Most chimney problems build slowly and out of sight. The good news is that your fireplace usually gives you some warning before a small buildup becomes a real hazard. Here are the signs to watch for.
1. It's been more than a year
The simplest sign is the calendar. The fire code standard NFPA 211 calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year and cleaned when needed. If you can't remember the last time someone looked up your chimney, it's time.
2. A smoky, tar-like smell
A campfire or asphalt smell coming from the fireplace, especially on hot or humid days, usually means creosote has built up in the flue. The smell often gets worse in summer, when air can flow down the chimney into a closed-up house and carry the odor with it.
3. Smoke coming into the room
A healthy chimney pulls smoke up and out. If smoke rolls into the room when you light a fire, something may be restricting the flue, such as heavy creosote, a bird's nest or fallen debris. (A closed damper or a cold flue can cause this too, so check those first.)
4. Black flakes in the firebox
Creosote that's flaking off the flue walls can fall into the firebox. If you're sweeping up dark, crispy flakes that aren't ash, the buildup above is significant.
5. Fires are harder to start or keep going
Restricted airflow makes it harder for a fire to get enough oxygen. If fires that used to catch easily now struggle and smolder, a partially blocked flue could be the reason. Wet wood is another common cause, so make sure your firewood is properly seasoned.
6. Oily or glazed deposits on the damper
Shine a flashlight up past the damper. A thin, dusty layer of soot is normal. Thick, sticky or shiny black deposits are not. Glazed creosote is especially hard to remove and burns very hot if it ignites.
7. Animal sounds or nesting material
Scratching, chirping or twigs falling into the fireplace means something has moved in. Nests block airflow and are highly flammable. Once the animals are out, a cleaning and a chimney cap will keep them from coming back.
8. You're burning more than usual
A cold snap, working from home, or a new wood stove that's running every day all add up to more creosote. The more you burn, the more often your chimney needs attention.
What about gas fireplaces?
Gas fireplaces don't create creosote, but they have their own warning signs: sooty or blackened logs, a lazy yellow flame, a pilot that won't stay lit, or a smell when the fireplace runs. Vents can also get blocked by nests or debris. See Fireplace & Stove Services for what a gas fireplace service includes.
When in doubt, have it inspected
You don't need to guess. A chimney inspection tells you whether cleaning is needed and catches any damage along the way. If you notice any of the signs above, call us for a free quote.