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5 Things that can go Wrong with Your Chimney without Your Knowledge

by | Sep 26, 2016 | Chimney Cleaning

 

You most likely do not think about your chimney much, except to notice smoke coming out of it every once in a while as you are using it. However, did you know that there can be something wrong with your chimney and if you do not get it fixed, the results can be disastrous?

Here are 5 things that can be wrong with your chimney:

  1. A leaking chimney can allow water to pour inside and crack the mortar and bricks. Water can also adhere to the insides of the chimney where it can grow into mold.
  2. Loose or cracked bricks on the outside of your chimney are never a good sign. The loose and cracked bricks can let water seep in which will deteriorate the bricks even more until they completely crumble. This can cause the entire chimney to collapse.
  3. Dampers are placed in chimneys for a reason. They allow the heat to escape when they are open and they keep the heat in when they are closed. If they are not opening or closing properly, then you will have a problem keeping your house the right temperature.
  4. The flashing on a chimney can become damaged over time and this can allow water to leak through into the roof. This water can then go through the roof and into the ceilings and walls inside the house. All of this damage can cost thousands of dollars in repair bills.
  5. Creosote can build up inside your chimney over time and if you do not have it cleaned out properly, you will risk starting a chimney fire. Even if a chimney fire doesn’t happen, you might still have a buildup of smoke that comes into the house from the chimney. This smoke will cause a lot of black soot to attach to the walls and other areas of your house and it is very difficult and time consuming to clean.

We always recommend that you have a professional inspect your chimney once a year in order to make sure that it is clean and that there is no damage that needs to be repaired. Give us a call here at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service at 610-626-2439 and we’ll schedule an appointment with one of our CSIA Certified chimney sweeps to ensure that your chimney is clean and in proper working order.