The smell of a burning fire is a welcomed scent on a cold New England night. But after using your hearth all winter, the hot, steamy days of summer can cause your fireplace to really stink. The CCP-certified professionals at Admiralty Chimney explain the cause of these foul odors and how to manage them. Why does my fireplace smell? One of the primary reasons your fireplace reeks in hot weather is from a combination of moisture and creosote (a tar-like byproduct of wood burning) that has saturated your chimney during heavy winter use. Creosote absorbs into the porous masonry construction inside your chimney, creating fireplace smells beyond the masonry’s surface. When warm, humid outside air enters the flue, it reacts with the acidity of the creosote. The result is a stench that can infiltrate your entire home. Animal nests, trapped critters, built-up leaves and debris, and water within your chimney can also cause an unpleasant smell. And like creosote, these odors will intensify with summer’s heavy rains and high humidity levels. What can I do to get rid of the smell? Because there are a number of reasons why your system has an odor, start by scheduling a professional chimney inspection to determine the underlying cause or causes of the smell. After a thorough assessment your technician will devise a plan to eradicate those odors. When your fireplace isn’t in use, close the glass doors and damper to minimize the smell from seeping into your living space. You can manage future odors by performing regular chimney care including: Repairing your masonry. All masonry chimneys are porous, allowing water to penetrate the surface. Professional masonry repair will fix cracks, leaks, and mortar damage, eliminating the number of entry spots for water to creep in. Waterproofing your chimney. One of the most effective ways to put a barrier between moisture and your masonry is to have it professionally waterproofed. When applied correctly, the waterproof barrier will be effective for 10 years. Scheduling professional cleanings and inspections. We recommend annual chimney cleanings and inspections to check for damage and deposits. If you use your chimney frequently, it may need to be cleaned more often, as excessive creosote buildup can lead to a chimney fire. Removing ashes at the end of the season. You don’t have to remove ashes after every fire, but do need to shovel them out at the end of the season. Be sure to use a non-flammable container to dispose of the ashes. Installing a chimney cap. Caps are an essential tool for your chimney. They keep moisture at bay and prevent drafts and odors from finding their way down your chimney. Chimney caps also prevent critters from turning your chimney into their nesting spot (and possibly their final resting place). Chimney Cleaning, Inspection, Service, and Repair in NH and MA Summer is a great time to schedule your annual chimney cleaning and safety inspection. We’ll clean and assess the condition of your system so you can be ready for the cool days of fall. Contact us today for your appointment. Powered by Sprout

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. Powered by Sprout

A fireplace is a popular feature in many homes, but its ability to transfer heat can be less than optimal if it’s not used efficiently. As we journey into the heart of winter, here are some timely tips for getting the most warmth out of your next fire. 1. Keep up with professional inspections. A structurally sound chimney is essential for a safe and efficient fire. Annual inspections prevent minor issues from becoming a more significant problem. By proactively maintaining your system, you can be sure your fireplace and chimney are in prime condition to work effectively. During an inspection, your technician will check your chimney and fireplace from the inside out; looking for structural damage and signs of moisture, inspecting the damper, and removing grime and creosote buildup. 2. Monitor for any changes or problems. Keeping track of the performance of your fireplace and chimney is important to catch any changes or irregularities. If you think your system isn’t operating as it should, contact our professional chimney technicians to address your concerns. 3. Schedule professional cleanings at least once a year. Soot and creosote are a natural byproduct of burning wood that coat the inside of your chimney. When built up, they reduce the overall diameter inside your chimney, impacting its ability to effectively draw air from your fireplace. A clean, obstruction-free chimney improves the overall draft, maximizing the potential draw of your fireplace, feeding more air to the fire, helping it burn correctly, and increasing its heat output. 4. Clean the inside of your fireplace. In addition to professional sweepings, periodically clean the inside of your fireplace to help your fires burn properly and more efficiently. Sweep up excess ash when it reaches the bottom of the grate to encourage proper air circulation for efficient-burning fires. Leave one or two inches of ash within your fireplace at all times to help insulate the new bed of hot coals in the next fire and improve its heat output. 5. Use the right wood. Using the right kind of wood will guarantee that your fire lasts a long time and produces the most heat possible. The high moisture content of green or wet firewood causes a fire to be inefficient and burn out more quickly. For a warmer, longer lasting fire, burn seasoned or dried hardwood, such as maple or oak. 6. Fully open the damper before starting a fire. In order for your fire to burn effectively, it needs plenty of oxygen. Open your damper all the way to allow for maximum draw of air up the chimney. This will increase the airflow and allow your wood to burn hotter and faster. Be sure to close the damper between fires to prevent the loss of warm air from your home. 7. Circulate the air. As most fireplace users know, the warmth from your fire tends to stay in the area immediately around your wood-burning appliance–rather than circulating efficiently through your home. You can help move trapped hot air near the ceiling by running your ceiling fan counterclockwise at low speed. This helps redirect warm air from the ceiling down the walls and into the living space. Chimney Inspection, Cleaning, Service, and Repair in NH and MA Using the right wood-burning techniques and regular fireplace and chimney maintenance will help you get the most out of your system. If your chimney and fireplace are due for service or are in need of a repair, contact Admiralty Chimney’s CCP-certified technicians. We’re your full-service chimney company. Powered by Sprout

