Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Top 5 Reasons You Need Chimney Repairs

We rely on our fireplaces and chimneys to burn safely and efficiently year after year. For many homeowners, it is difficult to know when our chimneys are damaged or need repairs. The following are top 5 signs that your chimney need repairs.

1. There is water in the fireplace

The exterior masonry of chimneys is designed to withstand the exposure to wind, rain, sun, and more. The interior fireplace components, however, are much more delicate. Because of this, even small amounts of water in the fireplace can cause serious damage.

When water gets inside your fireplace, this results in a leaky chimney. When a leak occurs, it is important to have a chimney inspection and repairs by a certified chimney sweep. This ensures damage caused by water is properly repaired – and keep water from coming back.

2. There are cracks in the masonry

Small areas of chips, cracks, or missing masonry on the chimney are caused by long-term water damage that needs repairs. Oftentimes, the tuckpointing process can be used to remove old and damaged mortar by water. The chimney sweep carefully removes the old mortar before mixing and replacing new masonry. The result is a seamless repair that is indistinguishable from the original masonry.

Large cracks in the chimney can also be caused by the settling of your house or chimney. If the chimney is not built on proper pads or footing, the chimney can crack as it shifts and settles over time. A chimney inspection is often needed to determine if damage from settling is a structural issue or merely a cosmetic issue.

3. The chimney stinks

There are a number of causes for chimney odor. The type of smell your chimney has can be a clue to what the underlying cause is. Smoky odors, particularly on hot or humid days, are often the result of creosote buildup in the flue. A chimney sweeping can remove creosote, eliminating the smell and reducing the risk of an accidental chimney fire. Dank or damp odors are usually the result of a leaky chimney. The combination of water and cold, dark flues can result in mold or mildew growth when there is water present in the chimney.

4. The outside of the chimney is stained

Exterior masonry stains affects more than just your curb appeal. The color of the stain can reveal the root of the problem. Dark brown or black stains are often the result of drafting issues or an excess of creosote in the flue. Red or orange stains are usually caused by metal chimney components that are rusted, which is common on the sides of manufactured or factory-built chimneys.

5. The fireplace smokes when used

A fireplace that blows smoke back into the room when in use is the result of drafting issues. Drafting problems are caused by chimney height, the addition of new landscaping or nearby buildings, the installation of a new insert, or switching fuel sources. Having the flue relined or adding or subtracting height to the chimney are two ways to help improve fireplace drafting issues.

Our chimneys need regular maintenance to burn their best. For more information on chimney repairs or schedule your next appointment, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

Trust Us With Your Annual Chimney Sweeping

While sweeping out ash from the firebox or removing smudges from glass doors might make your fireplace look cleaner, professional maintenance is required in order to keep your fireplace burning safely and efficiently. An annual chimney sweeping is the best way to keep your fireplace in excellent condition year after year.

The importance of yearly chimney maintenance

We take time each year to schedule maintenance for our furnaces, HVAC systems, vehicles, and more. Our chimneys are no different; they need regular, annual maintenance in order to continue to operate safely and efficiently. Without regular maintenance, chimneys are at risk of performance problems, interior or exterior damage, and chimney fires.

According to National Fire Protection Association Standard 211, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”

The CSIA, or Chimney Safety Institute of America also recommends that homeowners have their chimney swept and inspected by a certified chimney sweep at least once per year. Sweepings should also be done any time 1/8th of an inch of soot accumulates in the flue; this amount of buildup is typically seen after one full cord of wood has been burned. If you burn more than a cord of wood in a single season, it may be beneficial to schedule an additional mid-winter chimney sweeping.

What to expect during a chimney sweeping

To ensure the safety of your chimney technician, please stop using your fireplace or stove at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time. Expect your Clean Sweeps of Michigan chimney sweep to arrive on time and act in a courteous, respectful, and professional manner in your home.

During the chimney sweeping, our CSIA certified chimney sweeps use brooms, brushes, and a variety of other tools to remove soot, ash, and creosote  from the flue. A chimney inspection may be performed at the same time as the sweeping; inspections are an important tool and can help identify signs of damage or deterioration in the fireplace or chimney.

Trust a certified chimney sweep with your chimney safety

While anyone with a brush and a truck can call themselves a chimney sweep, only a small number of professionals have completed the education and training necessary to earn certifications from the Chimney Safety Institute of America. At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we are proud to employ CSIA certified chimney sweeps; this ensures our customers receive the very best in safety and service from our chimney technicians. Since 1980, we have proudly been providing fireplace and chimney services to our friends and neighbors in Mid-Michigan, Northern Indiana, and Northern Ohio.

Schedule your next appointment today!

Regular chimney maintenance by a certified chimney sweep is the best way to extend the life of your fireplace system. For more information on how to keep your fireplace burning safely and efficiently or to schedule your next chimney sweeping, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!