As a homeowner, you know that the mechanisms of your house require regular maintenance and care to run safely and smoothly. This is particularly true of your fireplace and chimney. As part of your home’s structure, a damaged chimney could lead to some serious and costly problems if left neglected. A regular maintenance and inspection schedule is the best way to catch and fix any smaller issues before they become larger ones. We’ve outlined 5 of the most common chimney problems to keep an eye out for and resolve as soon as possible.

1. Creosote Buildup
   An inevitability of burning wood and other combustibles in your fireplace is creosote buildup. As gases from combustion flow up your chimney they cool down, become a tar like substance, stick to the sides of the flue and form highly flammable creosote deposits. If the creosote is allowed to build up without regular inspection or cleaning, it could lead to a serious chimney fire. Scheduling a regular chimney sweep and inspection with Combustible Care (at least once annually) is the only way to remove creosote buildup and prevent chimney fires.
2. Obstruction
   An obstruction, or a blockage, in your chimney can be caused by any number of factors. Animal nests’, leaves and other debris can access a chimney, without a chimney cap, cause an obstruction leading to smoke and other toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO), to reneter the home. This can lead to life threatening chimney hazards which can easily be avoided with annual chimney inspections and cleaning.
3. Masonry Damage
   Masonry damage is subsequent side effect of basic chimney neglect. Lack of a chimney cap is the main reason for masonry damage, which is a simple fix, among other forms of chimney neglect. When water is allowed to enter your chimney, it will freeze, expand and damage the masonry structure.  A damaged masonry chimney can further deteriorate, leading to serious structural problems for your home. Water damage to a masonry chimney can be prevented with certain measures: installing a chimney cap and crown and waterproofing the structure. Masonry issues, such as cracks or damaged mortar, can be repaired by Combustible Care professionals to prevent further problems.
4. Chimney Cap and Chimney Crown Wear
   Your chimney cap and crown are the two key mechanisms deflecting water and preventing penetration and damage to your chimney structure. Because of this, any wear or damage to your cap and crown should be dealt with as quickly as possible. A rusted chimney cap or a cracked chimney crown will not allow a chimney to function safely, effectively or at its optimal state.
5. Flue Damage
   The chimney flue undergoes a lot of stress, particularly from high temperatures and creosote deposits. Too much stress can lead to cracking or other damage to the chimney lining. This chimney lining protects your home from serious damage and risk of combustion and should be replaced as soon as possible. Contact Combustible Care for a free 15 point inspection today and rest assured your chimney is safe and functioning properly.

If you notice any cracking, rusting or wear on your chimney cap or crown, contact Combustible Care immediately for a free 15 point inspection. Our Combustible Care technicians can repair masonry damage and replace worn chimney caps to keep your chimney structure protected in turn protecting yourself and loved ones.