4 Common Chimney Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them

Your wood-burning fireplace gets all the praise and attention for the warmth and relaxation it provides, but if it wasn’t for your chimney, the magic just wouldn’t happen. Known as the backbone of your heating system, your chimney works hard so you can have a safe and beautiful fire. Any problems that arise should be addressed in order to maintain its safety. In this month’s blog, the CCP-certified chimney pros at Admiralty Chimney share four common chimney problems and how to troubleshoot them.

1. Creosote Buildup

Creosote forms when the smoke from your fire cools and condenses, leaving a black, hard substance in your flue that’s very similar to tar. Even though creosote is a natural byproduct of burning wood, it is highly flammable and can become a fire hazard. Builtup creosote can also restrict airflow, causing smoke to enter your home, instead of being released outside. You can prevent creosote buildup by having your chimney professionally cleaned.

2. Chimney Obstructions

Critter nests, outdoor debris, and even a curious animal that’s stopped by to “inspect” your chimney, can block your flue from exhausting smoke and fumes, putting you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. A quality chimney cap, with mesh on all four sides, is the best way to prevent anything from getting inside your chimney. To ensure your cap remains in good working condition, be sure to keep up with your annual inspections.

3. Closed Damper

The adjustable steel flap above your firebox and inside your chimney is responsible for regulating the amount of heat in your home. Your damper should be fully open when a fire is first lit, then adjusted as the fireplace warms to maintain a draft and allow smoke to exit through your chimney. Sometimes the damper’s hinge mechanism gets stuck or stops moving smoothly due to dirt, creosote buildup, or corrosion. This can be easily identified and fixed during a standard chimney inspection.

4. Cracked Masonry

Moisture that seeps into your chimney through cracks or chipped bricks is the biggest enemy to your chimney system. Water can damage your masonry, lining, firebox, and damper, as well as the walls and ceilings in your home. Maintenance, such as tuckpointing and waterproofing, ensure that water doesn’t infiltrate your chimney system, protecting your masonry from damage. There are times when brickwork becomes so damaged because of moisture, that the bricks need to be replaced. Schedule any masonry work in the springtime when the outside temperatures are optimal for a proper repair.

Chimney Inspections are Key to Keeping Problems at Bay

It’s important to be intentional about the maintenance and upkeep of your wood-burning system. Scheduling a cleaning and inspection with a licensed professional will give you peace of mind that your fireplace and chimney are safe to use. At Admiralty Chimney, our CCP-certified chimney experts can alleviate your concerns and provide answers to your questions.

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

Most common fireplace problems are easily identified and solved. If you have questions about your fireplace and chimney, contact our team today. We’re ready to help.

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8 Things You Should Never Burn in Your Fireplace

Your fireplace is the coveted spot in your home during the cold weather, offering a place of coziness, comfort, and respite on a chilly day. While it can be tempting to toss a few household items in your fireplace to get the fire going, it’s important to remember that this quick fix can have long-term health and safety consequences. Below are eight things you should never burn in your fireplace.

1.Cardboard

Cardboard is often treated with chemicals that when burned can release hazardous fumes into the air that are harmful to breathe. It is also possible for burning cardboard to escape through an unscreened hearth, or float up the flue through an uncapped chimney. This is especially dangerous since any burning cardboard that enters the chimney can ignite creosote within the flue.

2.Colored Paper

The inks used in newspaper inserts, coupon handouts, glossy magazines and other items contain metals and pigments that release toxic fumes when burned. Like cardboard, bits of burning paper can float up and out an uncapped chimney, putting your roof and nearby structures at risk of fire.

3.Seasonal Decorations and Wrappings

The holidays bring with it festive decorations and wrappings that contain chemicals and coloring that can generate hazardous fumes. They are probably very light and can easily go airborne once they catch on fire.

4.Wet Firewood

Unseasoned, or wet, firewood can contain up to 45 percent water. Burning high-moisture content wood will smoke and lead to rapid creosote buildup in the chimney liner. Reduce the risk of buildup by burning only dry firewood and having your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected.

