What Are Symptoms of a Sick Fireplace or Chimney?

As an East Texas homeowner, your chimney might show clear signs of trouble, like dripping sounds, cracks, or a missing cap. But other times, the issues aren’t so obvious.

Here are some common warning signs to watch for when assessing the health of your chimney:

Strange smells: If your fireplace smells like something died in there, it’s likely that an animal got stuck in your chimney. Birds and raccoons are common culprits. To prevent this, we can install a chimney cap with a screen to keep critters out. If you already have one and it smells, it might be damaged and needs repair.

Smoky odors: If your chimney smells like wet smoke or a barbecue grill, but you haven’t used it recently, that’s likely moisture building up on creosote. A thorough sweep will get rid of the creosote and any lingering odors.

Smoke entering your home: If your home fills with smoke when you light a fire, your flue may be blocked by debris or creosote buildup. It could also be due to a temperature difference between your home and outside. In any case, it’s time to schedule a chimney sweep and inspection to ensure proper airflow.

White residue on bricks: That powdery white substance is called efflorescence, caused by moisture pushing the minerals in your bricks to the surface. It’s a sign of water damage. While there are DIY water repellents, we recommend calling a professional to clean it and apply a commercial-grade sealant.

Cracks in the firebox: If you see cracking that looks like bricks in your prefabricated fireplace, it’s probably a damaged refractory panel. A professional can inspect and replace the panel if necessary. For masonry fireplaces with real bricks, damaged firebricks can be swapped out by an expert.

Water damage sounds: Dripping inside your chimney is a sign that water is getting in, and water is the biggest threat to your chimney's health. The sooner you call in a professional to inspect and locate the source of the leak, the better. Water damage leads to costly repairs if left unchecked.

Flaking bricks and crumbling mortar: This is known as spalling and happens when bricks absorb water over time, causing them to deteriorate. It’s tough to repair, so it’s best to leave it to an expert to ensure the new materials match your existing chimney.

Don’t wait until these problems escalate. If you notice any of these signs, give Home Fireplace Pro a call, and we’ll get your chimney back in top shape!