Common Chimney Maintenance Tips

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While the chimney is often ignored, it’s actually one of the most important structures of your home.  Both its exterior and interior should be maintained.  Many people forget that the fireplace is only as good as the chimney above it.  The moment you realize that your chimney is not working as well as it should, you must take action to have it fixed.  A faulty chimney will not only negatively affect your fireplace, but it also compromises your safety.  Being proactive beats being reactive.  Keeping the chimney in good condition now will save you from costly repairs in the future and might save your life.

The general rule is to have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year.  However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore your chimney in between inspections.  You need to always be on the lookout for potential problems with your chimney to avoid costly repairs and to prolong its lifespan.  Being knowledgeable about the parts of a chimney will help you identify problems. Here’s an overview.

Chimney Exterior

The exterior of your chimney is not just for appearance.  It has many essential parts that contribute to the safety and performance of your chimney and fireplace.

The Bricks

The bricks are not only the facade, but they also provide stability to the chimney stack and allow for the performance of your fireplace.  If the bricks are damaged, there’s the risk of water seeping into the cracks and freezing then thawing with temperature changes.  This will cause spalling.  Spalling is deterioration of the mortar between the bricks causing the mortar to crack, crumble and fall out. Spalling will eventually cause the brick facade to become weak and the individual bricks to become loose.

Chimney Crown

Often mistaken for the cap, the chimney crown is a slab of concrete that covers the edges of your chimney’s opening.  Its main function is to provide a barrier between the top of the chimney and the outside elements.

Chimney Cap

The chimney cap is a protective shield placed over the entire top of the chimney, preventing external elements like rain, snow, debris, and animals from invading the interior of the chimney.  They also keep hot embers from the fireplace catching your roof on fire.  Some chimney caps have wiring or grating around them as a second line of defense.

Chimney Flashing

The chimney flashing is a protective coating placed in the area where the chimney meets the roof therefore preventing moisture from entering your attic or home’s interior.

Chimney Interior

Problems with the exterior can lead to damage over time.  When the interior of your chimney fails, the damage can be swift and unexpected.

Chimney Flue

The chimney flue is the passageway through which the smoke from the fireplace will exit your home.

Chimney Flue Liner

The chimney flue liner is the material that covers the inside walls of the flue.  Its main function is to facilitate the safe and efficient passage of smoke through the flue and out of the chimney’s mouth. It protects your home from the high temperatures produced in the fireplace.  A chimney without a liner can be dangerous, since there is the risk of high temperatures, as well as, toxic gases, billowing back into your home.

Signs of a Damaged Chimney and How to Fix Them

The signs of a damaged chimney or fireplace aren’t always obvious, and early detection is important to preventing high repair costs later.  Note: Most chimney maintenance covers only the outside of the chimney.

Efflorescence

Efflorescence, which means “flowering,” is white staining that appears on your chimney’s brickwork.  The stain itself is not a problem and can be easily removed.  But it is a sign that your chimney has a moisture problem. Moisture is a byproduct of combustion.  Efflorescence shows that the moisture is seeping from the inside of the chimney outward, dissolving salts in the mortar and bringing them to the surface of the exterior. If ignored, the moisture will cause your chimney to deteriorate.  Stopping the issue is addressed below.

Removing Efflorescence:

Here are common ways to remove the stains:

• Power Washing

This method works for cleaning the masonry of surface deposits but keep the pressure under 1,200 psi to avoid damaging the brickwork.

Cracked or Melted Crown

The crown is the first line of defense against external elements.  If it is cracked or melted, moisture will seep in and deteriorate the mortar, further widening the cracks.

Fixing a Cracked or Melted Crown

If the damage is not too severe, you can fill the cracks with a thoroughly mixed thinnest mortar. Apply it to the cracks until they are filled, and then smooth the mortar by pressing a thin piece of wood against the wet mortar.

 Make Sure your Chimney is Waterproof

Moisture and the elements can be major problems for your chimney. They can weaken the structural integrity of your chimney, cause mold and even damage the walls and floor around your fireplace. You’ll need to make sure your chimney waterproofing, chase cover, crown and flashing are all functioning properly.

Start by waterproofing your chimney.   Adding a water sealant to the outside of your chimney will prevent moisture from breaking down the bricks and mortar and sneaking into you home.

For prefabricated chimneys, chimney caps are a great addition.  It covers the top while still allowing smoke to escape through a small pipe.  Most prefabricated chimneys come with galvanized chimney cap which have a tendency to rust. Replace it with a stainless steel, copper or aluminum chimney cap so you don’t have to worry about rust again.

For masonry chimneys, you’ll need to get a crown.  It’s a concrete cover that prevents anything from getting into your home.  Like chimney cap, the smoke escapes through a pipe coming from the crown.  The flashing is where the chimney meets the roof. Without a sealant going around the meeting point, moisture can seep into your home. Make sure your flashing is in good condition.

Make Sure Your Mortar Joints and Bricks Aren’t Crumbling

The bricks and mortar joints of your chimney play a crucial role in avoiding water damage inside of your home.  However, they begin to crack and crumble over time and give moisture an entrance into your home.  Chimney tuckpointing is the act of repairing mortar. If you notice that your mortar is crumbling and the bricks are starting to become loose, then you’re in need of chimney tuckpointing.  Make sure you get a waterproofing sealant for your chimney stack. This will help keep the mortar and bricks protected from moisture.

Have Your Chimney Inspected Once Per Year

Just looking at your chimney isn’t enough to spot problems – some are underlying and need a professional to find them.  Having a chimney inspection once per year is crucial to ensure your chimney’s safety.

These Chimney Maintenance Tips Will Save You Money and Keep Your Home Safe