As temperatures begin to drop in Portland, many homeowners are preparing to cozy up by their fireplaces once again. Before lighting that first fire of the season, it’s crucial to ensure your chimney and fireplace are in safe working condition. While an annual professional inspection is always recommended, conducting a basic DIY chimney inspection can help you identify potential issues early on. In this article we have put together a comprehensive guide to help you perform a basic check of your chimney system.
Why is checking your chimney important?
Your chimney system is what protects your home from the controlled combustion happening in your fireplace. Regular inspections are important because damage to your fireplace can degrade and dangers can appear well before you notice they are there. Things like carbon monoxide poisoning, housefires, and unseen water damage are par for the course with most masonry chimney systems. To maintain the safety or your family, staying on top of the maintenance of your chimney system is an important part of being a responsible homeowner.
Start with an Exterior Inspection
Start your DIY chimney inspection from the outside. Starting from the outside in allows you to get a full view on the state of your chimney. So grab a pair of binoculars if you have them or crawl on the roof (with the proper personal protective equipment) – and begin your inspection at the upper parts of the chimney.
Check the Chimney Structure
Examine the chimney from ground level, looking for:
- Leaning or tilting of the chimney structure: Stand back and look at your chimney’s profile. Does it stand straight and proud, or does it seem to be leaning? It is extremely common for older masonry chimneys to be leaning in one direction because of the rapid cooling and heating during our annual ice storms. Any noticeable tilt could spell trouble.
- Cracks or gaps in the masonry: Run your eyes along the bricks or stones. Look for any lines that shouldn’t be there. Even small cracks can let water in, and water is your chimney’s worst enemy.
- Missing or loose bricks or stones: Are all the bricks where they should be? Any gaps in the pattern? Loose materials can fall and cause damage or injury.
- Deteriorating mortar joints: The mortar is the glue that holds your chimney together. Check if it’s crumbling or falling out between the bricks. If you can easily scrape it with a key, it might be time for repointing.
These issues could indicate structural problems that need immediate attention. It should also tell you to look for water damage. If you can find cracks easily on the outside then you should immediately be thinking water damage as that will be the most intrusive part of Think of your chimney as a mini-skyscraper – it needs a solid foundation and structure to stand tall and do its job.
Inspect the Chimney Crown
The chimney crown is the top portion of the chimney that helps prevent water from entering. It’s like your chimney’s umbrella. Look for:
- Cracks or chips in the crown: Even hairline cracks can let water seep in. Over time, these can widen, especially in Portland’s freeze-thaw cycles.
- Signs of erosion or deterioration: Is the surface smooth, or does it look worn and pitted? A deteriorating crown can’t protect your chimney effectively.
A damaged crown can lead to water infiltration and accelerated deterioration of your chimney. We’ve noticed that many homes in Portland tend to have chimney crown damage because they were recommended a chimney cap that was too small for their flue. Water damage is sneaky – it starts small but can cause big problems over time which makes the improper chimney caps recommendations even worse.
Examine the Chimney Cap
The chimney cap is your chimney’s first line of defense against the elements and critters. It looks like a helmet for your chimney. Check for:
- Missing or damaged chimney cap: No cap? Big problem. A damaged cap? Almost as bad. The cap keeps out rain, snow, and curious animals.
- Rust or corrosion on metal caps: Rust weakens metal. A rusty cap might not be doing its job properly.
- Proper fit and secure attachment: The cap should fit snugly and not wobble in the wind. A loose cap can blow off in a storm.
A functioning chimney cap is essential for preventing blockages and potential chimney fire. It’s a small component with a big job.
Interior Inspection
Now, let’s move inside. This is where the inspection gets a bit more complicated, so pay close attention.
Firebox Inspection
The firebox is the area of your chimney system where you build your fire. It’s the heart of your fireplace and is often inside in the living room itself under the mantle with access for the smoke to go up the flue. Look for:
- Cracks or gaps in the brick or stone lining: Run your hand along the surface (when it’s cool, of course). Any roughness or gaps could indicate damage.
- Damaged or missing mortar: The mortar between the bricks should be intact. Missing mortar can let heat escape to places it shouldn’t go.
- Signs of water damage or staining: Water stains often look like dark patches or white, chalky areas. They’re a red flag for leaks.
Any issues with the firebox can compromise the safety of your fireplace and your home. A damaged firebox is like a pot with a hole – it can’t contain what it’s supposed to which in this case can lead to chimney fire.
Damper Check
The damper controls airflow in your chimney. It is usually above the firebox and is controlled with a lever in most wood burning fire systems. The damper is the lungs of your fireplace system – it allows soot and smoke to leave and allows air to travel to your firebox to make starting a fire easier. To keep it in good shape, ensure that it:
- Opens and closes smoothly: It should move without resistance. If it’s sticky or stubborn, something’s not right.
- Creates a tight seal when closed: Hold a lit candle near the damper when it’s closed. If the flame flickers, you’ve got a draft.
