While chimneys aren’t the most energy-efficient heating option for your home, many homeowners agree that the ambiance they bring is well worth it. As a result, most people don’t pay much attention to their chimneys until a problem arises. However, if you know what to look for, there are often warning signs that you need a chimney repair.
Continue reading to learn about the most common signs that you need to replace your chimney.
1. You Can See Visible Damage
One of the most obvious signs that there’s an issue with your chimney is visible damage to the brick or mortar of the structure. If you notice that bricks are chipping away from the mortar, you need to schedule an inspection with a chimney professional. If water gets into your chimney it can take months to see visible damage from the outside, so even if the visible damage looks small it could be worse than you think.
Beyond damage to the brick, you can also look for cracks in the lining of the flue. These cracks can allow smoke to escape into the interior of your chimney, causing serious problems.
2. Your Floors Are Unusually Cold
The brick and mortar within your chimney flue help spread heat evenly throughout your home. When your chimney is no longer working properly, it can’t distribute that heat, leaving your floors cold and drafty.
You can do a quick visual inspection of your fireplace yourself to see if you notice any issues, or call in the help of a professional like our team here at GF Sprague to do a thorough inspection for you.
3. You Notice a Foul Smell
One of the perks of a fireplace is the comforting smell of a warm, crackling fire. However, if you notice a foul odor coming from your fireplace, it’s a sign of an issue. When wood burns, it creates a byproduct called creosote. When the creosote clings to the liner of the flue, it can emit an odor in your home.
Beyond that, the buildup can block toxic gases from escaping through your chimney, leading to poor air quality and a higher risk of starting a house fire. Contact a professional at the first sign of a foul odor.
4. You See White Stains
If you notice white stains on your chimney, this is a telltale sign of existing damage. Also known as efflorescence, it usually indicates that there is excess moisture in your chimney. While your first thought might be to simply clean it off, you should instead call in a chimney repair company. If left alone, this can lead to serious water damage in your chimney.
5. You Notice Rust
Finally, one of the most obvious signs that you need to replace your chimney is noticing rust in it. Since rust should never be present in your chimney, this is indicative of serious damage. If you don’t fix the problem as soon as possible, you run the risk of your chimney collapsing.
Contact the GF Sprague team at the first sign of rust so we can come up with a repair plan that works best for you.
Schedule Your Chimney Repair Project
Now that you know more about the most common signs that you need a chimney repair, take a closer look at your chimney. If you notice any of the issues we’ve listed above or if it’s been several years since your last chimney inspection, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Contact our team today to set up a free inspection and receive a free estimate for your project.