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. Powered by Sprout

Did you know there are several myths about fireplaces and chimneys that have been passed from homeowner to homeowner? We’ve heard many of these tales over our years of service. Here are five misconceptions about chimney ownership and summer maintenance that you should know: Myth #1 - I didn’t use my fireplace this winter so I don’t need a cleaning and inspection this summer. Even if you haven’t used your fireplace, it’s still important to have your chimney system inspected and serviced before you burn another fire. Cracks could have formed in the masonry, causing structural damage; moisture inside your chimney system could have created a number of issues; and animal nests could be inside your flue, creating dangerous blockages. Myth #2 - Now that my fireplace is closed up for the season, I can forget about it until next fall. While your fireplace might be taking a much-needed break after a busy burning season, the critters in your yard are very busy and on the prowl, looking for a place to shelter. A chimney without a cap is like hanging a “vacancy” sign to birds, racoons, and even squirrels to hunker down and build nests inside your chimney. Myth #3 - Cleaning my chimney at the end of winter prevents bad smells. The wet, humid air of summer that comes down your chimney brings with it odors from excess moisture, residual creosote trapped in porous bricks and mortar, animal remains, or outside debris. While a chimney cleaning is the best method to remove odor-causing debris and soot, there are other processes to help prevent that campy fireplace smell, such as waterproofing, replacing your damper, or installing a glass door. Myth #4 - Leaving the damper open cools my home. An open damper actually delivers hot outside air straight down your chimney and into your room, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to compensate for the constantly flow of warm air. This in turn leaves you with an overworked cooling system and higher utility bills. Pro Tip: Even closed dampers can create drafts. If your damper has been damaged by water, animals, or has lost its seal due to age, it may be time for a replacement. Contact our CCP-certified chimney specialists to learn the benefits of a new damper. Myth #5 - Metal liners don’t require cleaning. While metal liners require less maintenance, they still need periodic cleaning. Creosote and other corrosive combustion gases can accumulate and cause blockages, regardless of its composition. Also, many liner warranties can be voided without annual chimney inspections. Chimney Cleaning, Inspection, Service, and Repair in NH and MA Whether we’re performing an inspection, sweeping a chimney, or installing a cap, the CCP-certified chimney experts can make your chimney system safe and enjoyable to use. Let us help you with your chimney needs. Contact us today. Powered by Sprout

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for masonry repair. Warm spring and summer days allow mortar to properly cure. So if you are in need of chimney repairs, now is the time to do it! Schedule your work this summer so you’ll have peace of mind knowing your system will be safe and ready to use when those frosty fall evenings begin. Common Chimney Masonry Problems Wear and tear on your masonry can compromise your chimney’s structural integrity and performance. Although your chimney is built to withstand year after year of exposure to tough conditions, any number of problems can occur that may require masonry repair or restoration. Here are some of the most common masonry problems: Cracks Cracks and crevices in your masonry can occur from moisture penetrating the masonry or from the shifting and settling of your chimney. This can cause leaks that not only infiltrate your chimney and fireplace, but also your attic and ceiling, causing costly damage. Spalling When bricks begin to flake, crumble, or fall from your masonry, it’s called spalling. As water enters the masonry and weakens it through a cycle of freezing and thawing, it loosens the mortar around the brick and pushes the brick out in pieces. Spalling creates gaps in the masonry that compromise your chimney’s structural integrity. Mold and Algae Growth Moisture and dirt that are trapped in the masonry create the perfect environment for mold and algae growth. Both thrive on moist conditions with little or no air circulation – such as inside cracks of your chimney’s masonry. A CCP-certified chimney expert can identify if the growth of these contaminants originates from moisture within your masonry. Staining Staining is almost always the result of water damage. Water traveling through the masonry is visible from the exterior as a dark stain. If your chimney looks wet, contact us for an inspection, as masonry staining could indicate there is structural water damage within your system. Prevent Masonry Issues with Annual Inspections Most masonry issues can be prevented with regularly scheduled appointments with a chimney professional. We recommend cleanings and annual chimney inspections with our chimney technicians to help you monitor and identify any potential problems before they cause serious damage. Chimney Masonry Repair, Inspections, Cleaning, and Service in NH and MA If you need masonry repair work done or have questions about your chimney masonry, contact Admiralty Chimney to schedule an appointment. Our CCP-certified chimney team can assist you with all of your chimney masonry needs. Powered by Sprout

