A chimney inspection is more than just a routine check-up—it’s one of the most important steps in keeping your fireplace and home safe. At Go Chimney Sweep, we conduct thorough chimney inspections across all types of properties, and time and again, we uncover issues that homeowners weren’t aware of. Some problems are minor and easily addressed. Others, if left unchecked, can lead to serious safety hazards, structural damage, or costly repairs. Understanding what commonly goes wrong inside a chimney can help you stay ahead of potential problems and make informed decisions about maintenance.
Here are the most frequent chimney issues we find during inspections—and why you shouldn’t ignore them.
1. Creosote Buildup
Creosote is a tar-like byproduct of burning wood that coats the inside of your chimney flue. It’s not just dirty—it’s highly flammable. One of the top causes of chimney fires is excessive creosote accumulation. In its early stages, creosote is flaky and easy to remove, but if neglected, it hardens into a thick glaze that’s much harder to clean and much more dangerous.
Regular chimney use without professional cleaning accelerates creosote buildup. We often find homes that haven’t had a proper sweep in years, putting the entire structure at risk. Annual inspections help catch this issue before it becomes a fire hazard.
2. Cracked or Deteriorating Flue Liners
The flue liner is the internal passage that allows smoke and combustion gases to safely exit your home. When it’s damaged—either through cracks, gaps, or wear from acidic gases—it no longer functions as a proper barrier. This can allow heat and fumes to escape into surrounding walls, which is a serious fire risk.
Flue liner damage is one of the most common hidden problems we find. It’s often invisible to the naked eye and requires a camera inspection to diagnose. If caught early, repairs can be made with flue sealant or a chimney relining system.
3. Blockages and Debris
It’s not unusual for a chimney to become partially or fully blocked. Leaves, twigs, animal nests, and even deteriorating bricks can fall into the flue, creating a dangerous obstruction. These blockages restrict airflow, leading to poor fireplace performance, smoke backing up into the house, and potential carbon monoxide exposure.
During inspections, we frequently find signs of birds or squirrels that have nested inside unused chimneys. Installing a chimney cap can prevent future infestations, but identifying and removing any obstructions should be a top priority.
4. Water Damage and Leaks
Water is a chimney’s worst enemy. Moisture can enter through a cracked chimney crown, damaged flashing, or missing chimney cap, and slowly degrade the internal masonry and metal components. Over time, this leads to rust, rot, mold, and structural instability.
Signs of water damage found during inspections often include damp odors, white staining on the brick (efflorescence), rusted dampers, and crumbling mortar. Catching leaks early is crucial—left untreated, water damage can cost thousands in repairs and compromise the entire chimney structure.
5. Spalling or Crumbling Brickwork
Spalling is a condition where bricks begin to break apart, flake, or crumble due to moisture penetration and freeze-thaw cycles. This problem is most common in chimneys that are exposed to harsh weather and not properly sealed.
During inspections, we often find areas of a chimney where the exterior brick or mortar is starting to break down. If ignored, this can lead to severe structural damage, as weakened brickwork compromises the stability of the chimney stack.
6. Damaged Chimney Crown
The chimney crown is the concrete or masonry top layer that seals the top of the chimney. Its purpose is to protect the flue and structure from rain and snow. However, we often find cracked or deteriorating crowns during inspections, which allow moisture to seep inside.
A damaged crown can lead to serious internal water damage. Fortunately, it can often be repaired or resurfaced quickly if caught early. Regular inspection is key to identifying these issues before they become major repair projects.
7. Missing or Broken Chimney Caps
A chimney cap is a protective cover installed at the very top of your chimney. It prevents water, debris, and animals from entering while also blocking downdrafts. Many of the problems we discover—like blockages, bird nests, and water intrusion—can be traced back to a missing or broken cap.
If we notice a damaged or missing cap during an inspection, we recommend immediate replacement. It’s one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to prevent a host of more serious problems.
8. Firebox or Damper Issues
The firebox is the part of your fireplace where the fire burns, and the damper controls airflow through the chimney. We often find cracked firebrick, rusted dampers, or components that are warped from excessive heat. These issues not only reduce fireplace efficiency but can also allow harmful gases to escape into the home.
Repairing the firebox or damper is essential for proper fireplace performance and for protecting your indoor air quality.
Contact Go Chimney Sweep Expert!
Your chimney may look fine from the outside, but what lies inside could tell a very different story. The issues outlined above are some of the most common—and most dangerous—problems we find during professional inspections. The good news is that many of them are preventable or easily fixed when caught early.
At Go Chimney Sweep, we recommend scheduling a chimney inspection at least once per year, or more frequently if you use your fireplace regularly. Our trained technicians use advanced tools and techniques to ensure nothing is overlooked. A clean, well-maintained chimney not only improves your home’s efficiency—it protects your family’s safety and your home’s value.
Ready to schedule your inspection? Contact Go Chimney Sweep today and let us help you keep your chimney safe, sound, and ready for every season.
