As we anticipate the arrival of cooler weather in the coming weeks, you may be looking forward to lighting that first cozy fire of the fall season. Before you spark up your fireplace, be sure your chimney is prepared to handle the tasks of drawing in fresh air to keep the fire going while allowing the outflow of smoke and carbon monoxide.
A dirty or damaged chimney can be a fire hazard as well as a health hazard. We strongly recommend getting a professional assessment and making any necessary repairs before you even consider lighting that first fire.
Is My Chimney Structural?
Chimneys in modern homes are rarely structural. Older homes, however, may have chimneys that are load bearing or otherwise tethered to the home’s foundation. If you don’t know if your chimney is structural, consult your home’s architectural plans or have it checked out by a structural engineer or chimney repair professional.
How Often Should I Get My Chimney Inspected?
Chimneys should be inspected annually. A professional inspection uncovers potential fire hazards and can catch small issues before they become costly repairs.
5 Signs Your Chimney Needs Repairs
Your chimney may need repair if:
- There is visible damage. A leaning chimney is the most obvious of the five signs. This is considered an emergency situation and should be addressed immediately. Less critical but still important things to look for are cracked masonry or mortar, crumbling or flaking bricks, or a cracked or missing chimney cap.
- It isn’t performing well. If your chimney has a poor draft or if smoke isn’t drawing up properly, it may be blocked or damaged.
- Smoke or smells enter your home. If smoke is backing up into your home, your chimney may be blocked, have creosote buildup, or have a damaged flue liner. Other bad smells may be due to rodent incursion, which is also a fire hazard.
- There is debris in the fireplace. Bits of ceramic or tile in your fireplace also indicate that you may have a damaged flue liner. We recommend you avoid using your fireplace until the problem is addressed as it may be a fire hazard.
- There is water damage. If you see water stains around or above your fireplace (or rust on metal parts), moisture intrusion is happening at some point in the structure. This indicates there may be cracks in your chimney that need to be addressed.
What Are Some Common Chimney Repairs?
Common chimney repairs include crack sealing, creosote removal, masonry repair, flue liner repair, and repair or replacement of flashing, crowns, caps, or dampers. Less frequently, a complete chimney rebuild or a replacement may be necessary.
Maintain Your Chimney to Protect Your Home and Family
The Simpson Roofing Company can inspect your chimney to ensure that it is structurally sound and functioning properly. If there are issues, we can make the necessary repairs to protect your home and family from fire hazards posed by a damaged chimney. We offer residential, commercial, specialty, and custom roofing, and have been committed to providing exceptional service in the tri-state area for more than a century. Call (973) 794-3500 or contact us online for additional information or to request a free estimate.
