While some homes use heaters to keep their homes warm during the winter season, many use chimneys. However, since chimneys are like major structures, they often need much maintenance as heating appliances do. Using an improperly functioning chimney can pose serious safety risks and cause damage to your home. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the possible signs that indicate that your chimney needs repairing.  Keep reading to find out what these signs are.

 

Sign #1: Poor draft

Poor drafting is a situation that causes smoke exhaust in your chimney to travel irregularly. An example of this kind of situation is called down drafting.

To explain the downdraft situation in chimneys, the best approach would be to consider smoke as a by-product of lit fireplaces. From what science teaches, smoke generally rises from the surface of a burning area.

This explains why homes with fireplaces usually have chimneys above them. Whenever a fire is lit in the home, the chimney takes up the smoke and passes it outside the home to keep the indoor air clean.

As the chimney passes out hot air, it simultaneously replaces it with cooler outdoor air. So when the hot air from the fireplace can’t escape, and the cooler outdoor air can’t come in, it creates a situation known as a draft.

When you notice that the smoke from your fireplace no longer travels up your chimney flue the way it should, it is a sign that your chimney may need repair. 

 

Signs of poor drafting

1. You may start seeing dark smoke in your living room.
2. Due to the negative pressure systems in the chimney, your indoor air may get corrupted with small particles of soot. 
3. There may be small soot stains on your windows.
4. Your smoke alarms may begin to malfunction
5. Eye irritation

 

Sign #2: Cracks or Damage to the Chimney

Chimney cracks are one of the most obvious signs that your chimney needs urgent repair. Regardless of how sturdy your chimney may appear, you should not overlook the fact they are vulnerable to cracks and damage. 

One of the most common causes of cracks and damage to chimneys is exposure to moisture. After your chimney stays exposed to the weather elements for a certain period, it is normal for it to deteriorate over time.

Therefore, you must conduct regular inspection and maintenance checks to see if your chimney has cracks or damages. water intrusion is not the only reason you may see cracks in your chimney.

 

Signs of cracks or damage

1. You will begin to notice visible cracks along the walls of the chimney.
2. If you notice several chunks of materials falling to the bottom of your chimney, it most likely means the tiles are falling apart due to cracks or damage.
3. If there are rusts along the walls of your chimney, it means that water is penetrating your chimney. This majorly happens as a result of damages the chimney has likely suffered. 
4. Lastly, if you notice mortar joint damages and dislodges bricks, your chimney will likely get damaged.

 

Sign #3: Animal Infestation

Animal infestation is another sign to look out for. Truly, you may be used to hearing strange sounds coming from your chimney from time to time, but there is a point where you will need to pay closer attention. 

If the sound you hear becomes very frequent, you should begin to try to listen closely. The moment you begin to hear sounds like constant scratching against the walls of your chimney and random squeaks, it most likely means you have an uninvited guest in there.

Depending on the nature of the sound coming from there, you may also be able to deduce if an animal is just stuck there or if you have an infestation. For instance, if the noises you hear are frantic, it most likely means an animal is stuck.

However, if the noises you hear occur at a particular time, there is a high chance that an animal has decided to make your chimney its abode. Either way, whenever you perceive the presence of an animal in your chimney, you should get a professional to inspect for damages.

 

Signs of animal infestation

1. If you have an animal infestation in your chimney, you will occasionally perceive bad odors from your chimney.
2. You will regularly hear noises of animal activity in the chimney.
3. There may be noticeable animal droppings around your fireplace.
4. If you have a cat or dog, they may become agitated more frequently because of the presence of rodents.

 

Sign #4: Water Damage

Water damage is a big sign of the need for repair. Though water damage to a chimney usually starts slowly as a leak, its effect, in the long run, can be very detrimental.

This situation can cause as much damage as allowing heavy water leaks into your home. So watch out for water pouring through your ceiling or leaks through the walls of your chimney. 

You may need to consider repairing your chimney if you notice these things.

 

Signs of water damage

1. When you have a damaged cap or crown, it can allow water to gain easy access to your chimney. 
2. Water damage will cause your chimney to lose mortar particles.
3. If your attic has water stains and spots, your chimney suffers from water damage.

 

Conclusion

Regular chimney maintenance and inspections can help you address your chimney issues before they become a bigger problem. If you need chimney repair services, contact the experts at Shoreline Roofing & Exteriors today. Call us at (250) 413-7967 today.