Spring is the perfect time to see how your chimney fared from harsh winter weather conditions. The effects of snow, wind, an d ice can wreak havoc on chimneys. Even a small crack can allow water to leak inside, causing damage to your system. We recommend giving your chimney a good once-over every spring to avoid the surprise of costly repairs. Schedule a professional inspection. Booking an appointment with a CCP-certified chimney specialist gives you peace of mind knowing you’ll receive an expert assessment of the structure and operation of your system. During the inspection, your chimney technician will check the entire system, including those hard-to-reach components, such as the flashing, crown, and cap, looking for signs of wear and tear. They’ll also remove creosote buildup leftover from the winter season. Look for signs of chimney wear and damage. While you’re out and about in your yard, take a good look at your chimney’s exterior, noting any changes in the bricks or structure. Pay close attention to: Crumbling or Chipped Bricks at the Base Bricks are porous and susceptible to moisture. The presence of a white, chalky stain, known as efflorescence, means excessive moisture has penetrated your masonry. Contact a chimney professional for further inspection, as moisture can quickly deteriorate your bricks. Surface Cracks in the Bricks and Mortar Inspect the exterior of your chimney structure for cracks. Even a small breach can allow water to seep in, causing bricks to crumble, break apart, or spall—weakening the structure of your chimney. Large cracks could mean your chimney is seriously compromised and needs professional help right away. Chimney Inspection, Cleaning, Service, and Repair in NH and MA For over twenty years, homeowners like you have trusted Admiralty Chimney’s team of CCP-certifield chimney professionals. We have the skills, expertise, and customer service to maintain and care for all of your chimney needs. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment. Powered by Sprout

The heart of winter is approaching, and with it comes the peak of fireplace season. Your hearth provides more than warmth on a cold day. It is also a welcoming gathering space for family and friends to relax and connect with one another. In this month’s blog, the CCP-certified chimney professionals at Admiralty Chimney share creative fireside activities to enjoy this winter and important safety tips: 1. Make it a game night. Pull out a deck of cards or your favorite board games and play something that the whole family can enjoy together. The flickering flames of the fireplace will be the perfect backdrop for these warm and cozy festivities. Source: NBC News 2. Fire up toasty fireside flavors. Try cooking a meal over the warm, smoldering coals. Fireplace cooking gives food a delicious flavor and creates an adventurous activity your family can enjoy. For that quintessential fireplace experience, roast s’mores for dessert! Source: Pinterest 3. Take a staycation. Sometimes there is nothing better than staying just where you are. Grab your favorite hot beverage, and sit in front of the fire with a good book. Let the crackle of the fire lull you into a relaxed state. Source: Acuity Insurance The Fun Begins with Safety Before you kick your indoor festivities into high gear, be sure your fireplace and chimney are ready to use. Start by scheduling a professional chimney cleaning and inspection with a CCP-certified chimney sweep. Your annual appointment ensures your system is operating safely and effectively. Follow it up by incorporating these safety practices every time you use your fireplace: Only burn seasoned firewood. Unseasoned wood burns inefficiently, causing excess smoke and creosote in your chimney. Limit usage. Your fireplace should never take the place of a furnace. Fireplaces aren’t built for long-time uses, so be sure to use it for short-duration fires—no longer than five hours. Keep the doors open. Keep glass doors open to ensure the air can be drawn up to cool the chimney. Remember to keep the screen closed, though. This will prevent sparks from jumping onto your flooring. Use the right tools. When using your fireplace, be sure to use the proper fireplace tools to handle the burning logs, especially if you just need to shift something slightly. Even brief exposure can cause burns or an unexpected accident. Clean the firebox. Fireboxes need weekly cleaning when they are used in the cold months. Leave no more than an inch of ash to act as insulation, allowing the coals to heat up faster and retain heat during your next use. Keep children and pets safe. Place fire tools and equipment out of reach of young children and never leave your child or pet unattended by an active fire. In fact, you can use this time to teach your whole family about fire safety. Chimney Cleaning, Inspection, and Repair in NH and MA At Admiralty Chimney, we are dedicated to keeping your family safe and warm. You can count on our CCP-certified chimney professionals to provide you with expert care for all of your fireplace and chimney needs. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment. Powered by Sprout

