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How To Identify Stains On Your Chimney

No one likes stains. They can ruin your favorite shirt, leave a mark on your garage floor, and look unsightly. Stains around your home vary based on the source of the stain; specifically with your chimney, there are a few ways to identify the stains on the surface. Here are the five most common causes of chimney stains.

White Chimney Stains or efflorescence in Brownsburg INWhite stains on your chimney

There is one primary cause of white stains on your chimney: efflorescence. This is a natural evaporation process that, when the water turns to gas, leaves behind a mineral residue. On the exterior of your chimney, this might be less of a cause for concern (though nevertheless should be addressed with an inspection). On the interior of your chimney, however, efflorescence white stains are indicative of a larger problem with your masonry.

Black stains on your chimney

If you see black stains on your chimney, you should contact Chimney Solutions immediately. This is a sign that you’re dealing with excessive soot, possibly as a result of creosote buildup within your flue. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood, yes, but it’s also highly flammable. This can lead to a house fire if not dealt with properly.

Brown stains on your chimney

As a follow-up to black stains, brown stains are almost always a sign that you have excessive creosote within your flue. This type of stain, too, is a cause for concern. Creosote is a leading cause of house fires, and if you’re seeing brown stains, it means you’re in immediate need of a sweep.

Green stains on your chimney

Sometimes, you might notice green stains on your chimney. This results from excessive moisture build-up that promotes bacterial and plant growth. Usually, green stains indicate algae is present somewhere in your chimney structure. It’s not a physical problem per se; however, excessive algae growth over time can lead to the deterioration of your masonry (which, in turn, will lead to other issues).

Red stains on your chimney

Red stains almost universally point to rust problems somewhere in one of your chimney components. A rusty cap, for example, can lead to red stains along your brick-and-mortar. If you noticed red stains on the interior of your chimney, such as the inside of your firebox, it often means that your damper has begun to rust and needs to be replaced. Overall, there are several ways that rust can form within your chimney, so it’s best to have it inspected as soon as possible if you notice any.

Expert Chimney Inspections in Eagle Creek INAll chimney stains are a sign to have your chimney inspected

We can look at a stain and think “that’s just a part of normal wear and tear.” Perhaps this is true with some things, but not with your chimney. In virtually every case, chimney stains are indicative of a problem that needs to be inspected and then addressed/repaired  as soon as possible.

If you’re beginning to see signs of staining on or around your chimney, let us know. Contact Chimney Solutions, LLC by calling us at 317-757-6979 or sending us a message.

Our Service Area
If you live within 20 miles of Marion County, there’s no need to call any other chimney provider! The team here at Chimney Solutions Indiana will be in our marked trucks and clean uniforms and at your door on time! We travel to Zionsville, Carmel, Fishers, Brownsburg, Westfield, Geist, Eagle Creek, Noblesville and all throughout the Indianapolis, IN area.

Our Training & Memberships Keep Us Informed & Knowledgeable

We believe that education and ongoing training is important, which is why we continuously invest in ourselves and our team to deliver better service to you. We’re Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) – certified and members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), so whenever advancements are made within the industry, we’re among the first to know about it. When you work with Chimney Solutions, you can expect the latest information and the most advanced services and techniques. We strive to exceed expectations on every job from a routine chimney sweep and chimney cleaning to a full chimney restoration.

Call Chimney Solutions For The Best Possible Chimney Care!
Call Now (317) 757-6979

If you’re ready to speak with a knowledgeable and friendly team member or would like to request an appointment with one of our experienced technicians, give us a call.

We’re committed to providing the best service possible and look forward to serving you and your family, year after year. Call 317-757-6979 to get started! >>