Signs Your Chimney Needs Repairs

Sean Lennox - Island Chimney

Jan 305 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Learn How To Spot Chimney Issues Before It's Too Late And How To Repair Them With Island Chimney

A failing chimney being inspected by Island Chimney in Victoria, BC — A brick chimney which is spalling and slowly falling apart.

Chimneys, much like anything else, have a proven shelf life and need regular, proper maintenance to ensure their longevity. Taking good care of your chimney will also protect the interior of your home from water damage and the heat sources which vent through them. The main antagonist in any chimneys life is weather. Rain, snow, and trapped moisture will eventually work their way in between bricks or stones and the mortar that binds them together. The same is true for the concrete caps that protect the top of the chimney and hold the flue liners in place. Eventually the concrete or mortar around the flue liners begins to separate and water works its way down the chimney and into the home. Here’s how to spot the warning signs that your chimney is falling apart—and what you can do to fix it.

1. Cracks in the Chimney Structure

One of the most obvious signs that your chimney is in trouble is cracks in the masonry. If you notice vertical cracks on the exterior of the chimney, it's a sign that the chimney is losing its integrity. A healthy chimney should easily be able to withstand typical tremors and settling but if cracks are beginning to form, it's a sign that the chimney is separating and needs to be repaired immediately.

A chimney that's cracked vertically and being repaired by Island Chimney in Victoria, BC

Fix: A professional masonry contractor can repoint the mortar joints, replace the cracked stones or bricks, and ensure that the chimney is still safely tied into the home. In cases of extensive damage, a complete rebuild may be necessary, especially if the chimney's structural support is compromised.

2. Water Damage

Water infiltration is a major cause of chimney deterioration. If you notice water stains on the wood below your roofline where the chimney is located, rust inside the fireplace from the damper or smoke shelf, it’s a sign that water is entering and causing damage. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause the metal components inside the chimney (like the damper shelf) to rust and corrode. If the crown is cracked, missing pieces, or simply worn down from exposure to the elements, moisture can get into the chimney, causing further damage.

Water damaging the interior of a home due to a chimney failing in Victoria, BC

Fix: Installing a chimney cap or crown can help prevent water from entering the chimney, as well as applying a chimney pot overtop of an open flue liner will also help to prevent water from entering the interior of the chimney. Also, ensuring that the flashing at the base of the chimney where it meets the roofline is also crucial to both the chimney's and your home's health.

3. Crumbled or Missing Mortar

Take a look at the mortar joints between the bricks or stones on your chimney. If you notice pieces of mortar crumbling or missing, this is a sign of chimney deterioration. Mortar holds the chimney together, and when it breaks down, the structure becomes unstable.

Missing mortar joints between bricks on a chimney that's being repaired by Island Chimney in Victoria, BC

Fix: Repointing the chimney with fresh mortar will fill in the gaps and ensure the structure is secure. Repointing, if done properly, should last for at least 15 years before the mortar starts to show signs of wear and tear.

4. Buildup of Creosote or Soot

Excessive buildup of creosote or soot inside the chimney is a serious issue, not just for the chimney’s longevity, but for safety. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood, and over time, it can harden and build up in the flue, leading to chimney blockages and increasing the risk of chimney fires.

Soot being pulled out of a brick chimney by Island Chimney in Victoria, BC

Fix: The solution here is regular chimney cleaning. A professional chimney sweep can safely remove creosote buildup, improving the airflow and reducing the risk of a chimney fire. It's recommended to have your chimney cleaned at least once a year if you use it frequently.

5. Chimney Leaning or Tilting

If your chimney starts to lean to one side or appears to be tilting, it’s a serious concern. A leaning chimney may be the result of foundation issues or structural failure, often caused by moisture damage or improper construction. If left untreated, a tilting chimney can collapse, causing extensive damage to your home.

A leaning chimney which is being repaired by Island Chimney in Victoria, BC

Fix: A leaning chimney should be inspected by a structural engineer or a chimney repair specialist as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the issue, the chimney may need to be stabilized or rebuilt.

6. Deteriorating Chimney Crown or Ca

6.Strange Odors Coming From the Chimney

If you notice strange, musty smells coming from the chimney, it could be a sign of mold or mildew growth inside the flue or chimney structure. This usually occurs when moisture is trapped inside, leading to a buildup of bacteria or fungi.

Fix: A professional chimney inspection and cleaning can help eliminate the odors and identify any moisture-related issues. Depending on the severity, replacing damaged liners or repairing the flue may be necessary.

7. Shifting or Crumbling Brickwork

Over time, bricks can begin spalling, shifting or crumbling, especially if they’ve been exposed to extreme temperatures or weather conditions. This can be dangerous, as loose bricks can fall off, causing damage or injury to someone and/or your home.

A brick chimney with brick crumbling off of it, being repaired by Island Chimney in Victoria, BC

Fix: This issue often requires a complete chimney rebuild or significant repairs to replace damaged brickwork.

How to Prevent Chimney Damage

While it’s important to know how to fix a crumbling chimney, it’s even better to prevent the damage in the first place. Regular chimney maintenance is key to keeping your chimney in good condition. Here are some tips to help prolong the life of your chimney:

Schedule Annual Inspections: A certified chimney sweep can spot early signs of damage and address issues before they become major problems.
Clean Your Chimney Regularly: Get rid of creosote buildup with routine chimney cleanings.
Install a Chimney Cap: A chimney cap can prevent debris, animals, and water from entering the chimney.

Conclusion

Your chimney is an essential part of your home’s heating system and structure, so when it starts showing signs of wear, it's important to take action quickly. Regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and professional inspections can help extend the life of your chimney and keep your home safe from potential hazards. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, don’t wait—contact a professional to assess and fix the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.

Remember, a healthy chimney means a safer home and a more efficient heating system!

Island Chimney Solutions is a masonry and chimney repair company based in Victoria, BC which specializes in restoring and rebuilding chimneys. With over 60 years of combined chimney experience, we are well versed in all aspects of chimney and fireplace remediation. Visit our website today to learn more about what we do and our process: www.islandchimney.ca