Your fireplace provides the perfect ambience, but its ability to transfer heat into your home can be less than optimal if you’re not using it correctly. So what can you do to generate a warmer and cozier hearth? Here are five best practices to help you get the most from your fireplace this winter. 1. Burn seasoned firewood. Whether you use hardwood or softwood, your firewood must be dry, or seasoned, before burning. Wet wood causes a decrease in efficiency as the energy from the fire is used to evaporate the water within it. Pro Tip: A firewood moisture meter can help you accurately read the moisture content of your wood so you know if it is seasoned and ready to burn. Properly dried wood should have a moisture reading of 20 percent or less. 2. Build a strong-burning fire. Starting a fire seems simple, but there are techniques to create a fire that produces more heat while using less wood. Try these steps for your next fire: Open the damper all the way. Place shredded newspaper and small pieces of kindling at the base. Add one or two logs on top, then light it. Let the small fire grow until it is roaring then add more wood. Be sure to keep space between the firewood to encourage air flow and keep the fire burning. 3. Maintain adequate airflow. Remove the ash from your fireplace whenever it reaches the bottom of the grate. This ensures there is proper air circulation for efficient-burning fires. Leave one or two inches of ash within your fireplace at all times to help insulate the new bed of hot coals in the next fire and improve its heat output. 4. Circulate the heat. The warmth from the fire tends to stay in the area immediately around your fireplace–rather than circulating efficiently through your home. To help move trapped hot air, run ceiling fans counterclockwise at low speed. This redirects warm air from the ceiling down the walls and into your living space. 5. Professionally service your chimney and fireplace. Creosote buildup in your chimney not only reduces the draft–hindering efficiency–but it also creates a fire hazard. Professionally clean your fireplace and chimney at least once a year, or more if you use your fireplace frequently. Additionally, schedule an inspection with a certified chimney sweep to check for any gaps, crevices, or cracks that may serve as an inlet for cold air. Chimney Cleaning, Inspection, and Repair in NH and MA Following these steps will help you transform your fireplace into an efficient, effective heating source. If you need to get your chimney and fireplace serviced or repaired, contact Admiralty Chimney’s CCP-certified technicians. Our team will take special care to keep your system in peak condition and your family safe. Powered by Sprout

A chimney liner might seem like a “nice to do,” instead of a “have to do” for your chimney system. After all, it’s hidden, undetectable, and deep inside the chimney structure, how important can it be? It’s actually an essential safety component for your chimney, and here’s why. The Role of a Chimney Liner Chimney liners are a protective barrier that act as a conduit inside your chimney. The liner is a sealed unit from bottom to top to ensure smoke, creosote, and carbon dioxide from burning fuels are forced outside your home without contacting the actual chimney structure. Made of metal or ceramic, liners also: Protect your home from accidental fires by absorbing high temperatures, and keeping the heat inside the chimney from reaching the combustible material outside it. Prevent chimney masonry from forming cracks or crumbling mortar due to repeated heating and cooling. Defend your masonry from corrosive substances, as liners are more resilient than typical brick and mortar. Stop hot embers from igniting flammable areas of your home’s structure. Because of their location in the heart of your chimney, annual inspections are essential in tracking the condition of your liner. A damaged liner can leave your home susceptible to serious dangers such as carbon monoxide poisoning or house fires. A CCP-certified chimney professional can monitor the integrity of your chimney, checking for small cracks or breaches and other signs it might need to be repaired or replaced. Benefits of a Chimney Liner Chimney liners not only deliver added insurance to keep your chimney system operating safely, they also provide other benefits such as: Increasing your home energy efficiency by reducing the downdrafts that can come through when there is no fire in the hearth. Enhancing air flow and providing improved heat retention for a more energy-efficient chimney. Providing proper ventilation to help reduce the amount of creosote that forms inside your chimney. Preventing water moisture from becoming trapped inside your chimney. Maintaining good standing with building and fire code standards and homeowner’s policies. Chimney Liners, Installation, Service and Repair in NH and MA Looking for a new or replacement chimney liner, contact our CCP-certified chimney professionals for a no-obligation quote. Customers have trusted us with their chimney needs for over twenty years. We can help you find a liner that is right for your chimney and home. Powered by Sprout

