Chimney Troubleshooting 

​Chimney and fireplace problems, such as a mysterious leak or creosote build-up, can lead to house fires, carbon monoxide exposure, and other dangers.

But catching these issues early with regular chimney maintenance is the best way to prevent them from worsening.

If you must work on a tall roof, consider renting fall-arresting harnesses. They are available at most home improvement centers and tool-rental outlets.

Flashing

Your chimney’s flashing is a crucial part of keeping water (the masonry chimney’s worst enemy) out of your house. The flashing is a layered metal that protects the vulnerable seams where the chimney meets the roof.

It is designed to shed rainwater and snow rather than allowing it to penetrate into the structure, which can lead to a wide array of problems including mold, mildew, and deterioration of the chimney’s bricks and mortar.

Chimney flashing is a series of L-shaped pieces of sheet metal that are lapped and bent to create a waterproof seal. The first leg is called the step flashing, and the second is known as the counter flashing.

Ideally, neither of these should be fastened with nails or screws; this compromises the flashing’s ability to shed water.

A professional chimney inspection like Stone and Brick Masonry Group can help you identify if your flashing is the cause of a leaky chimney.

Early diagnosis can help you avoid expensive repairs and a costly roof replacement due to moisture penetration.

Crown

The crown is a concrete slab that sits atop the chimney, and it protects bricks and mortar from water penetration.

A damaged chimney crown can allow water to seep into the flue opening, the damper, and the firebox and smoke chamber, causing structural issues, deterioration, mold and moisture damage to walls and ceilings.

Older chimneys often have poorly constructed crowns, which deteriorate quickly due to the elements.

A high-quality crown should be designed to slope downward and have a drip overhang, so rain and snow flow off instead of sitting and settling on the chimney structure.

Chimney professionals can repair crowns by filling cracks and gaps with a waterproof sealant or bond patching material. If the crown is severely damaged, however, a masonry professional may recommend rebuilding the chimney crown altogether.

Regardless of the repair method, a professional should always address damaged chimney crowns as soon as they are identified. Damaged crowns worsen over time and can cost more to fix in the long run.

Chimney Cap

The chimney cap, located at the top of a chimney, has many important functions. Depending on its size, it can block out wind and rain from the flue. It can also help keep warm air in the home during fires by blocking cold air from coming down the chimney.

A damaged chimney cap allows water, animals and debris into the flue, leading to masonry damage, water stains and house fires.

In addition, a chimney without a cap can easily become a leaning chimney that could collapse. Chimney caps come in different models that are differentiated by the size of their mesh openings and the amount of updraft they create.

While a chimney system may seem complex, there are several things homeowners can do to ensure its proper function. By identifying issues and performing routine upkeep, you can help ensure your fireplace performs well and remains safe.

Flue

The flue is a passage for conveying smoke and other byproducts of combustion from a fireplace or stove to the outside. The term flue can also be used to describe any type of pipe or tubing that carries exhaust gasses.

A chimney without a flue is a fire hazard and not very effective as a heat transfer system.

Chimneys are often constructed with flue pipes made of a variety of materials, including clay tile liners (widely used since the 1910s), masonry bricks and mortar or prefabricated metal chimneys.

The condition of the flue pipe has a major impact on a chimney’s drafting ability. Creosote buildup on the flue wall interferes with a chimney’s ability to draw, and can be flammable.

The flue should be checked to make sure it’s the right size for the type of fireplace or stove. If the flue has large gaps, it may need resurfacing with a refractory matl.

Feel free to contact Stone and Brick Masonry Group for any issue with your chimney.