brick masonry chimneys crack, the mortar joints start to deteriorate. When bricks lack proper mortar, rain water, snow, and other bad weather will eat away at your chimney, causing it to crumble over time.

Fixing and Preventing Future Damage

Before you repair any chimney damage, identify its root cause by scheduling a professional inspection. After assessing your chimney, your technician may advise you to:

• Repair or replace flashing or sealant around the chimney.

• Install a new chimney cap.

• Repair or replace damaged mortar or metal components of the chimney.

• Repair damaged masonry.

• Apply waterproof sealant to your chimney’s exterior.

Benefits of Annual Inspections and Routine Maintenance

Rain, snow, hail, wind, and temperature changes are constantly in motion, causing deterioration to your chimney. That’s why it’s important to have your chimney checked each year. An annual cleaning and inspection will ensure your chimney system and its components are working properly, and identify small problems before they become larger issues.

Chimney Inspection, Cleaning, Maintenance and Repair in NH and MA

By being aware of the signs of chimney water damage and taking steps to fix it, you will increase the lifespan of your chimney, ensuring it operates safely and efficiently for years to come. When was the last time you had your chimney cleaned and inspected? Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our CCP-certified chimney professionals.

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