The number one threat to your chimney system is water. Chimney flashing, along with chimney caps and professional waterproofing, is an important defense mechanism in the fight against moisture. In this month’s blog, the CCP-certified chimney professionals at Admiralty Chimney explain how chimney flashing works and share seven signs it might be failing. What is Chimney Flashing? Chimney flashing is a type of weather stripping that creates a watertight seal to protect your chimney and roof from water damage and penetration. Made out of vinyl, aluminum, copper, or steel, flashing is installed where your roof and chimney intersect. When chimney flashing is properly installed, it can last over 30 years—depending on where you live, the shape and size of your chimney, and the materials used. But poor installation, violent storms, or sealant deterioration can cause it to pull away from your roofing material, leading to a host of problems. Signs of Deteriorating Chimney Flashing Failing chimney flashing allows water to leak in and around the chimney, causing significant and costly damage to your roof, home, and even the chimney itself. If enough water penetrates your chimney, the brick and mortar joints will become brittle, compromising its entire structure. Be on the lookout for these signs of failing chimney flashing: Leaks from the inside or outside of the chimney Discolored bricks Rust stains Moisture stains on the interior ceilings or walls adjoining your chimney Musty smells coming from your chimney, especially after it rains Sounds of dripping water or puddling within your chimney Firebox condensation If you observe any of these signs, contact your chimney professional to diagnose, repair, or replace the flashing. Replacements are needed if the flashing is missing, rusted, visibly separated from the chimney, or completely covered with roofing tar. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Replacing your roof? Be sure to install new chimney flashing as part of your new roofing system. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Inspection is your Best Detection You can stay on top of your chimney’s overall wellbeing, including the health of your chimney flashing, with an annual chimney inspection. During the inspection, your CCP-certified technician will assess the state of your chimney system and make needed repairs before any concerns become costly. Chimney Repairs, Installation, and Cleaning in NH and MA As hearty New Englanders, we understand that our climate delivers year-round moisture. If you’re seeing signs of chimney flashing issues, don’t delay. Contact our CCP-certified chimney experts to inspect your chimney flashing and repair it before it brings problematic leaks to your doorstep. Powered by Sprout

Rain showers, thunderstorms, and snow can lead to a leaky chimney. Even chimneys without previous problems can develop leaks in as little as one season. By understanding the warning signs of a water leak, you can prevent significant chimney damage. In this month’s blog, the CCP-certified specialists at Admiralty Chimney share key information on the symptoms of–and solutions for–a chimney leak. Here’s what you need to know. Identifying a Chimney Leak Homeowners often assume that all leaky chimneys present themselves as water in the fireplace–when there are many different signs, such as: Audible or visible evidence of dripping water in the chimney. Dampness or water staining on walls or ceilings near the fireplace or chimney. Musty or mildew-type odors emanating from the fireplace. Cracked or spalled interior or exterior masonry. Rust or white chalk-like stains (efflorescence) on the exterior chimney masonry. Leaks in other areas of your home. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Did you know? When water enters your chimney, it can move through your walls, floors, and ceilings. It collects at a low point where it forms a leak, causing damage to those areas of your home. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Contacting a Chimney Professional If you suspect a leak, contact a CCP-certified chimney specialist immediately. Time is of the essence. Water is villianous, destroying the integrity of your chimney from the inside out. An experienced chimney technician can source the location, determine the cause, and get it repaired before further damage occurs. Preventing Chimney Leaks The best way to prevent a chimney leak is by following a professional maintenanceprogram for your fireplace and chimney. Annual chimney sweepings and inspections give your technician the opportunity to identify any changes or damage to your chimney or masonry so it can be repaired before it leads to a leak. They may also recommend additional techniques to prevent water from entering your chimney, such as waterproofing your masonry and installing or repairing a chimney cap, chase cover, crown, or flashing. Chimney Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair in NH and MA If you are concerned about water damage to your chimney or have noticed a change in its functionality or structure, contact our CCP-certified chimney professionals. We can work with you to customize a solution that meets the safety and operational needs of your chimney and fireplace. Powered by Sprout