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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7 Ways to Get the Most from your Fireplace

A fireplace is a popular feature in many homes, but its ability to transfer heat can be less than optimal if it’s not used efficiently. As we journey into the heart of winter, here are some timely tips for getting the most warmth out of your next fire.

1. Keep up with professional inspections.

A structurally sound chimney is essential for a safe and efficient fire. Annual inspections prevent minor issues from becoming a more significant problem. By proactively maintaining your system, you can be sure your fireplace and chimney are in prime condition to work effectively. During an inspection, your technician will check your chimney and fireplace from the inside out; looking for structural damage and signs of moisture, inspecting the damper, and removing grime and creosote buildup.

2. Monitor for any changes or problems.

Keeping track of the performance of your fireplace and chimney is important to catch any changes or irregularities. If you think your system isn’t operating as it should, contact our professional chimney technicians to address your concerns.

3. Schedule professional cleanings at least once a year.

Soot and creosote are a natural byproduct of burning wood that coat the inside of your chimney. When built up, they reduce the overall diameter inside your chimney, impacting its ability to effectively draw air from your fireplace. A clean, obstruction-free chimney improves the overall draft, maximizing the potential draw of your fireplace, feeding more air to the fire, helping it burn correctly, and increasing its heat output.

4. Clean the inside of your fireplace.

In addition to professional sweepings, periodically clean the inside of your fireplace to help your fires burn properly and more efficiently. Sweep up excess ash when it reaches the bottom of the grate to encourage proper air circulation for efficient-burning fires. Leave one or two inches of ash within your fireplace at all times to help insulate the new bed of hot coals in the next fire and improve its heat output.

5. Use the right wood.

Using the right kind of wood will guarantee that your fire lasts a long time and produces the most heat possible. The high moisture content of green or wet firewood causes a fire to be inefficient and burn out more quickly. For a warmer, longer lasting fire, burn seasoned or dried hardwood, such as maple or oak.

6. Fully open the damper before starting a fire.

In order for your fire to burn effectively, it needs plenty of oxygen. Open your damper all the way to allow for maximum draw of air up the chimney. This will increase the airflow and allow your wood to burn hotter and faster. Be sure to close the damper between fires to prevent the loss of warm air from your home.

7. Circulate the air.

As most fireplace users know, the warmth from your fire tends to stay in the area immediately around your wood-burning appliance–rather than circulating efficiently through your home. You can help move trapped hot air near the ceiling by running your ceiling fan counterclockwise at low speed. This helps redirect warm air from the ceiling down the walls and into the living space.

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

Using the right wood-burning techniques and regular fireplace and chimney maintenance will help you get the most out of your system. If your chimney and fireplace are due for service or are in need of a repair, contact Admiralty Chimney’s CCP-certified technicians. We’re your full-service chimney company.

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