While a red brick chimney adds undeniable charm and character to your house, things can get less charming and complicated when it comes to taking care of your home’s chimney and fireplace. You can crane your neck to catch a glimpse of your chimney, or even climb a ladder for a closer look if you’re feeling especially bold, but without experience in chimney care, how can you tell if chimney repairs need to be completed?
Signs of Chimney Damage
Even if you don’t know much about chimneys, there are a few clear marks of a damaged chimney you can look for yourself. Here are three signs you need to call our team at The Chimney Sweep for quick, quality chimney repairs.
- Smoke: If smoke is filling your home rather than exiting through the chimney, this is a sign your chimney’s flue, the vertical shaft or liner through which smoke normally escapes, may be blocked or damaged. Damaged chimney liners can put you at a higher risk for house fires, so make sure you get this inspected right away.
- Rust: Although it may be a little more difficult to see than clouds of smoke filling your home, if you notice rust on your chimney cap or any other metal around your chimney, you should schedule chimney repairs promptly.
- Crumbling Mortar: If you see chunks of mortar on the roof or anywhere else around your chimney, you’ve found another clear sign chimney repairs need to be completed. Damaged mortar can allow moisture to enter your chimney and the rest of your home, creating possibilities for future damage. Without mortar to keep it sturdy, your chimney can also become less structurally sound.