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Boring Home Ownership Stuff...

More Boring Home Ownership Stuff:  Monitoring/Maintenance to Your Chimney

10/1/2019

6 Comments

 
Brick and stone chimneys are certainly attractive and add value to your home, but they aren’t maintenance-free. You need to visually check your chimney and also have a professional check it from time to time. Water, weather and freezing conditions eventually take a toll, even on stone and brick.

From the ground, you can do a quick check.  Binoculars and/or a good zoom camera will help (If you have a drone, even better). The tile flues at the top of the chimney should have no cracks or broken areas. The cap of the chimney just above the brick or stone and below the flue tile must be solid, with no cracks. Any damage to a cap must be checked by a professional. A cracked cap can allow water into the structure and seriously damage the chimney.

​The brick, stone and mortar should look solid, with no movement, leaning, gaps, holes or white stains. Any visible damage needs to be checked.

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Finally, if the chimney is used for a wood-burning fireplace, you should have it cleaned and checked every year or two. Once you’ve burned about 100 wood fires, the chimney needs inspection.

You can see a lot from the ground, so take a good look. If you notice any problems or changes, call in a pro.
6 Comments
john link
9/26/2022 02:33:37 am

Great knowledge shared and nice content . Thanks and keep it up.

Reply
Frechette Chimney Sweeping link
11/25/2024 02:02:07 am

Thanks for sharing these important points on chimney maintenance! As you've highlighted, chimneys made from brick and stone certainly enhance a home’s appeal but require regular care to ensure their longevity. At Frechette Chimney Sweeping in Sanford, ME, we encourage homeowners to perform visual checks from the ground, using binoculars or a zoom camera to spot any potential damage, especially to the chimney cap, bricks, and mortar.

The chimney cap is a critical component, and as you mentioned, if it’s cracked, it can allow water to infiltrate the structure, causing long-term damage. Any visible issues should be professionally inspected to avoid further deterioration.

For those with wood-burning fireplaces, it’s essential to have the chimney cleaned and inspected regularly. After burning about 100 wood fires, scheduling an inspection can prevent dangerous creosote buildup and ensure the chimney is safe to use.

Thanks again for this insightful post—keeping up with regular maintenance helps prevent expensive repairs and ensures a safe, functional fireplace.

Reply
Flue Pros Chimney link
12/3/2024 12:46:57 am

Regular chimney maintenance is essential to ensuring the safety and efficiency of your home’s heating system. As you've pointed out, visual checks from the ground can catch early signs of damage, but some issues, like a cracked chimney cap or internal blockages, are harder to detect without professional help.

For homeowners in Harrisonburg, VA, Flue Pros Chimney offers thorough chimney sweep services and inspections to address these concerns. Whether it’s checking for cracks, clearing out creosote buildup, or ensuring your chimney cap is intact, our experienced team can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure your home remains safe from chimney fires.

Don't wait for visible damage to appear—schedule your annual inspection and cleaning with Flue Pros Chimney today to keep your chimney in top shape.

Reply
Shane's Chimney Care link
1/1/2025 09:16:19 am


Great post! Regular monitoring and maintenance of your chimney are essential to ensuring both its safety and longevity. At Shane’s Chimney Care in Abilene, TX, we understand the importance of staying on top of chimney inspections and repairs. As you've rightly pointed out, weather, water, and freezing conditions can cause significant damage over time.

If you're noticing any of the signs you mentioned—such as cracks in the flue or chimney cap, or white staining on the brick—it's time to call in the experts. We recommend professional chimney sweeps at least once a year, particularly for wood-burning fireplaces, to ensure you're not at risk of potential fire hazards or costly damage.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Reach out to Shane's Chimney Care for a thorough inspection and cleaning, and rest easy knowing your chimney is in top shape!

Reply
Anne Jackson link
1/11/2025 11:40:10 am

After reading this article, I have started using binoculars to check my chimney from the ground, and I’ve found it really helps spot small cracks or damage before it becomes a bigger issue. It’s also a good reminder about the importance of checking the chimney cap and I didn’t realize how crucial it was until I had a professional inspect mine.

Reply
Houston Chimney Sweep link
3/13/2025 12:22:45 am

Chimney maintenance is essential for both safety and longevity, and your post highlights key areas homeowners should monitor. At Masters Services Chimney & Masonry, we often see how minor cracks or neglected buildup can lead to significant structural and safety issues over time.

For homeowners in need of expert care, a professional Chimney Sweep in Houston, TX can inspect for damage, repair chimney caps, and remove hazardous creosote buildup. Routine maintenance ensures better efficiency and helps prevent costly repairs down the line.

If you’re in Houston, TX and notice cracks, leaning mortar, or need a professional inspection, our team at Masters Services Chimney & Masonry is here to provide reliable and expert service.

Reply



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    Our blog is to further educate and empower you to help you to keep your home safe and well maintained.

    Amelia's Home Inspection offers the highest quality Home Inspection services in Greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin at an affordable price. A home inspection provides an analysis of potential fire hazards, home safety and health risks to your family. 

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