1. Smoke Entering Your Home

If you ever experience smoke entering into your house, then you must never take it lightly because it could instantly cause chimney fire. This could indicate a blockage or buildup of creosote inside the chimney flue, which impedes the proper flow of smoke and gases. There are a few common causes including malfunctioning damper, birds nest inside the chimney or a fallen debris due to which smoke starts entering into your house instead of going out through chimney. In such cases, stop using fireplace immediately and schedule an appointment with chimney service providers to undergo a maintenance procedure.

2. Cracks or Damage to the Chimney Structure

Heavy rainfall, thunderstorm or earthquake can often cause damage or cracks in the chimney’s structure, which requires immediate repair. Loose bricks, fallen walls, cracks in the masonry or damage in the chimney crown are a few of the alarming signs that your chimney needs a proper restoration. Chimney cracks or damage lead to water leakage and seepage inside the house, which might be very irritating for the homeowners. Cracks can also create dangerous gaps where heat and embers might escape, increasing the risk of a chimney fire. If you spot any cracks or signs of damage, schedule a professional inspection and repair as soon as possible.

3. Leaning or Tilting Chimney

One of the potential dangers related to a chimney is a completely damaged chimney that is a leaning or tilting chimney. This could be caused by issues with the foundation, such as soil erosion shifting or damage to the chimney’s support system. Structural damage in the foundation of the chimney poses severe risks, including collapse or exposure to fire. It’s essential to address this issue and call a chimney specialist or a structural engineer to rebuild the structure and cope with any underlying problem.

4. Water Leaks around the Fireplace

Water leaks around the fireplace are also hazardous for the well-being of homeowners. It can cause extensive damage if not repaired promptly. Water leakage is often caused by damaged chimney caps, cracks in the structure or faulty flashing that allows water from rain or other sources to slowly seep inside the house. Water infiltration can lead to deterioration of the chimney liner, rusting of metal components, and damage to surrounding building materials. It promotes mold growth inside the chimney and provides a favorable environment to spread faster. If you notice any signs of water leaks, such as dampness or staining around the fireplace, contact a chimney repair expert to identify and fix the source of the problem.

5. Difficulty Starting or Maintaining a Fire

An obstructed or damaged chimney will consequently make your fireplace less effective. If your fireplace is not working efficiently or you are facing problems in starting up the fire it is a clear sign that you have a damaged chimney. If your chimney has some blockages in the form of bird’s nest, debris, creosote or the chimney liner might have damaged then it will cause the malfunctioning of your fireplace. Moreover, it will increase smoke and allow hazardous smoke into the house leading to some serious health issues. A professional chimney service can diagnose the issue, clean the chimney, and make necessary repairs to restore proper function and safety.