During the burning season, your chimney works hard to keep you warm and comfortable. But like any system in your home, it is not immune to damage. Over time, nature’s elements and daily use cause wear and tear on your chimney, compromising its performance and safety.
Understanding the common causes of damage and what you can do about it can help ensure your chimney continues to operate as it should.
Water Damage
Water causes significant damage to chimneys, especially during the free-thaw cycles in New Hampshire. Water freezes and expands after seeping into the chimney’s brick and mortar, causing cracks.
Over time, seeping water can weaken a chimney’s structure, deteriorate its liner, and cause its flashing, liner, or damper to corrode, leading to functionality issues. For example, a rusted or corroded liner can reduce your chimney’s ability to vent smoke and gases, allowing dangerous carbon monoxide gas to build up.
Here are several ways to prevent water and other elements from damaging your chimney:
Install a Chimney Cap: A chimney cap is a protective metal cover that protects the flue opening from water, debris, and pests.
Upgrade Your Chimney Liner: For more durability and resistance to corrosion, choose a high-quality stainless steel chimney liner over a less expensive clay one.
Maintain Your Chimney Flashing: Flashing is the metal seal around the base of your chimney where it meets the roof. Its job is to prevent water from entering the chimney. Over time, flashing can become loose or damaged due to age, improper installation, or severe weather conditions. If the flashing is loose or damaged, replace or repair it to ensure your chimney remains watertight.
Waterproof Your Masonry: A professional waterproofing treatment seals the porous surface of your chimney masonry, preventing moisture from penetrating the bricks and causing cracks.
What if Your Masonry is Already Damaged?
Your chimney’s constant exposure to heat and moisture causes the mortar or “glue” between bricks to erode. Continued deterioration of the mortar allows water to seep into your chimney, weakening its structure. You can stop this erosion and restore your chimney's structural integrity by repointing--removing, and replacing old, damaged mortar.
Creosote Buildup
Creosote is a sticky, tar-like substance that accumulates in your chimney as wood burns. Because it is highly flammable, creosote buildup is the leading cause of chimney fires.
To prevent creosote buildup and the risk of a house fire, only burn dry, seasoned wood and schedule regular chimney cleanings. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends having your chimney cleaned at least once a year—more frequently if you burn wood regularly.
Improper Use of a Fireplace or Stove
Many chimney issues arise from improper use of a fireplace or stove. To keep your system operating safely and efficiently, always follow manufacturer guidelines, along with these recommendations:
Burn only dry, seasoned wood.
Avoid burning items like cardboard, plastic, or treated wood, which can produce harmful fumes.
Never overload the firebox.
Ensure the damper is fully open when using your fireplace for proper airflow.
Chimney Obstructions
Obstructions like animal nests, debris, or even soot can block your chimney’s flue, preventing proper ventilation. This can lead to smoke backing up into your home and, in the worst case, dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.
To avoid chimney obstructions, ensure your chimney cap is intact and functional to keep animals and debris out. Schedule a regular chimney cleaning and inspection to identify and clear out chimney obstructions.
Safety Tip: Contact a chimney professional if smoke is entering your living space or your fireplace isn’t working efficiently, as these are signs of an obstruction.
Age and General Wear
As your chimney ages, its materials and components will naturally wear down. Mortar joints crack, bricks deteriorate, and metal parts rust. Even if you’re diligent about maintenance, age-related issues can still arise.
Routine cleanings and inspections are the best ways to extend the life of your chimney. While you can’t stop the aging process, you can catch issues early and address them before they become significant problems. Upgrading certain parts of your chimney--such as installing a stainless steel liner or a new chimney cap--can help mitigate the effects of age-related wear.
Maintain Your Chimney and Protect Your Home
Your chimney is a critical part of your home, and any damage can have serious safety implications. By understanding the common causes of chimney damage and taking the necessary steps to address them, you will ensure your chimney operates safely and efficiently for years to come.
Chimney Cleanings and Inspections in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts
If it’s been a while since your last chimney cleaning and inspection, contact us to schedule an appointment with Admiralty CCP-certified Chimney Sweeps.