- Shows no signs of rust or damage: Rust can eat away at metal, compromising the damper’s function.
A properly functioning damper is crucial for efficient fireplace operation and preventing heat loss. It’s your main control for managing your fire and your heating bill.
Flue Liner Inspection
The flue liner is the chimney’s inner skin that aligns with you chimney all the way up to the chimney crown. It’s tough to inspect thoroughly without professional equipment, but you can still check the visible portions by crawling in and using a flashlight. You should be looking for:
- Cracks or gaps in the liner: Any breaks in the liner can let heat and gases escape into your home. Not good.
- Flaking or deterioration of the liner material: If bits are falling off, your liner is crying for help.
- Signs of creosote buildup: Creosote is a black, tar-like substance that’s highly flammable. If you see more than 1/8 inch of buildup, it’s time for a cleaning before you have a chimney fire.
A damaged flue liner can pose serious safety risks. It’s like having a hole in your car’s exhaust pipe – dangerous gases can escape where they shouldn’t.
Safety Checks
The safety portion of our checklist isn’t just about the chimney structure. These items are crucial for your home’s overall safety.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Ensure that you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed near your fireplace and throughout your home. Carbon Monoxide is a big threat for neglected chimneys making fires again. Without proper ventilation or safety checks in place it can seep back into your home. Test them and replace batteries if necessary. These are your early warning system – don’t neglect them.
Clearance Around the Fireplace
Check that there are no flammable materials (curtains, furniture, etc.) within 3 feet of your fireplace opening. This space is your fireplace’s safety bubble. Respect it.
Priority Repairs
While all the basic issues should be addressed, some require more immediate attention:
- Structural damage to the chimney: This is like the foundation of a house. If it’s compromised, everything else is at risk.
- Damaged flue liner: A broken liner can let dangerous gases into your home. It’s not something to put off.
- Significant creosote buildup: This is like kindling in your chimney. It’s a chimney fire waiting to happen.
- Water damage or leaks: Water is relentless. It can turn small problems into big ones faster than you’d think.
- Malfunctioning damper: This affects your fireplace’s efficiency and safety. It’s like trying to drive a car with a stuck gas pedal.
These issues can pose serious safety risks and should be addressed before using your fireplace. Don’t gamble with your safety – if you spot these problems, it’s time to call in the pros.
Professional Inspection Recommendation
While a DIY inspection can help you identify visible issues, it’s no substitute for a professional chimney inspection. Think of it like this: you can check your car’s oil, but you’d still take it to a mechanic for a full service.
Certified chimney sweeps have the tools and expertise to thoroughly examine all components of your chimney system, including areas not visible to the naked eye. Their job includes crawling on the roof, into your crawl spaces, and checking your appliances to make sure the holistic health of your system is intact.
What’s great about working with a professional is that if you are scheduling regular inspections and keeping the paperwork, you can use that information if you find yourself having to file an insurance claim from storm or weather damage later on. If you’re uncertain about any aspect of your chimney’s condition or if you’ve identified potential issues during your DIY inspection, it’s highly recommended to contact a professional. Portland Fireplace and Chimney offers expert chimney inspections and repairs. Their team can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your chimney system, ensuring it’s safe and ready for the upcoming winter season.
Remember, when it comes to chimney safety, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. A professional inspection can give you peace of mind and help prevent potentially dangerous situations. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Portland Fireplace and Chimney for a consultation or to schedule an inspection before winter arrives. After all, a safe chimney means warm, worry-free evenings by the fire.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does a chimney inspection cost?
A typical chimney inspection cost a few hundred dollars.
Do gas fireplaces need inspections too?
Yes. The national fire protection Association suggest all fireplaces of all types to receive an annual inspection. When it comes to keeping alive combustion process safe and contained in your house the inspection is a great step to stay safe.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision, drowsiness, loss of muscle control, and even loss of consciousness. It can severely affect your nervous system and brain leading to memory, loss and personality changes, and even problems moving. If you suspect that you might be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning call a doctor immediately.
What are some of the big risks to create chimney fires?
The two biggest risks that can lead to chimney fires are the buildup of creosote and poor chimney ventilation. Creosote can buildup naturally in woodburning fireplaces, and they can be extremely flammable. Not knowing that it’s building up can lead to uncontrolled chimney fire and housefire. Poor ventilation can come from a few different places. Animals meeting their home in the chimney in the summer when it’s not in use, build up of creosote, a collapsed chimney cap poor ventilation will always lead to smoke insert entering your living space and therefore can be spotted more quickly than creosote.
Why do I have to get the mortar repaired so regularly?
This is because of our ice storms which freeze wet mortar causing it to contract and then expand as temperature warms up but before it is able to dry. Skipping mortar repairs can make your home susceptible to water entering your home’s structure and causing water damage. The result of water damage is always more expensive than a simple repointing project.