Common Problems
What’s Going Wrong and Why It Matters
Got Chimney Issues?
Common Problems We Can Solve
We take pride in the quality of our work. Our team is skilled in the latest chimney repair and maintenance techniques, ensuring that every job is completed to the highest standards
Creosote, a byproduct of incomplete combustion, can accumulate within the chimney flue, restricting airflow, causing a fire hazard, and potentially causing smoke to back up.
Debris, animal nests, or other obstructions in the chimney can block the flow of smoke and fumes, leading to backdrafts and potentially chimney fire.
A damaged or short chimney may not create enough draft to draw smoke out, leading to downdraft and smoke backup entering the house or carbon monoxide backup when relating to an appliance chimney.
Negative pressure within your home may cause cold air to seep down through your fireplace into your living area. Typically this is the most common symptom of negative pressure in the home.
- Poorly Seasoned Firewood:
Burning wet or soft wood may cause premature condensation of creosote within a flue causing an excessive buildup of creosote.
- Insufficient Maintenance: System must be swept per face cord of wood burned, or yearly (whichever comes first) to aid in preventing excessive creosote accumulation which may lead to fire hazard.
- Negative Pressure: Negative pressure within your home could cause a disturbance in draft leading to premature condensation of creosote and excessive creosote accumulation
- Negative Air Pressure:
Modern homes are often tightly sealed, which can create negative air pressure. This can cause air to flow down the chimney instead of up, bringing smoke down into the home.
- Poor Ventilation:
Insufficient airflow into the room or the fireplace can also lead to negative pressure and smoke backup.
- Wind: Strong winds can interfere with the chimney's draft, causing smoke to blow back down the chimney.
- Damper Issues: A problematic damper may lead to restriction within the throat of a fireplace system that may cause draft issues or potentially fire hazards
- Incorrect Chimney Height: A chimney that is too short can often lead to draft problems.
Water penetrates the porous masonry and freezes. As water freezes, it contracts and when it warms up it expands rapidly. Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing cause cracks and eventually lead to spalling.
(White powdery buildup) Occurs when trapped saturation from within the chimney tries to escape through the masonry structure. Efflorescence is the lime and salts from within the brick/mortar being pulled through with moisture. Efflorescence can be caused by moisture from within, or moisture seeping into masonry and forcing its way back out.
Water entering your chimney can cause serious damage over time—cracked masonry, rusted components, mold growth, and even structural deterioration. Leaks often go unnoticed until the damage is done, which is why early detection and proper waterproofing are essential to protecting your home and chimney system.
