Common Chimney Problems

According to the National Fire Protection Association, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary."

Chimneys are vertical structures meant as an escape (vent) for smoke and hot gases, released while cooking on a stove or from a fireplace or furnace. The hollow space inside a chimney is called a flue. They are usually built tall to spread the pollutants in the flue across a greater area, and help in drawing more air for combustion. For all those who have built chimneys atop their roofs, it is important to ensure their safety and smooth functioning.

Types of Chimney Problems

Falling Debris
Bits of brick or mortar debris falling down the chimney flue indicates a decay in its structure. The debris could be small pieces of brick, sand, tar or soot or lumps of mortar. This problem can be easily fixed by patching or replacing old broken bricks, and re-tarring the flue.

Heated Chimney Openings
When the chimney openings in adjoining or above wall heats up, it is a sign of flue deterioration. A common symptom of this problem is dull black stains that begin to appear on its opening, caused due to condensed tar or acids in the flue, that are damaging to the brickwork of the chimney.

Not Enough Fire
When fire is not drawn adequately, it is caused due to obstructed flue or when the height of the chimney is insufficient in relation to the ridge of the roof. However, just increasing the height of the chimney will not alone help to draw out enough fire, and it needs to be combined with clearing the flue obstruction.

Fumes in the Rooms
Chimney fumes containing carbon monoxide (CO) is dangerous and capable of killing. Even lower levels of CO concentration can cause dizziness, mental confusion, severe headaches, nausea and fainting. Many times, a leaky chimney will send fumes all over the house. This kind of a problem requires the immediate attention of a qualified technician.

Excessive Soot
When the flue is not of appropriate diameter for the fire or stove, or at times, when the fumes does not rise rapidly, it can create soot deposits. Soot deposits are particularly hazardous, if the chimney structure has deteriorated. Ensuring that the flue is of correct diameter, will reduce collection of soot.

Too Much Fuel
Uninsulated flues require a lot of fuel to draw heat. When small outlet fume pipes, discharge into large uninsulated flue, they won't rise up. To accelerate their ascent, they consume more fuel. An insulated flue of the correct size will solve excess fuel consumption problems.

Dampness in the Chimney
A damp chimney will stain the ceiling and the chimney opening, as well as walls around the fireplace. This could be caused due to a number of factors that trap moisture, mainly, porous clay bricks, unvented flue, rainwater, etc.

Most of the above problems can be repaired using easy chimney repair instructions; however, it is best to get a chimney repair service company to look into it, as tar and soot deposits are a considerable fire risk. The chimney should be regularly cleaned and maintained for longevity.