5.Christmas Trees and other Evergreen Wood

It can be tempting to cut up and burn your live Christmas tree in your fireplace. But your tree, wreath, and other evergreen woods are not safe to burn. In addition to not being properly seasoned, evergreen wood contains high levels of resin that catch fire quickly and produce a hot flame. This wood burns so fast that the fire will fizzle out quickly, and the high resin content leaves heavy creosote deposits in your chimney.

6.Garbage

Many people have fallen into the habit of tossing a used plastic-foam cup or paper plate into an open fire. Most consumer products contain chemicals that produce hazardous fumes when burned. Toxic trash items contain plastic, which releases a category of toxins known as dioxins. When inhaled, this level of toxin can lead to major health risks, such as internal organ damage, respiratory symptoms, and headaches.

7.Fresh Fruit Peels

Adding scents to your fireplace delivers aromas of oranges, lemons, and apples, however fresh, moist fruit peels will smolder in a fire, and lead to abundant smoke and creosote buildup. A better course of action is to dry your fruit peels at a low temperature in the oven, and then toss them on your fire. You’ll still get the fresh scent you want, but without the moisture.

8.Dryer Lint

Dryer lint may be an effective campfire starter, but keep it out of your fireplace. The synthetic fibers in dryer lint can release dangerous chemical fumes into your home and chimney.

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

Is it time for your chimney cleaning or inspection? Contact Admiralty Chimney’s CCP-certified technicians. We’re always ready to take special care of your fireplace system.

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6 Signs your Chimney Liner Needs to be Replaced

Some consider chimney liners to be the unsung hero of the chimney system. Tucked within the brick masonry, hidden from plain sight, your chimney liner silently improves the safety of your fireplace with no pomp and circumstance. A true behind-the-scenes component of your chimney system, how would know when this vital structure needs to be replaced? Here are six tell-tale signs from the CCP-certified pros at Admiralty Chimney.

What does my chimney liner do?

A chimney liner keeps toxic gas, smoke and creosote from entering your home and prevents the chimney structure from being damaged by heat. These liners are so important that building codes require them in fireplaces. If a liner is missing or damaged, it can lead to serious consequences. There are certain situations that suggest a liner needs replacing, such as:

1. There is an excessive amount of efflorescence on your bricks.

Efflorescence, a white, powdery substance on the surface of your bricks, is a sign that your flue liner is cracked or has lost its seal. This is a serious condition that will cause rapid brick and mortar deterioration.

2. There are broken shards or flakes on your fireplace floor.

Older clay chimney liners will start to crack over time, leaving pieces of clay in your hearth. Without having an expert take care of a cracked liner, it increases the risk of chimney fires.

3. The fire is producing room-filling smoke.

A chimney liner is responsible for moving smoke outside the home. If your home is smoky, it could be a sign that your liner needs to be replaced. This issue can lead to a number of health problems including carbon monoxide poisoning, asthma attacks and other respiratory issues.

4. Your chimney hasn’t been inspected.

If you can’t remember the last time you had professional technicians inspect your chimney, then it has been too long. Arrange for a safety inspection to examine and assess the condition of your chimney and liner.

5. Your chimney liner is old.

Certain types of chimney liners could last around 20 years, while budget liners could only last five years. Additionally, if your family uses the fireplace often, then the frequent wear and tear can cause the flue liner to deteriorate quicker.

6. You’ve purchased a new energy-efficient heating system.

When you replace your heating system for a high-efficiency model, or to a type of heater that you haven’t used before, it is a good idea to get a new liner installed. An older chimney liner may not provide proper ventilation for a new system.

What do I do if I’m unsure about needing a liner replacement?

Scheduling a professional chimney inspection is the best way to let you know when you need a new liner. A CCP-certified chimney technician can alleviate or confirm your concerns by taking a thorough look at the condition of your liner and chimney system. If you suspect that it’s time for a chimney liner replacement, contact Admiralty Chimney for an inspection.

Chimney Liner Installation, Service, Repair in NH and MA

If you’re looking for certified chimney inspections to determine the age and condition of your chimney liner, reach out to the CCP-certified pros at Admiralty Chimney. We are a full-service fireplace and chimney company. Contact us today to learn more.

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