Most Texas homeowners don’t use the fireplace as often as colder states do — and because of that, chimney cleaning often gets ignored for years. But even without daily use, Texas weather conditions cause faster creosote buildup, moisture damage, animal nesting, and structural problems that become serious safety risks if the chimney isn’t cleaned regularly.

At Go Chimney Sweep, we see the long-term effects of skipped chimney maintenance across Austin, San Antonio, Round Rock, and nearby Texas areas — and the damage can be surprising.

1. Creosote Hardens and Becomes Highly Flammable

Even occasional fireplace use creates creosote, a highly flammable residue.

In the Texas climate:

• heat dries it faster

• humidity makes it sticky

• the layers harden like tar

After years without cleaning, the buildup becomes dense, hardened creosote (Stage 3 creosote), which can ignite suddenly and cause a chimney fire.

2. Moisture Damage Accelerates in Texas Humidity

Texas humidity and storms create moisture problems inside the chimney, including:

• cracked brickwork

• rusted dampers

• deteriorating mortar

• mold growth inside the flue

When a chimney isn’t swept for years, the soot absorbs this moisture and starts breaking down the structure from the inside.

3. Animals Move In — Birds, Squirrels, Raccoons & More

Texas has high wildlife activity all year. When a chimney is not maintained, it becomes a perfect place for:

• birds to nest

• squirrels to hide

• raccoons to enter

• insects to build colonies

Nests block airflow and can turn into a dangerous fire hazard when the fireplace is used again.

4. Bad Odors Travel Through the Home

Texas heat makes soot and creosote smell stronger.

If a chimney is ignored for years, homeowners may notice:

• musty odors

• burnt smells in summer

• animal smell from nests

• smoky or sour air

This often spreads throughout the home when the AC or heater runs.

5. Smoke Starts Backing Into the Home

A clogged or dirty chimney can’t draft properly.
Instead of moving smoke upward, it pushes smoke into the living room, which can cause:

• irritation of eyes and throat

• damage to furniture

• stains on walls

• heavy indoor soot

This happens even in chimneys that are used only a few times each winter.

6. Carbon Monoxide Becomes a Silent Risk

A blocked or dirty chimney prevents proper ventilation.
This can trap carbon monoxide — a dangerous, invisible gas — inside the home.

Unswept chimneys are one of the top causes of CO entering homes during winter use.

7. Fireplaces Become Unsafe to Use (Even If They Look Fine)

Many Texas homeowners think their chimney “looks okay” because they only use it occasionally.
But inside the flue, years of:

• soot

• creosote

• debris

• moisture

• cracks

• animal blockage

can make the chimney unsafe for even a single use.

How Go Chimney Sweep Protects Texas Homes

At Go Chimney Sweep, we help Texas homeowners avoid these long-term issues by providing:

• full chimney sweeping

• detailed inspections

• removal of creosote & soot

• wildlife nest removal

• camera check of the flue

• chimney cap installation

• moisture & draft testing

Texas weather speeds up damage — and a clean chimney keeps your home safe, efficient, and odor-free.