5 Signs That Your Chimney Is In Need Of Repairs

If you have a chimney, it is essential that you are aware of signs that your chimney is in need of repairs. It is easy to forget about your chimney, but it is essential to be aware of how it looks and when it looks like it needs repair so that you can bring in a chimney repair service.

Sign #1: Rust

When you look at your damper or your firebox, you shouldn't see any signs of rust. If you see signs of rust on the damper or on the firebox, that means that moisture is getting into your chimney. Moisture can only get into your chimney if it isn't correctly sealed or if it isn't working as it should.

If you have rust that you can see on the damper, that is a good sign that you could have an issue, such as flue tiles that are cracked.

Sign #2: Wall Damage

Pay attention to how the walls look around your chimney. If the paint is starting to bubble up, that is a sign that there is moisture in your chimney that has navigated to the walls. Or if you have wallpaper and it starts to get damaged, that is another sign that something could be wrong with your chimney.

Sign #3: White Staining

The color of your chimney should not change. If you look at the outside of it, and you start to see a white discoloration, that is a warning sign. That white discoloration is called efflorescence. Efflorescence is a sign that water is getting into the masonry. This is a really serious issue; if this isn't addressed, the masonry itself can be compromised entirely.

Sign #4: Motor Joints

Fourth, you need to look at the mortar joints on your chimney. The mortar joints are the space between the bricks. Over time, as the mortar is exposed to the weather, it can start to wear down. If it wears down, the entire chimney can be put at risk and can lead to moisture damaging the masonry work. Once the motor joints are damaged, you need to get them taken care of right away, as it can lead to more significant issues.

Sign #5: Shaling

Fifth, you should not see chimney tile inside of your fireplace. That is called shaling. When you start to see pieces of your chimney falling all the way down and into your fireplace, that means that the flue is damaged. You need an intact flue to protect yourself when using your fireplace.

If you notice any of the signs above, you will want to bring in a professional chimney service to ensure that your chimney is working and functioning as it should be.  

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